Where it used to be that consumers only had a few cable TV providers to choose from and were basically held at their mercy, today’s consumer holds all the cards. Cable companies have plenty of competition to deal with in terms of pricing, channel offerings, and even the quality, so if you’ve had the same cable provider for years now, it may be time to take a look at what’s out there as yours may, in fact, be falling short.
Here we’ll take a look at some of the signs that it may be time to move on and find a new provider.
The Picture Quality is Poor
If you are flipping through the channels only to find static and poor picture quality then it’s time to reconsider your options. There is no reason why you have to settle for a sub-par service. Even if the cable company tells you it’s not them, it’s just your area, that’s not good enough. It’s most likely that the provider needs to update their software and/or hardware in your area.
Keep in mind you may also be experiencing issues with sound; again, this is a quality issue.
Your Rates Keep Going Up but Service Remains the Same
Where it used to be that these cable providers could go ahead and charge whatever they like, the fact is that there are plenty of other options out there. If you find your rates have been going up as of late, but the service and your offerings have remained the same, then it’s time to start shopping around. You might be better off paying for a streaming service instead of cable, for example. Especially if most of the shows you watch end up on Netflix or Amazon Prime at some point anyway. Alternatively, you could look into the different cable providers.
One tip to remember is that if the price is the only factor, you may be able to negotiate a better price with the provider. Give customer service a call, let them know you’re unhappy with the price you pay, and you are thinking about going elsewhere. This is usually enough to get them to offer you a better price. If this doesn’t work, though, it’s worth seeing what new customers discounts are available elsewhere.
You’re Ready To Try New Technology
Another big reason people are willing to make that jump and find a new provider is because they are anxious to try new technology. Instead of cable, why not cut that cord for good and opt for satellite television? Go ahead and compare DIRECTV vs. competition providers, and you’ll realize you could be saving a lot of money without making sacrifices to the quality or the number of channels you get. In fact, there’s a good chance you’ll get more channels.
You’re Not Happy with the Channel Line-Up
Perhaps your current provider has fallen behind in terms of the channel offerings and you feel like you’re missing out on some of the hottest shows and movies on offer. If that’s the case, there’s a good chance you need to make the switch. Make a list of the shows you commonly watch, and the channels they appear on. If they are available through a different provider at a cheaper price, it’s a no brainer. You could also see how much it would cost to subscribe to more channels or cut some from your package.
You’re the Customer – You’re in Control
As you look at your options it’s important to remind yourself that you are the customer, which means you’re in control. There is absolutely no reason you should settle for sub-par quality, a lack of channels, old technology, or pricing that you just can’t stomach. Take the time to shop around and see what else is out there. You never know, you may end up finding something that not only meets your needs, but that is cheaper as well.
