Just cut my cable bill...
-
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2013 2:10 pm
Just cut my cable bill...
I just dropped all of my cable boxes, etc. at Comcast and cut the cord on my high priced digital cable plan. It feels great!
My plan is to get my local channels (for free) via a HD antenna and am going to try using the new Sling TV service for my ESPN. I figure this new set-up is going to save me around $600 per year.
Anyone here regret cutting the cord on cable TV?
My plan is to get my local channels (for free) via a HD antenna and am going to try using the new Sling TV service for my ESPN. I figure this new set-up is going to save me around $600 per year.
Anyone here regret cutting the cord on cable TV?
-
- Posts: 140
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2015 11:38 am
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
Nice going! We just have like a 10 channel package and barely use it except for sports. I don't think we'd save any money cutting it since it's part of our internet package and there aren't really any competitors here. I'm just glad we don't have TLC or else our TV would get a lot more use.
-
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2013 2:10 pm
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
On a related note, I have been thinking about how much people spend on Internet, mobile phone, home phone, and TV services because my guess is these services account for a large portion of a family's disposable income.
Here is mine:
Internet (20mbps) + local home phone - $55 per month
2 republic wireless phones - unlimited talk + data ($25) - $50 per month
Netflix, 1 screen - $8 per month
Sling TV - $20 per month
Total monthly Media/Moblie/Screen costs - $133 per month
I feel ok about that -- I am sure it could be better, but I'll take it for now!
Here is mine:
Internet (20mbps) + local home phone - $55 per month
2 republic wireless phones - unlimited talk + data ($25) - $50 per month
Netflix, 1 screen - $8 per month
Sling TV - $20 per month
Total monthly Media/Moblie/Screen costs - $133 per month
I feel ok about that -- I am sure it could be better, but I'll take it for now!
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I never had Cable in the first place for TV.
1.) Antenna in the Attic - Free
2.) 50 Mbps Internet - $80 a month
3.) Ooma Land Line - $5 a month for taxes - free long distance in U.S. or Canada
4.) 2 - Pay as you go Phones for about $35 a year
5.) 2 Android Tablets with WiFi - Free per month.
Total Communications Bill about $88 a month!
1.) Antenna in the Attic - Free
2.) 50 Mbps Internet - $80 a month
3.) Ooma Land Line - $5 a month for taxes - free long distance in U.S. or Canada
4.) 2 - Pay as you go Phones for about $35 a year
5.) 2 Android Tablets with WiFi - Free per month.
Total Communications Bill about $88 a month!
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I ditched Comcast cable over a year ago. Don't regret it all. Have a setup similar to yours. Antenna for local channels, the HD is great. Use a Sony Blu-ray player for Netflix, You Tube and other apps.
I miss some big live sporting events as they seen to be migrating to cable. For example college football playoffs were on cable this year. I plan to look into Sling TV too but I don't believe it is available thru a Blu-ray player yet. For those not familiar with Sling TV is it has about 12 channels but includes ESPN for $20/month.
Francis
I miss some big live sporting events as they seen to be migrating to cable. For example college football playoffs were on cable this year. I plan to look into Sling TV too but I don't believe it is available thru a Blu-ray player yet. For those not familiar with Sling TV is it has about 12 channels but includes ESPN for $20/month.
Francis
"Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get." |
Dale Carnegie
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
None whatsoever,,getting all we "need" with over the air,,Netflix ,Amazon,YoutubeSailorJerry wrote:I just dropped all of my cable boxes, etc. at Comcast and cut the cord on my high priced digital cable plan. It feels great!
My plan is to get my local channels (for free) via a HD antenna and am going to try using the new Sling TV service for my ESPN. I figure this new set-up is going to save me around $600 per year.
Anyone here regret cutting the cord on cable TV?
3 Tvs,3 Amazon Basic Ultra Thin Antennae
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DIF ... Z3DVQYGDJ9
"One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity" –Bruce Lee
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
Doing the same here (via Roku boxes), and ditching smartphones when the contract is up.
In the future, our "communications" bills (TV, cell phones, internet) will total about $50/mo. Much better than the $270 we currently pay.
In the future, our "communications" bills (TV, cell phones, internet) will total about $50/mo. Much better than the $270 we currently pay.
-
- Posts: 278
- Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2015 12:57 pm
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I recently cut services i didn't need from verizon. Feels great.
