Given all the machinations happening in the space for Internet service providers and the steadily increasing number of new programming channels and services striving for subscribers, there is likely no better time than now in assessing if you're getting a good deal from your Internet-TV-voice-programming-content provider—or if it's time to switch things up.
Online Internet programming and content is booming. Who would have thought just a few years ago that Amazon would essentially be like HBO, and that HBO would be breaking into its own service and not just be one of many in a cable provider's bundle?
Everyone is getting into online content, from original series offerings to syndicated programming, and that means the big players are under increasing pressure not only to keep their customers happy but continuously troll for new subscribers to pay for all the increasing marketing due to the increased competition.
In a nut shell, that puts today's consumers in the driver's seat. Just as in the telecom market, where consumers are being rewarded for switching, with the new provider often paying the early contract termination fee consumers face when switching from one provider to another, the same marketing moves are being made in the ISP and Internet broadcast industry.
There are, however, some definite things consumers need to do before jumping from one provider to another. The first is determining what the service options are since not every content and ISP provider has the reach of, say, Verizon or AT&T or even Comcast. The smaller players and emerging new channel creators don't yet have the national footprint that legacy players have, and some are still piggybacking on those big players for both service reach and marketing.
The first step is to figure out what the options are in your region and area. That's an easy thing as each provider offers a quick and easy tool to determine if a consumer is within reach of its services.
Once you've got that list together, then it's time to map out what programs, channels, and features you, the consumer, want from a provider. This will take a bit more work as you may find that while your favorite shows are part of a provider's bundle, it may be cheaper to tap services such as Hulu or Netflix to access that specific content. Just scratch out an Excel sheet to drop in who offers what and at what price. Within a short time, you'll be able to figure out, initially, the cost comparisons.
You'll likely find that you're paying more than what you've found in your research. That's likely because your "plan" was a marketing move six months ago and prices have dropped due to the increasing competition. While no ISP is out there offering current subscribers some new plan to stay, there is that opportunity once you give your current provider a call.
Why? Because they don't want to lose you and they're inclined to keep you if you call to inquire about a price cut, even if you're in the middle of a contract. As the saying goes, everything is negotiable.
To help you get started, here's a quick look at what AT&T U-Verse, Comcast XFinity and Verizon FiOS are hawking to get new subscribers.
There's one safe bet: new customers are being enticed with some pretty amazing offers, and there is no reason for providers not to offer the same to current customers. The trick for today's consumers is to call and make it happen, and if it doesn't, then call the next provider and make them pay for your move to their service. Make sure you choose the provider who will waive that so-called "activation" fee that all providers tuck into package pricing. In both scenarios, the ultimate outcome should be that you are paying less but getting more from your ISP.
AT&T U-Verse
Right now, there's an "online exclusive" offer from AT&T U-Verse. The high-speed bundle offers speeds up to 45Mbps and comes with HBO and a year of Amazon Prime for free, all at the cost of $59 a month. It's a one-year contract, and AT&T does note that the 45Mbps service is in select areas, so double check availability. The current three bundles range from the $59 "exclusive" online offer to the $109 "double play" option, which comes with $150 in reward cards. There's a handy chart outlining the specifics of each plan.
Verizon FiOS
There's a "double play" offering online at Verizon FiOS. For $64.99 a month, in a no-year contract, subscribers get 25Mbps Internet and "select" HD TV service. It's an online offer only, and Verizon is waiving the activation fee. There are supposedly more special offers available but Verizon's link to those isn't working, so you might just have to call them up or chat online with a rep. Calling typically brings greater results.
Comcast XFinity
Xfinity is offering the pure Internet TV service for $44.99, which includes HBO, a "double play" of TV and "fast" Internet for $79.99 and a "triple play" plan for the same $79.99 plus a $100 gift card. There is no contract required. Also, as the small print (under pricing and other info) relates, there are more than a few caveats and some stipulations that consumers should remember in making an informed decision.
It does take a bit of work on a consumer's part in getting the best Internet-TV-calling plan and, in some areas, consumers really just have one choice. In those regions where there are competing services, it is well worth the time to investigate and haggle with providers. Got any tips on how you got the best deal? Share them below.
