What
is an ideal cable service provider? A provider that offers a variety of
channels in high-definition at affordable rates? Or someone who guarantees
excellent customer service and reliability? The answers to these questions may
vary from person to person. Some people want big channel lineups while others
prefer the quality of service offered.

Whenever
you are looking to sign up for cable services, you have to choose from a number
of options. They differ in packages, plans, and services offered and to be
honest, it is very difficult to choose one. In order to make your decision a
bit easier, we came up with a comprehensive guide on all the top cable service
providers in the US.

Before
that, here is what you need to understand:

Things to consider before signing up for a
cable service provider

Picking
one from Spectrum, Mediacom, or Cox TV packages
isn’t hard but making sure that is the right choice for all your needs is
difficult to ascertain.

Research your options

Find
out all the local
cable providers in your area. Compare their packages, prices, and
services offered. Ask your friends and neighbors about their experience with
the provider that you are looking at. How often does the service go out and how
long does it take the issue to be sorted out?

Decide the channels

On
average, you get 200+ channels from your service providers but you watch only
20 of them. That means you are paying for a whole bunch of channels you never
watch.

You
have to be realistic about how often you watch all these nice-to-have channels
and make a decision that suits your requirements.

Inquire about the promotional term, contracts,
and additional fees

Whenever
you sign up for the services, you get sugarcoated pricing on different
packages. The service providers might lure you in a contract but additional
fees such as taxes and surcharges may mount up on your monthly bill without any
invitation. Therefore, it is important that you inquire about all the prices
before and after taxes, contract terms, and early termination fee.

Look out for Bundles

You
can avail of some great discounts when you bundle up services with cable. Many
Cable TV providers offer high-speed internet and landline too. On average, you
get cable and internet in a bundle by paying $20-$30 on top of your cable bill.

Top Service Providers

Cox Communications

Cox
TV packages are designed to meet the requirements of every household. You get a
pretty decent channel lineup to choose from and there are some affordable
bundles available with the high-speed internet package. All the packages have a
one or two years contract. The high-tier packages are equipped with HBO®,
Cinemax®, SHOWTIME®, and STARZ® premium subscriptions.

Spectrum

Charter
Spectrum is another great provider having a vast footprint across 44 states.
They offer high-speed internet, cable, and phone services to business and
residential customers. The best thing about Spectrum is that you do not have to
get in any contract and you even get a 30-day money-back guarantee. Spectrum
Cable has more than 200 Channels with free high-definition, and on-demand
service – starting from just $44.99 a month.

Comcast

With
coverage extending across 39 states in the US, Comcast Xfinity is another great
provider known for its exception cable TV services and high-speed internet. You
get more than 250 high definition channels, access to premium channels, and
Xfinity Stream app for watching all your favorite shows on your smart devices.

Mediacom

With
Mediacom, you get many packages to choose from. All these cable packages come
with high definition channels, interactive on-screen guide, and their on-demand
service. The on-demand service lets you enjoy all your favorite movies and TV
series without paying a cent.

RCN

RCN
works quite well with the cord-cutters and people who just need all the local
channels with some regular news channels. All the packages are without a
contract and you don’t have to worry about any disruptions in the service.

AT&T

If
you are looking for affordable cable TV packages with a variety of basic and
premium channels, AT&T is your best choice. The packages are quite
economical and they have a vast footprint in the States.

Final Verdict

These
are the top cable service providers in the US to look for. However, whenever
you make a decision, go for the provider that adds overall value to your
experience. It should have a robust channel lineup, affordable price range,
free on-demand, and advanced DVR service.

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