Find Cable TV Providers In Your Area

Cable TV Providers In My Area

Looking for cable TV providers in your area? InMyArea.com has you covered. We've partnered with the largest TV providers in the nation to find the best plans available to you. Whether you're moving to a new city, doing research, or just want to switch to a new provider, you're in the right place. Simply type in your ZIP code, and we'll show you a list of the best TV plans in your area, so you can compare and shop at the click of a button.

The different types of television available to you will vary by location. For the most part, cable TV can be delivered through three different types of connections: wired, satellite, or online streaming. A wired cable connection delivers all of the shows that you love through copper and fiber-optic cables that are strung along telephone poles or buried underground. The second option for cable TV delivery is a satellite connection. This is a great choice for rural residents, as telephone lines and underground cables are limited in remote locations. Satellite TV is also a great option in highly populated areas, thanks to its widespread availability, diverse channel offerings, and competitive pricing. The last option for watching cable TV is online streaming. TV streaming has become popular due to the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Now. Many of the nation's top cable TV providers now offer streaming services in their packages, so you can get all of the shows that you want. Whatever it is that you need, we're here to make sure you find the best TV provider and plan that fits your budget and preferences.

Picking the Best TV Provider

Picking the right cable TV provider can be a challenge, but we've done our best to make the process as easy as possible for you. Some factors to consider when choosing a provider are your monthly budget, which channels and programs you want in your package, the length of the contract, and the availability of TV and internet bundles or discounts. Let's say you're a movie fanatic, and you want to have access to all the best movie channels without breaking the bank. Spectrum may be your best option for cable TV. If you're a die-hard sports fan, you'll want channels like ESPN, the Big Ten Network, and the NFL Network. Satellite TV providers like DIRECTV tend to offer these sports networks, along with NFL Sunday Ticket. We highly recommend DIRECTV overall because it offers the option to utilize it as a traditional satellite provider or a streaming provider, letting you choose what's right for you. Finding the right TV provider for you means identifying what you need and choosing based on your family's necessities.

Choosing the Right Cable TV Package

The best way to pick the right TV package is to first set your budget. Next, ask yourself which channels you'd like to be included in your package. Most providers offer a similar set of core channels for every plan. With each plan upgrade, the provider adds either more HD or premium channels to justify the added cost. Some of these channels may be foreign networks that you can't normally get in the U.S. or even commercial-free movie channels. None of us want our favorite movie to be interrupted by an annoying commercial break. Most providers also offer access to On-Demand libraries filled with hundreds or even thousands of titles for you to enjoy at any time. Make sure to check out the free perks included in your chosen package. For example, Spectrum gives its subscribers free HD channels on some of its plans. Premium packages from Spectrum also include movie channels like HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, TMC, and STARZ.

Some consumers argue that they don't need cable TV subscriptions because they can just subscribe to DIRECTV or another cable-replacement streaming service and watch their shows from streaming-ready devices. However, the 200 million Americans that still have cable would disagree. Did you know that your cable TV subscription probably includes these streaming services? Why limit yourself to one network or pay for and manage multiple accounts when you could stream all of your favorite shows in one place?

Should I Cut The Cord on Cable TV?

Many customers may opt for the “cord-cutting” route and purchase streaming subscriptions directly from networks that have shows they like. Users lean toward this service because it's cheaper, and they can trim the fat by removing all the unnecessary programming they don't watch. While this option might seem like a good idea on paper, for just a few extra dollars a month, you don't have to limit yourself to just one network or one free episode on these streaming services. Access all of your favorite shows and networks in a single place with providers like DIRECTV and Spectrum.

Picture this. It's a lazy Sunday afternoon, and you want to rewatch your favorite show for the tenth time. You log into your Netflix account and realize to your horror that your show has been taken off of the service. How are you supposed to binge-watch now? Standalone streaming services are notorious for adding and removing titles from their library abruptly and without explanation. Your favorite show or movie might be there one day and gone the next. With cable TV, you can set up a series recording for your show so you can watch every episode. While Netflix might stop airing your show mid-series, the show's TV network won't.

Many providers like DIRECTV offer On-Demand features with thousands of titles that you can watch from any of your devices at any time. This means you can still binge-watch your favorite shows at no additional cost. You'll also be able to watch your shows as soon as they air with a cable or satellite TV connection. With streaming services like Netflix, you might not be able to watch the season for several months after it airs on live TV. By the time the latest season shows up on Netflix, your friends will have spoiled all the important plotlines and shocking moments.

