How Much is Cable TV Per Month

Did you know that in the 1950s, there were only four television networks in the United States? And if you wanted to change the channel, you had to actually get up off the couch and turn the TV dial by hand because there was no such thing as a remote control.

How times have changed.

Today, U.S. cable systems deliver hundreds of channels to over 100 million homes, while also providing a growing number of people with high-speed Internet access.

Why People Like Cable TV

Knowing what is happening in the community where we each live is important, especially after this past year when we spent more time at home than ever before. When you want to receive all available local TV channels, cable generally offers a better choice than other options like satellite TV.

But the water is a little muddy on how much even the most basic cable service costs.

The Average Cost of Cable Per Month

Many factors go into determining the average cost of cable per month. It can vary quite a bit depending on:

·       the provider you select to supply your cable TV

·       the specific package you choose

·       your location and the associated tax rate

·       if you are willing to bundle multiple services

Even more confusing is the fact that pricing varies by city and, as the fine print says, costs are always subject to change, which they do!

All these and more influence your monthly bill.

Surveys and data sources suggest there is a wide scope of pricing, ranging from $51 - $100 each month just for cable television.

According to the FCC’s 2018 Report on Cable Industry Pricing, the average cost of expanded basic cable services is $73.08. That number, however, does not include the cost to purchase or rent equipment from cable TV providers, nor does it include the cost of taxes and fees, which causes the total price per month to go up.

But you can find cheaper pricing options! 

Although the lowest cost for the most basic channel package can be as inexpensive as $20 per month, this type of plan usually offers only local channels and few, if any, true cable TV channels. Each premium channel can add between $10 - $20 to your cable cost per month on average, which quickly increases your monthly bill.

6 Tips for Negotiating Your Cable Bill

So, what can you do to get the best possible deal and price on cable TV?

To begin with, it never hurts to talk to your current cable provider about options to lower your payments. Contact a sales rep at your existing cable company to discuss options to save money with your current plan.

These six tips will help you negotiate a better cost.

1.   Do some research. First and foremost, it's important to shop around. In regions where there are two or more competing cable providers, there are usually special deals to attract customers. If you have multiple cable companies in your area, get quotes from each of them and try to negotiate a lower price.

2.   Know your current level of service. Take stock of what you’re currently getting as well as what you like and don’t like about your service to use as a bargaining chip. You should also know how many devices you have and what channels you watch most often.

3.   Don’t accept the first offer. Even if the first offer fits within your budget, keep digging a little deeper. You may find that you can save even more or get other incentives.

4.   Inquire about hidden fees. When you want to know how much your cable bill per month, don’t forget to check the details. There’s the base price and then all of the hidden fees, such as installation, equipment, activation, and more. Ask about these extras to ensure the plan fits in your budget. Then, find out if the fees are negotiable.

5.   It’s okay to ask. When in doubt, ask! Feel free to say to the agent “Is that the best you can do?” or “Are there any other incentives or promotions?” You never know what other offers might be available.

6.   Be friendly. You may be surprised how far a good attitude takes you. Being pleasant and building a rapport with the sales agent can go a long way.

How to Save On Your Cable TV Bill

If your cable cost per month on average is still higher than you can accept after you have negotiated, consider these other ways to lower your costs.

·       Do You Need It? Most people are probably paying for premium cable networks they rarely watch. Packages with large channel counts can add a lot to your bill. You can save significant dollars if you’re willing to cut back on premium channels. If you find you’re paying for features you don’t want or need anymore, drop them. Otherwise, they’re a waste of money.

·       Deals and Promotional Codes From time to time, leading coupon and promotional sites have offers to save on cable and streaming services.  Whether your cable provider is Comcast, Spectrum, or Cox, check out these specialty sites for extra savings.

·       Package and Bundle Bundling cable TV with other services is a great way to save money, and it’s often more convenient as well. Why have two or three separate bills when you can just have one? Research shows 60 percent of pay-tv subscribers have a bundle of services from a single provider to help save money.

If you happen to have services at competing providers, this can also be a great opportunity to negotiate. Many cable service businesses will offer discounted packages in an effort to get you to go all-in with their company. By bundling TV and internet, you may be able to save anywhere between $10 to $40 per month. That could be $480 a year! You may just find that the average cost of cable and internet per month is less than cable alone!

But if you find your cable company’s prices are just too high, you can join a growing number of viewers and sign up to stream your favorite shows online instead. Many people are deciding to take this step and “cut the cord,” deciding to no longer pay for cable TV.

Cutting the Cord

Cutting the cord refers to when a person decides to drop their TV cable subscription. Although the cord is not literally cut, it is a phrase that has come to designate when a person ditches their cable TV service.

The number of people cutting the cord continues to climb as television watchers grow dissatisfied with the high cost of traditional cable and satellite TV. The most recent data suggests that over 24 million households have cut the cord and now rely on lower-cost online streaming options for their entertainment, news, sports, and another programming.

Cord-cutting is responsible for leading cable TV providers to lose millions of customers. But that may actually be good news for the rest of us as more deals become available from cable providers to keep their business alive.

Start Saving Now

Don’t delay!  Take a moment to check out the average cost of your cable bill per month.

Then use the tips listed in this article to get the most affordable cable plan for you and your family. Even if you can afford your cable TV costs, you will still find ways to reduce your monthly payment.

Whether you go bold or make small cuts, the savings on your cable bill will add up over time, giving your budget more breathing room without sacrificing your programming and entertainment.