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I have Comcast too.fsrph wrote:I ditched Comcast cable over a year ago. Don't regret it all. Have a setup similar to yours. Antenna for local channels, the HD is great. Use a Sony Blu-ray player for Netflix, You Tube and other apps.
How much are you paying for your internet from them so that you can still have your Netflix, Youtube, etc. ?
Dell Optiplex 3020 (Win7 Pro), Dell Precision M6300 (Ubuntu Linux 12.04), Dell Precision M6300 (Win7 Pro), Dell Latitude D531 (Vista)
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I totally eliminated Comcast. Get my home phone (landline) plus Internet from Verizon. Not as fast Internet as Comcast but works fine. Verizon bill about $68/month.ieee488 wrote:I have Comcast too.fsrph wrote:I ditched Comcast cable over a year ago. Don't regret it all. Have a setup similar to yours. Antenna for local channels, the HD is great. Use a Sony Blu-ray player for Netflix, You Tube and other apps.
How much are you paying for your internet from them so that you can still have your Netflix, Youtube, etc. ?
Francis
"Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get." |
Dale Carnegie
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
This thread is now in the Personal Consumer Issues forum (cable bill).
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I still use Comcast high speed,,,30mb download.I accept the fact I am paying 65.00 per month,I use upwards of 200gigabytes of data per month.ieee488 wrote:I have Comcast too.fsrph wrote:I ditched Comcast cable over a year ago. Don't regret it all. Have a setup similar to yours. Antenna for local channels, the HD is great. Use a Sony Blu-ray player for Netflix, You Tube and other apps.
How much are you paying for your internet from them so that you can still have your Netflix, Youtube, etc. ?
"One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity" –Bruce Lee
- just frank
- Posts: 1933
- Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2014 3:13 pm
- Location: Philly Metro
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I went from comcast triple play whatever fro $208/mo to 'Blast Plus'. Moved the landline to ObiTalk +Google Voice (free). Bought a (better) modem, rather than rent a crppy one. Ditched the DVR. Still have HD basic cable +HBO, high-speed internet and a landline, $116/mo. Works out to about $1100/yr savings, spent ~$120 on gear.
After HBO and other movie channels cut the cord (HBO will do it in April), we will cut the cable completely for more savings.
After HBO and other movie channels cut the cord (HBO will do it in April), we will cut the cable completely for more savings.
Last edited by just frank on Sun Mar 08, 2015 2:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Will do good
- Posts: 1138
- Joined: Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:23 pm
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I would love to cut my cable too, but my wife wants CNN. Anyway to get CNN with Comcast?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
Toons wrote:I still use Comcast high speed,,,30mb download.I accept the fact I am paying 65.00 per month,I use upwards of 200gigabytes of data per month.ieee488 wrote:I have Comcast too.fsrph wrote:I ditched Comcast cable over a year ago. Don't regret it all. Have a setup similar to yours. Antenna for local channels, the HD is great. Use a Sony Blu-ray player for Netflix, You Tube and other apps.
How much are you paying for your internet from them so that you can still have your Netflix, Youtube, etc. ?
I don't have that much time to be watching videos on the internet since I am still working fulltime,
so I stick with the Economy Plus internet for $29.95 and $19.10 for Basic cable.
With taxes = $49.56/month.
All the bragging about "cutting cable" doesn't impress me.
I would be impressed if one is able to cut cable and internet, because most people are essentially replacing cable with high-speed internet.
Dell Optiplex 3020 (Win7 Pro), Dell Precision M6300 (Ubuntu Linux 12.04), Dell Precision M6300 (Win7 Pro), Dell Latitude D531 (Vista)
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
Are you sure you will be saving more money?just frank wrote:I went from comcast triple play whatever fro $208/mo to 'Blast Plus'. Moved the landline to ObiTalk +Google Voice (free). Bought a (better) router, rather than rent a crppy one. Ditched the DVR. Still have HD basic cable +HBO, high-speed internet and a landline, $116/mo. Works out to about $1100/yr savings, spent ~$120 on gear.
After HBO and other movie channels cut the cord (HBO will do it in April), we will cut the cable completely for more savings.
I found that Comcast, my cable company, essentially jacks up the internet-only price, so I won't be saving any money.