Many cord-cutters say that they canceled their cable TV plan and opted for online streaming services to save money. In reality, you might actually end up paying more money or dealing with more hassle than the small savings are worth. Each streaming service has its own library of shows and movies. In order to get all of the shows that you watch on TV, you'll probably have to purchase several different streaming service memberships. Let's say your favorite things to watch are "The White Lotus," the ESPN Network, "Wednesday," and "Abbott Elementary." You'll need HBO Max, the ESPN Plus app, Hulu, and Netflix to watch all of these programs. All those apps can add up quickly! Plus, you'll have to manage 4 different accounts, which is such a headache. Therefore, sometimes sticking with traditional cable or satellite TV can be a better solution overall for your watching needs.

Satellite TV Providers

So how does satellite TV work? Satellite TV transmits signals from a satellite up in space to a dish on the roof of your home. This communication between the two satellites is what gives you the ability to watch television. Satellite TV is an excellent option for those that live in rural areas because it's much more widely available than other types of TV. Cable and fiber TV require wires and cables, and this infrastructure is often not present in remote areas. Satellite TV providers like DIRECTV can bring a full range of TV programming to your home, no matter where you live.

Virtually anyone can get satellite TV unless the signal is hindered by a foreign object, or the resident can't install a dish. Satellite TV also offers better picture quality and has the most HD channels available compared to other TV formats. One drawback to satellite is that it usually requires a long-term contract. Make sure you're ready to commit because most providers will charge an early termination fee (ETF) if you decide to cancel before your contract ends. Also, and most notably, the quality of your satellite TV programming can face interruptions during inclement weather conditions.

What Is the TV Installation Process Like?

What can you expect when it comes to TV installation? The process, price, and equipment required will vary by provider, location, and the type of TV that you choose. Some providers offer free standard installation for all TV plans, while others have a one time fee, so keep your eyes peeled for the best deal!

If you're purchasing satellite TV, a professional will come to your home and set up a dish on the roof or balcony. This installation process tends to take longer than it would for cable or fiber TV because of the large equipment that's required. You can expect the installer to be at your home for several hours, whereas cable installation typically only takes 1-3 hours. Take advantage of that time by asking any questions you might have about how your new TV connection works. The installer will be happy to help! DIRECTV installation comes free with all of the provider's packages, and many customers can even opt for next-day installation. With DIRECTV, you can even start watching before the installation process through the DIRECTV app. Satellite installation usually comes free with all of the providers' packages. Many customers can even opt for next-day installation. The installation process for cable or fiber TV will be relatively easy if your home already has a cable or fiber connection from past service.

There are a few things that you can do to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible. Make sure all of the TVs that you want to be connected are in the house at the time of installation. Keep the area around your TV open so that the technician has room to work. If you're getting satellite, make sure the technician will have easy access to your balcony or roof where the dish will be mounted. Set aside enough time in your schedule for the technician to complete the entire process. Keep your phone on hand in the days and hours leading up to your appointment, so that the technician can call and confirm or alert you to any changes.

Are Internet and TV Bundles Worth It?

If you're looking for ways to save on your monthly cable bill, we have one word for you: bundles. Most TV providers offer generous discounts and awesome perks when you bundle your service with high-speed internet and voice. You can even get freebies like free installation and equipment, so say goodbye to extra fees!

Take Spectrum, for example. You can get cable TV for cheap when you package internet, TV, and home phone service together. The total cost of your bill for all three bundled services would be cheaper than purchasing cable TV by itself from some other provider. There's no need to go through the hassle of paying three separate bills every month when you could just bundle them on one bill AND save at the same time.

Can I Find a Cheap Cable TV Plan?

There's no need to break the bank just to get television. Plenty of providers offer cheap cable TV packages, so you can save your money for what really matters. Check out Spectrum's packages. When you bundle with internet and home phone services, you can get TV and internet for pretty cheap. 

Many cord-cutters opt for online streaming services to save money on TV. But in reality, those cord-cutters often end up spending more money than they would for a cable TV package. To get all of your favorite shows and networks, you would probably need to get subscriptions from multiple streaming services. Add up the combined costs of Hulu, Netflix, and Sling TV, and you start to exceed the cost of a traditional satellite or cable TV plan. For the same price, you could get a Spectrum package or DIRECTV service with much more programming. Why limit yourself to just a few networks and deal with the hassle of paying for multiple streaming services?

Internet streaming services also require a high-speed internet connection. If your internet isn't fast enough, you'll probably experience lots of buffering and lagging during your shows. Many cord-cutters end up paying extra for a faster internet plan, just so they can stream their shows. Cable, fiber, and satellite TV aren't dependent on the internet, so you'll never have to worry about inconsistent sound and picture quality. If you do need internet, why not get all of your services in the same place? You can bundle your TV service with internet to save even more every month.

