Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
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The hunt for the best cable deals can be equivalent to looking for a needle in the haystack.
If you, like most people, are looking for a way to reduce the hit to your wallet when it comes to getting your favorite channels, you'll need some tips on getting the lowest rate.
Fortunately, we've got you covered with our comprehensive guide on how to get the best cable deals. After all, you're probably here because you want to take the edge off your bank account.
You'll find information on not only what you should be considering when on the hunt for that amazing cable deal but also on bundling cable TV and internet service, tips, the future of cable TV, and more.
Keep in mind that cable packages change frequently so you'll want to check with the provider for the most current promotions. In addition, prices can vary from location to location.
Cox offers internet, TV & landline services with plans starting at $50.
Plans
Cox Internet Only Plans
Package
Internet
TV
Phone
Price
Internet Essential 100
100 Mbps
$49.99
Internet Preferred 250
250 Mbps
$59.99
Internet Ultimate 500
500 Mbps
$69.99
Internet Gigablast
1000 Mbps
$99.99
Cox TV Plans
Package
Internet
TV
Phone
Price
Contour TV Starter
75 Channels
$53.00
Contour TV Preferred
140 Channels
$98.00
Contour TV Preferred Plus
170 Channels
$118.00
Contour TV Ultimate
250 Channels
$138.00
Cox Triple Play Bundles
Package
Internet
TV
Phone
Price
Internet Preferred 250 + Contour TV Preferred + Voice
250 Mbps
140 Channels
Unlimited
$167.99
Internet Essential 100 + Contour TV Preferred + Voice
100 Mbps
140 Channels
Unlimited
$167.99
Internet Ultimate 500 + Contour TV Preferred + Voice
500 Mbps
140 Channels
Unlimited
$187.99
Internet Gigablast + Contour TV Preferred + Voice
1000 Mbps
140 Channels
Unlimited
$217.99
How to find the best cable deal
You know all of those glossy inserts you get in the mail, advertising special rates on cable plans? Hang onto those even if you don't plan on ordering from that particular provider. They may come in handy when it's time to negotiate your deal.
In other words, don't just go for the first dirt-cheap offer you see - advertising can be deceiving. Collect information from a number of sources - paper fliers, the providers' websites, online consumer forums, and customer service representatives - before making a final decision...
...which brings me to the next important step in making sure you get one of the best cable deals:
Have all of your research on the best cable plans and prices on hand before you call.
Don't stop at the first customer service rep you speak to - call back again and see what kind of deal the next person offers you.
Use the online chat function to find out whether that rep can give you an even better deal (they're often willing to go lower because they aren't always direct employees of the company).
I personally wish I had done that very thing several years ago when I called to negotiate my cable rate. I pointed out to the phone rep that I had been a loyal customer for better than 10 years and I was willing to leave if they couldn't adjust my rate. The response? "Ok." I ended up switching providers, but if I'd spoken to someone else I might have been able to stick with the same company. It takes a little extra effort and time for you to explore every option, however, it could end up saving you some hassle.
The best cable TV deal will depend on what you want from your tv provider. DirecTV offers good sports packages, DISH is good for family packages, AT&T provides the best option for TV and internet.
Who has the best cable and internet service?
Currently, AT&T provides the best options for TV and internet, but it's determined by where you live. So be sure to check what providers and offers are available in your area.
Recap
Finding the best cable deals really just requires that you do some research and pay attention to the details. Know what you're getting for the cost, and know exactly how long you'll be getting those rates.
Always read the fine print, and never be afraid to negotiate. If you're not sure what's available in your area, use our convenient tool to find cable TV providers by ZIP code.
An alternative way to way to television is to watch programming from your computer. There are dozens of different places on the web for content and some of them are free! Check out our guide to learn how to watch TV online.