Dell Optiplex 3020 (Win7 Pro), Dell Precision M6300 (Ubuntu Linux 12.04), Dell Precision M6300 (Win7 Pro), Dell Latitude D531 (Vista)
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
The difference is the internet gives you interactive access to the outside world for work, play, knowledge, information and pleasure. Cable TV by itself is "57 channels and nothing on". Ultimately, what's happening is the internet rates are going up-up-up! and soon, Federal gov will be regulating and controlling itI would be impressed if one is able to cut cable and internet, because most people are essentially replacing cable with high-speed internet.
Life - Can't live with it...can't live without it!
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
You could always switch to a different ISP. Verizon DSL (the 1-5 Mbps plan) is $30/mo in my neck of the woods and works just fine for streaming netflix via Roku and PC gaming. I believe Comcast charges $65/mo for internet only.ieee488 wrote:Are you sure you will be saving more money?just frank wrote:I went from comcast triple play whatever fro $208/mo to 'Blast Plus'. Moved the landline to ObiTalk +Google Voice (free). Bought a (better) router, rather than rent a crppy one. Ditched the DVR. Still have HD basic cable +HBO, high-speed internet and a landline, $116/mo. Works out to about $1100/yr savings, spent ~$120 on gear.
After HBO and other movie channels cut the cord (HBO will do it in April), we will cut the cable completely for more savings.
I found that Comcast, my cable company, essentially jacks up the internet-only price, so I won't be saving any money.
- just frank
- Posts: 1933
- Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2014 3:13 pm
- Location: Philly Metro
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
A fine question, as Comcast has taken bill obfuscation to new heights. I have now received the new bill in the promised amount, no introductory rates applied.ieee488 wrote:Are you sure you will be saving more money?just frank wrote:I went from comcast triple play whatever fro $208/mo to 'Blast Plus'. Moved the landline to ObiTalk +Google Voice (free). Bought a (better) router, rather than rent a crppy one. Ditched the DVR. Still have HD basic cable +HBO, high-speed internet and a landline, $116/mo. Works out to about $1100/yr savings, spent ~$120 on gear.
After HBO and other movie channels cut the cord (HBO will do it in April), we will cut the cable completely for more savings.
I found that Comcast, my cable company, essentially jacks up the internet-only price, so I won't be saving any money.
The package I got 'Blast Plus', which is just HD basic cable + slightly faster internet + HBO, is quoted as $65/mo for new customers for 12 mos, followed by a permanent rate of $85/mo thereafter. As an existing customer, of course, I am not allowed to get the introductory rate for new customers. Surprisingly, however, I am not eligible to get the permanent, non-discounted rate either! They will let me get it, but only if I pay $116/mo.
Of course, you say, why don't you cancel, and then sign up again? The answer: you need to have a hiatus of 6 mos to qualify as a new customer.
Soooo.....I would need to sign up for similar services from Verizon, and then switch back in 6+ months, unless Verizon can beat the rate.
I might well do just that to drive down my costs, but I am waiting a couple month to unbundle my HBO (i.e. get the ability to buy HBO access without a cable TV contract) before I do so. This will give me more options with Verizon.
And the battle continues....
-
- Posts: 515
- Joined: Sun Apr 06, 2014 7:27 am
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I am paying Comcast $30 for 25 Mbps. Call in and negotiate.
I simply said I was looking to increase my speed, but wasn't looking for a price increase and they offered me 24 months for $30 per month. I was paying $40 for 6 Mbps before.
I simply said I was looking to increase my speed, but wasn't looking for a price increase and they offered me 24 months for $30 per month. I was paying $40 for 6 Mbps before.
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
Especially families with an "average" income (ie I am guessing bogleheads make a bit more than average). If seems like most people I know (whether they are making $10 an hour of $200 an hour) all have a costly cell phone plan/internet plan and many have cable.SailorJerry wrote:On a related note, I have been thinking about how much people spend on Internet, mobile phone, home phone, and TV services because my guess is these services account for a large portion of a family's disposable income.
Personally I rank myself
A on phone bill (unlimited text/talk with limited data for $10 a month)
C with my internet bill- it does cost more than I would like to spend but a.) I absolutely have to have internet for quality of life purposes b.) I have no choice of internet providers thus the price gets raised
D for my cable bill. A D because my main purpose of cable is live sports. I could easily replace the rest with cheap/free services. Thus I am easily paying 1k a year so I can have access to live sports on my tv. The only reason I do not give myself an F is because I do call every 12 months threaten to cancel and get the promo rates.