Committing to a long-term contract can be scary, especially when you're not sure what your budget is going to look like in the next few months. Luckily, there are providers that offer “no commitment” options, so you won't be tied down by a contract. Providers like Spectrum even offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide the service isn't worth the price, they'll give your money back: no questions asked and no hassle. If you're already stuck in a long-term contract from a previous cable provider with early termination fees, not worry! Spectrum even offers to buy you out of your previous contract for up to $500, so you can get out of your commitment at no extra cost.

How Do On-Demand Titles and Apps Work?

Some people make the assumption that cable or satellite TV limits you to watching live programming from your television set at home. However, most of the nation's largest TV providers offer SO much more than that. Seriously, the perks are endless. Let's say you're "Drew." Drew watches all sorts of different networks: sports, reality TV, sitcoms, HBO, you name it. He also hates dealing with commercials. Every Friday Drew has a movie night with friends and family, so he wants lots of on-demand options. He travels often and likes to watch TV on his tablet in the hotel room while he's away. Sometimes he misses his favorite premieres while he's on the road. So what can a TV package do for Drew?

With a cable, fiber, or satellite TV package, Drew will have access to all of his favorite networks in one place. No need to sign up for four different streaming services to get the shows that he wants. He's covered with a single TV package. Thanks to amazing DVR equipment, like the DIRECTV Gemini box, Drew can record all of his favorite shows and movies, even if the shows air at the same time. And, he can fast forward through all of those boring commercials. This also means that he'll never have to miss a season premiere or new episode of his favorite shows while he's on the road. Drew can even watch his recordings or live TV on his tablet from the comfort of the hotel room. Many TV providers also offer On-Demand options that give you access to thousands of free titles to watch, so movie night will be a breeze. The only problem he'll have will be choosing something to watch from all those titles!

Do TV Packages Have Contracts?

Some cable TV providers require you to commit to a long-term contract while others don't. The length and terms of your contract will vary by the provider you choose and your location. Typically, you can expect the contract length to range from 1 to 3 years. For instance, DIRECTV contracts are two years long, while Xfinity's range from one to two years, depending on the plan that you choose. On the other hand, Spectrum will never make you sign a contract.

Is it better to go with a long-term commitment or a no-contract option? There are pros and cons to both alternatives. Typically, a long-term contract comes at a discounted monthly rate, so that you can save over time. Contracts may also come with perks like free installation, free equipment, or extra premium channels. If you know exactly what service you want and that you'll need cable TV for the next few years, the contract is worth it. However, for those that are unsure of how long they'll want TV service, a no-contract option is the way to go. You might end up paying a bit more a month on average, but you'll be able to cancel whenever you want. Many providers will make you pay early termination fees if you decide to cancel your TV service before your contract is up. The easiest way to compare your contract options is to type in your ZIP code!

Additional Cable TV Resources

• Qualify to Save More on Your Cable Bill
• 4 Little Known Secrets to Negotiating Your Cable Bill
• Should I Get a TV And Internet Bundle or Just an Internet Plan?

Sources

• Lombardo, Cara. “Streaming TV's Problem: Subscribers Cancel Service when Their Favorite Shows are Over.” Wall Street Journal, 18 Jan. 2018. https://www.wsj.com/articles/streaming-tvs-drop-in-drop-out-problem-1516284000
• Molla, Rani. “Americans are Still Paying for Cable Because it's Bundled with Their Internet.” Recode, 20 Mar. 2018. https://www.recode.net/2018/3/20/17139756/reasons-americans-us-pay-cord-cable-tv
• Pearce, Casey. “Four Reasons you Shouldn't ‘Cut the Cord.'” Ritter Communications, 5 June 2017. https://blog.rittercommunications.com/four-reasons-you-shouldnt-cut-the-cord
• “Press Releases.” Leichtman Research Group, n.d. https://www.leichtmanresearch.com/press-releases/
• Rodriguez, Ashley. “Streaming's Live-TV Bundles aren't Actually Saving Cord-Cutters Money Compared to Cable.” Quartz, 18 Jan. 2018. https://qz.com/1182312/internet-tv-bundles-like-slingtv-arent-saving-cord-cutters-money-off-cable/
• “TV Channel Apps.” Spectrum, n.d. https://www.spectrum.net/support/tv/tv-channel-apps/?domain-redirect=true
• Van Luling, Todd. “5 Cable-Cutting Problems you Probably Didn't Think About.” Huffington Post, 12 Feb. 2018. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/cable-cord-cutting-problems_us_5a81adb9e4b044b3821fa129