At Starry Internet, we’ve talked a lot about cutting the cord. 2020 is going to be all about going wireless and ditching the cable bill. A lot of people have already done it, and you can, too. If you’re tired of a hefty cable bill (and you want to be able to use all your media on all your devices), this is the guide for you.
Everything You Want is Already Online
If you want an online cable package, you can do that — and you don’t need cable. Most cable companies have already launched their own streaming services, and most of the major players (Amazon, Hulu, Disney+, and Netflix) have the ability to “add” packages on.
But, let’s face it: That also means it’s becoming a lot like cable. You probably don’t want to have to micromanage a dozen accounts and add-ons, so it’s not a question of just cord cutting. It’s a question of cord-cutting in the most affordable, efficient way.
First: Look At What You’ve Already Got
You might be surprised to find out that you already have access to some content. If you have an Amazon Prime account, for instance, your favorite shows could be on Amazon Prime streaming.
Make a list of the shows and features that are most important to you, and then look at the Big Four and what they can provide:
- Amazon.
- Netflix.
- Hulu.
- Disney+.
Unfortunately, they all have their exclusives, and you could find yourself signing up for all of them. The good news? Signing up for all of them may still be cheaper than a standard cable package. Most streaming services are between $10 and $15 each, and a cable package can be north of $80 depending on your premium channels.
Speaking of premium channels…
Adding On Your Add Ons
Just like premium channels can be added onto cable packages, add ons can also be brought into streaming packages. HBO is one of the more popular add ons, but there are others like Starz — and again, that has to do with the content that you’re interested in.
Take a look at the prices of the add ons, because they do vary from place to place. You might also be able to find deals related to add ons depending on our package.
Consider Rotating Your Services
Here’s something that a lot of people are doing now that streaming packages have become more confusing: they’ve started rotating their packages. Let’s say that most of your content is on Hulu, but there’s just one show that you really love on Netflix. Instead of signing up for both, you can sign up for Netflix just long enough to watch that show.
In an era of binge-watching, shows are dropped all at once. You don’t need to watch them on a weekly basis, so you don’t need to stay signed up. And because streaming packages don’t generally lock you into a rate, there’s no disadvantage to canceling your subscriptions whenever you don’t need them.
Cancel Your Cable (and Boost Your Internet)
The last step after organizing all your streaming services is, of course, canceling your cable. And don’t expect your cable company to go without a fight. Most cable companies are directed to ensure that your money keeps coming in, so they’ll try to barter with you and make deals with you. If your current cable package is tied to your internet package, it can be easier just to switch to another provider entirely.
And that’s better for you in the long run, too, because if you’re going to be streaming all those shows, you’re going to need a fast, reliable internet service. That’s especially true if multiple members of your family or household want to watch at once.
Are you about to cut your cable? It’s a great way to save some extra money in 2020, and to make sure you have access to all the content and exclusives that you need. If you want to cut cable and need the best internet to do it, contact Starry Internet for a quote.