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
Does this help you?Will do good wrote:Anyway to get CNN with Comcast?
Thanks.
http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/live/network/cnn
“It’s the curse of old men to realize that in the end we control nothing." "Homeland" episode, "Gerontion"
-
- Posts: 1728
- Joined: Tue May 27, 2008 10:48 am
- Location: West Coast
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
Let us know what you think about Sling TV. I haven't had cable in years and am still too cheap to even get Sling TV.
- jeffyscott
- Posts: 13438
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 8:12 am
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
No regrets after 1.5 years w/o cable. But had lost interest in sports by the time we dropped it.
We have an antenna but very rarely have watched anything over the air, we prefer watching Netflix (really like having no commercials). We supplement that with some free streaming from Hulu and others plus an occasional library DVD.
Our monthly bills are approximately:
1.) Netflix - $8
2.) 15 Mbps Internet - $45
3.) Ooma Land Line - $4
4.) 2 prepaid mobile phones - $5
Total is about $62 per month.
We have an antenna but very rarely have watched anything over the air, we prefer watching Netflix (really like having no commercials). We supplement that with some free streaming from Hulu and others plus an occasional library DVD.
Our monthly bills are approximately:
1.) Netflix - $8
2.) 15 Mbps Internet - $45
3.) Ooma Land Line - $4
4.) 2 prepaid mobile phones - $5
Total is about $62 per month.
- just frank
- Posts: 1933
- Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2014 3:13 pm
- Location: Philly Metro
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
Negotiation is highly variable. They will usually give you a (temporary) 'deal' when you are upgrading your service. When you are downgrading your service and looking for a lower price, they will bite you.health teacher wrote:I am paying Comcast $30 for 25 Mbps. Call in and negotiate.
I simply said I was looking to increase my speed, but wasn't looking for a price increase and they offered me 24 months for $30 per month. I was paying $40 for 6 Mbps before.
In my case, paying >$200/mo, they had a big 'sucka' sign come up on the screen when I called in.
Stated another way...the 'free' landline offer from these carriers is really a loyalty program....to get standard rates from Comcast in my area, you have to let them run your landline 'for free'. And this makes it much harder to switch to another provider without losing your phone #. When I first called in, and asked about keeping my service the same and just dropping the 'free' landline they explained to me that my bill would go up from $216/mo to $300/mo if I did that!
So, in practice, once I decided I wanted to unbundle my 'free' landline (as a prelude to eventually cutting the cord), they went from all friendly and nice on the phone to transferring me to a separate department with 60 minute wait times where they fought me tooth and nail, and generally gave me the run-around. Took 4 calls, each with a 60 minute wait, over 4 days, just to get my landline number transferred to another carrier.
I'm tagged as a bad boy now, and they will not be giving me any deals. But I'm only paying half what I was before.
Last edited by just frank on Sun Mar 08, 2015 8:20 am, edited 2 times in total.
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
+1 ... I only have Comcast Internet. No deals for me either. Good that the government stepped in and now the Internet is categorized as a Utility. Their unchecked rate increases are not long for this world.just frank wrote:I'm tagged as a bad boy now, and they will not be giving me any deals.
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
One of the best decisions I ever made was to get our broadband from a utility (DSL, phone company) instead of a cable provider. Once TV is bundled with internet it becomes a real hassle to make changes because inevitable keeping internet access while changing television program becomes horribly intertwined. Never again in this lifetime will I have TV and internet bundled with the same company.
And, for once I hit the jackpot! Our local electric utility just started a fiber internet pilot program and we were included in the pilot zone so now we have a 100MB/100MB fiber network connection for $69.95 per month. No contract, no equipment leasing fees, no installation fee. I live in a poor county with a 20% poverty rate and the program is some kind of government initiative to make us look better or something....
They also offer (!!!) 1GB for $199 per month or 25MB for $49.95. Totally awesome: http://www.e-u.cc/fiber/
And, for once I hit the jackpot! Our local electric utility just started a fiber internet pilot program and we were included in the pilot zone so now we have a 100MB/100MB fiber network connection for $69.95 per month. No contract, no equipment leasing fees, no installation fee. I live in a poor county with a 20% poverty rate and the program is some kind of government initiative to make us look better or something....
They also offer (!!!) 1GB for $199 per month or 25MB for $49.95. Totally awesome: http://www.e-u.cc/fiber/
- jeffyscott
- Posts: 13438
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 8:12 am
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
In contrast to the obnoxious pricing practices of the cable companies, when Netflix increased their rate from $8 to $9 per month, existing customers are the ones that got the special promotional rate of $8 for 24 months (and that was done automatically, without having to make annoying phone calls).
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I'm hooked on the stuff. Direct TV w/HBO and the NFL package. Netflix. Over priced internet. Verizon smartphone plan. I need help!
I’d trade it all for a little more |
-C Montgomery Burns
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
With a wireless home network and Apple TV you can Airplay channels from all over the US from sites like wwiTV.com if you enjoy local programming.
- stevewolfe
- Posts: 1672
- Joined: Fri Oct 10, 2008 7:07 pm
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
We reduced our cable dramatically almost 5 years ago. We have Comcast. We kept the first 23 or so channels, which now cost around $16 a month + internet service. We have Netflix for $7.99 a month, Amazon Prime (I mentally allocate $4 a month to streaming). We tried Sling TV for a week - i like that you have no commitment, i might turn it on for football season, but it has some limitations:
1) Not enough channels for the money. Waiting on Epix and AMC and hopefully a few more.
2) Device restriction - can only watch Sling on one device at a time - we have 2 tablets, 3 computers, 2 phones and 3 TVs... this is a real problem they need to overcome.
3) No NFL Network - which I prefer for NFL pregame, etc over ESPN (which I perceive as anti-Cowboys, )
We don't miss the big cable boxes, the extra $8-10 a month in electric they added to the bill nor the extra channels that we didn't watch - oh, and we saved about $70 a month vs. what we had before (after netting out the cost of Netflix + 1/2 of Amazon Prime).
I can't see us going back to a high priced cable service again.
1) Not enough channels for the money. Waiting on Epix and AMC and hopefully a few more.
2) Device restriction - can only watch Sling on one device at a time - we have 2 tablets, 3 computers, 2 phones and 3 TVs... this is a real problem they need to overcome.
3) No NFL Network - which I prefer for NFL pregame, etc over ESPN (which I perceive as anti-Cowboys, )
We don't miss the big cable boxes, the extra $8-10 a month in electric they added to the bill nor the extra channels that we didn't watch - oh, and we saved about $70 a month vs. what we had before (after netting out the cost of Netflix + 1/2 of Amazon Prime).
I can't see us going back to a high priced cable service again.
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
+1boroc7 wrote:Let us know what you think about Sling TV. I haven't had cable in years and am still too cheap to even get Sling TV.
"One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity" –Bruce Lee
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
Dropped Verizon Wireless for Virgin Mobile. Phone service is not nearly as good, however 90% of what i use the smartphone for is texting, email, and internet (mostly wifi).
My bill dropped from around $100 per month down to $38 per month.
I still use Verizon for internet/phone/TV because the first two I need. I require the land-line for business calls. With 30/30 internet and phone the cost would almost be the same
without the TV. The difference was $20 per month. Plus they threw in HBO, so that made it a deal (at least for the next two years). My monthly total with all the Verizon WHORE
TAXES/FEES (made up taxes that go to Verizon so they can advertize a very low cost) is $113.00.
They originally wanted $168.00, but I was going to switch.
My bill dropped from around $100 per month down to $38 per month.
I still use Verizon for internet/phone/TV because the first two I need. I require the land-line for business calls. With 30/30 internet and phone the cost would almost be the same
without the TV. The difference was $20 per month. Plus they threw in HBO, so that made it a deal (at least for the next two years). My monthly total with all the Verizon WHORE
TAXES/FEES (made up taxes that go to Verizon so they can advertize a very low cost) is $113.00.
They originally wanted $168.00, but I was going to switch.
-
- Posts: 1245
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2014 12:19 pm
- Location: 30.286029, -97.530011
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I am still waiting for the following solution;
- one fat pipe for all communications: WiFi, cell, etc, EVERYWHERE I go,
- no content fees (i.e., no cable).
E.g., think about how much you are paying for the same service:
- internet at home,
- cell network when out and about,
- internet at work (it is true, you are not footing the bill, but I am sure there is a hefty bill for it, which, unsurprizingly, hits your wages, just like any other cost of doing business).
- one fat pipe for all communications: WiFi, cell, etc, EVERYWHERE I go,
- no content fees (i.e., no cable).
E.g., think about how much you are paying for the same service:
- internet at home,
- cell network when out and about,
- internet at work (it is true, you are not footing the bill, but I am sure there is a hefty bill for it, which, unsurprizingly, hits your wages, just like any other cost of doing business).
-
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2015 11:15 pm
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
If you have comcast/TWC or other for internet, look at what they are charging you for modem rental.
It will vary per market, but typical is $6-10/month. You can buy your own for between $60-80.
The payback math is easy.
Doesn't take much to set it up - just call and give them MACID off the modem and you are up and running.
This rental fee is a fabulous revenue source for the cable companies.
For example, here is list of approved modems for comcast - http://goo.gl/zXcJY
Would also like to hear people's experience with SlingTV. I am cautiously optimistic this will be the future - cafeteria style subscription.
It will vary per market, but typical is $6-10/month. You can buy your own for between $60-80.
The payback math is easy.
Doesn't take much to set it up - just call and give them MACID off the modem and you are up and running.
This rental fee is a fabulous revenue source for the cable companies.
For example, here is list of approved modems for comcast - http://goo.gl/zXcJY
Would also like to hear people's experience with SlingTV. I am cautiously optimistic this will be the future - cafeteria style subscription.
-
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Sat Nov 03, 2007 11:57 pm
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
+1christophertowle wrote:If you have comcast/TWC or other for internet, look at what they are charging you for modem rental.
It will vary per market, but typical is $6-10/month. You can buy your own for between $60-80.
The payback math is easy.
Doesn't take much to set it up - just call and give them MACID off the modem and you are up and running.
This rental fee is a fabulous revenue source for the cable companies.
For example, here is list of approved modems for comcast - http://goo.gl/zXcJY
Would also like to hear people's experience with SlingTV. I am cautiously optimistic this will be the future - cafeteria style subscription.
I just had to replace my cable modem that was over 10 years old due to outdated technology. I found a used modem on amazon on my ISPs "approved" list for 21 dollars with shipping and it works fine. I have no idea why people pay a monthly fee for their modem.
Assets - Liabilities = Equity + (Income - Expenses)
- FelixTheCat
- Posts: 2035
- Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2011 12:39 am
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I'm a Game of Thrones junkie. I'll switch when HBO gets their streaming in April.
What's the best way of ditching cable? Amazon Fire Stick? Roku? HD Antena?
What's the best way of ditching cable? Amazon Fire Stick? Roku? HD Antena?
Felix is a wonderful, wonderful cat.
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I'm out of my contract with Verizon fios so now my bill has recently went back up to 115 a month for 15/15 internet , hd and landline.
If I sign a two yr deal again I can get 15/15 internet, lower tv package no sports and landline for 94.99. Best they can do.
If I cut the cord , internet only is $74 @15/15 speed.
I don't think I'm going to do it because of the landline. I still have little kids that don't have cell phones and in the event I had to run out for a few minutes they would need a way to call me.
If I sign a two yr deal again I can get 15/15 internet, lower tv package no sports and landline for 94.99. Best they can do.
If I cut the cord , internet only is $74 @15/15 speed.
I don't think I'm going to do it because of the landline. I still have little kids that don't have cell phones and in the event I had to run out for a few minutes they would need a way to call me.
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
No. We did this a year ago. Saved us $1,200 per year. I don't miss cable at all. My wife took a couple months to get over the fact that she couldn't watch her favorite shows. Now she has new favorite shows on our OTA channels.SailorJerry wrote: Anyone here regret cutting the cord on cable TV?
Humans are very adaptable. They don't need all the things they think they need. Especially entertainment.
- just frank
- Posts: 1933
- Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2014 3:13 pm
- Location: Philly Metro
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
The boxes are cheap (<$100), so we got both RokuHD and AppleTV. if you are streaming, you want to have access to everything. I agree that humans are adaptable....but if I am going to watch a screen with the wif, we are going to watch what we want/like, not whatever is on.FelixTheCat wrote:I'm a Game of Thrones junkie. I'll switch when HBO gets their streaming in April.
What's the best way of ditching cable? Amazon Fire Stick? Roku? HD Antena?
As for content, it is an Amazon versus Apple world: Right now AppleTV has everything except Amazon's library (free with Prime) and RokuHD has everything except iTunes (pay per view or own in cloud). iTunes, as the most expensive, is our last resort, but some content (BBC, if I recall) is only there.
I also wired up a cheap OTA antenna (~25 channels, everything but PBS ), but since I still have basic HD cable (to ditch after April, also GoT junkie), haven't used it yet.
Last edited by just frank on Sun Mar 08, 2015 2:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
Roku 3 is better than rokuHD, Correct ?just frank wrote: RokuHD has everything except iTunes (pay per view or own in cloud).
- just frank
- Posts: 1933
- Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2014 3:13 pm
- Location: Philly Metro
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I bought the Roku two years ago....get the latest that suits you.BahamaMan wrote:Roku 3 is better than rokuHD, Correct ?just frank wrote: RokuHD has everything except iTunes (pay per view or own in cloud).
-
- Posts: 2697
- Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2014 6:38 pm
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
Let us know when you cut your internet service.
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
No Verizon DSL here. They only will provide Verizon FIOS.gbru316 wrote:You could always switch to a different ISP. Verizon DSL (the 1-5 Mbps plan) is $30/mo in my neck of the woods and works just fine for streaming netflix via Roku and PC gaming. I believe Comcast charges $65/mo for internet only.ieee488 wrote:Are you sure you will be saving more money?just frank wrote:I went from comcast triple play whatever fro $208/mo to 'Blast Plus'. Moved the landline to ObiTalk +Google Voice (free). Bought a (better) router, rather than rent a crppy one. Ditched the DVR. Still have HD basic cable +HBO, high-speed internet and a landline, $116/mo. Works out to about $1100/yr savings, spent ~$120 on gear.
After HBO and other movie channels cut the cord (HBO will do it in April), we will cut the cable completely for more savings.
I found that Comcast, my cable company, essentially jacks up the internet-only price, so I won't be saving any money.
My Comcast Economy Plus internet ( for reportedly 3 Mbps) is $29.95 + tax.
Dell Optiplex 3020 (Win7 Pro), Dell Precision M6300 (Ubuntu Linux 12.04), Dell Precision M6300 (Win7 Pro), Dell Latitude D531 (Vista)
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
When I dropped Comcast I already had Internet with Verizon for my home computer. I then used it to stream. So I had significant savings.ieee488 wrote:
All the bragging about "cutting cable" doesn't impress me.
I would be impressed if one is able to cut cable and internet, because most people are essentially replacing cable with high-speed internet.
Francis
"Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get." |
Dale Carnegie
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I've been very happy without cable for five years now, including so-called premium subscriptions. Instead of watching HBO on Comcast's schedule, I now watch HBO programs on Netflix.
-
- Posts: 627
- Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2011 2:34 pm
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
Watch PBS on the Roku!just frank wrote:FelixTheCat wrote: I also wired up a cheap OTA antenna (~25 channels, everything but PBS
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
It is kind of politically correct in a lot of circles to view cable tv as a vast wasteland of mindkess entertainment.The truth is there is a wealth of great things on TV and some very good tv series.If one is on a budget by all means save every cent you can but if you can afford to pay for Directv or whatever it is quite enjoyable to watch your sports,shows,news,movies or whatever on a nice big screen in the comfort of your home....especally with the use of a dvr to record to watch when you want and FF through commercials.It is also nice to record a game and watch it an hour or two behind so you do not need to spend 3 hours watching it.Inworked hard my whole life and I am not worrying about $100 a month or so to be able to watch whatever I want,when I want.It is a little irritating to hear some people boast about going through all of the things they do to not have the convenience of cable,yet see them pay 3 months cable bill to go out to dinner or a play.
K.I.S.S........so easy to say so difficult to do.
- just frank
- Posts: 1933
- Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2014 3:13 pm
- Location: Philly Metro
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
I hear ya. The wife and I DO watch whatever we want whenever we want, commercial free, and if it needn't cost an extra $100/mo, then why should we waste the money?
Re: Just cut my cable bill...
Sling is a game changer. All my wife wants from cable is HGTV and you can watch shows archived from the last three days in addition to the live feed. Plus ESPN, Food, Disney, CNN. Kind of cable lite for $20/mo.
Nobody knows nothing.