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Find Cable TV Providers In Your Area​

Compare plans, prices, and check for cable TV providers by ZIP code, address, or location.

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Cable TV Providers In My Area

The different types of television available to you will vary by location. For the most part, cable TV can be delivered through three different types of connections: wired, satellite, or online streaming.

A wired cable connection delivers all of the shows that you love through copper and fiber-optic cables that are strung along telephone poles or buried underground. The second option for cable TV delivery is a satellite connection. This is a great choice for rural residents, as telephone lines and underground cables are limited in remote locations.

Satellite TV is also a good choice in highly populated areas, thanks to its widespread availability, diverse channel offerings, and competitive pricing. The last option for watching cable TV is online streaming. TV streaming has become popular due to the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. Many of the nation’s top cable TV providers now offer streaming services in their packages, so you can get all of the shows that you want. Whatever it is that you need, we’re here to make sure you find the best TV provider and plan that fits your budget and preferences.

 

Compare Best TV Providers

Picking the Best TV Provider

Picking the right cable TV provider can be a challenge, but we’re here to make the process as easy as possible for you. Some factors to consider when choosing a provider are your monthly budget, which channels and programs you want in your package, the length of the contract, and the availability of TV and internet bundles or discounts.

Let’s say you’re a movie fanatic, and you want to have access to all the best movie channels without breaking the bank. Spectrum may be your best option for cable TV. If you’re a die-hard sports fan, you’ll want channels like ESPN or the NFL Network. Satellite TV providers like DIRECTV tend to offer these sports networks, along with NFL Sunday Ticket.

We highly recommend DIRECTV overall because it lets you use it as a traditional satellite provider or a streaming provider, so you can choose what’s right for you. Finding the right TV provider for you means identifying what you need and choosing based on your family’s necessities.

  1. Fiber-optic connections are the fastest available broadband speeds compared to all other types of internet connections. Specifically, Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) internet will get you the best internet speeds around.
  2. If FTTH or its other variants, such as Fiber to the Premises (FTTP), Fiber to the Building (FTTB), or Fiber to the Curb (FTTC), is not available near you, then cable internet is probably your best option. Cable internet is widely available, and with DOCSIS 3.1 technology on hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks, cable internet can achieve gigabit speeds.
  3. If you live in a rural area, cable and fiber internet providers may not be available. In that case, fixed wireless and 5G Home internet provide fast download speeds. Beyond being easy to install, 5G internet connections are becoming more widely available and faster each day.
  4. Another wired option that can achieve decent speeds is DSL. While it may not be the fastest internet connection type, DSL is widely available for customers from all regions. If you have a telephone line at your home, you can probably get DSL internet.
  5. For people living in the most remote areas of the country, satellite internet is a suitable internet solution. With the introduction of new satellite internet providers such as Starlink, satellite internet is rapidly becoming quicker and more viable as a wired internet replacement.
 

Find TV Deals By City

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New York, New York

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Los Angeles, California

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Houston, Texas

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New York, New York

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Los Angeles, California

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Houston, Texas

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New York, New York

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Los Angeles, California

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Houston, Texas

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New York, New York

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Los Angeles, California

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Houston, Texas

Should I Cut The Cord on Cable TV?

Many customers may opt for the “cord-cutting” route and purchase streaming subscriptions directly from networks that have shows they like. Users lean toward this service because it’s cheaper, and they can trim the fat by removing all the unnecessary programming they don’t watch.

While this option might seem like a good idea on paper, for just a few extra dollars a month, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one network or one free episode on these streaming services. Access all of your favorite shows and networks in a single place with providers like DIRECTV and Spectrum.

Picture this. It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon, and you want to rewatch your favorite show for the tenth time. You log into your Netflix account and realize to your horror that your show has been taken off of the service. How are you supposed to binge-watch now?

Standalone streaming services are notorious for adding and removing titles from their library abruptly and without explanation. Your favorite show or movie might be there one day and gone the next. With cable TV, you can set up a series recording for your show so you can watch every episode. While Netflix might remove the show while you’re in the middle of a series, the show’s TV network won’t.

Many providers like DIRECTV offer On-Demand features with thousands of titles that you can watch from any of your devices at any time. This means you can still binge-watch your favorite shows at no additional cost. You’ll also be able to watch your shows as soon as they air with a cable or satellite TV connection. With streaming services like Netflix, you might not be able to watch the season for several months after it airs on live TV. By the time the latest season shows up on Netflix, your friends will have spoiled all the important plotlines and shocking moments.

Many cord-cutters say that they canceled their cable TV plan and opted for online streaming services to save money. In reality, you might actually end up paying more money or dealing with more hassle than the small savings are worth. Each streaming service has its own library of shows and movies. In order to get all of the shows that you watch on TV, you’ll probably have to purchase several different streaming service memberships.

Let’s say your favorite things to watch are “The White Lotus,” the ESPN Network, “Wednesday,” and “Abbott Elementary.” You’ll need HBO Max, the ESPN Plus app, Netflix, and Hulu to watch all of these programs. All those apps can add up quickly! Plus, you’ll have to manage 4 different accounts, which can be such a headache. Therefore, sometimes sticking with traditional cable or satellite TV can be a better solution overall for your watching needs.

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Fiber- Optic TV Providers

Fiber-optic TV is one of the newest types of television technology. Light travels through glass or plastic cables to deliver all of your favorite channels. These cables are much stronger than the copper cables used for cable TV, and they can transmit data across further distances while still maintaining the same high-quality picture and sound. Fiber is typically the most reliable option because power outages and bad weather don’t affect your connection like with other TV transmission methods.

Many fiber TV providers offer bundles with fiber internet, which is extremely fast. One of the downfalls to fiber television is that it has limited availability because it’s a newer technology, so it may not be offered in your area. These fiber cables must also be installed perfectly by a professional to function properly, which is part of the reason that availability is limited. Fiber TV tends to be a more expensive option, but its incredible HD quality and reliability are worth the price!

Verizon has fiber coverage in 10 states, is available in an estimated 15,512,719 homes and is available to an estimated 38,193,059 members of the US population.

Optimum has fiber coverage in 5 states, is available in an estimated 2,430,000 homes and is available to an estimated 6,565,107 members of the US population.

Xfinity has fiber coverage in 46 states, is available in an estimated 1,338,540 homes and is available to an estimated 2,747,315 members of the US population.

Cox has fiber coverage in 16 states, is available in an estimated 818,769 homes and is available to an estimated 1,765,319 members of the US population.

Cable TV Providers

Cable TV is widely available to U.S. residents, so it’s a popular option. This connection transmits information via an electric current that travels through copper cables buried underground. If cable TV is available in your area, the installation process should be pretty painless, as the infrastructure is already in place.

Cable television is a great option for those that don’t want to commit to long-term contracts. Some providers like Spectrum offer no-contract options, while other companies still require these commitments. On the bright side, cable TV contracts are typically shorter than those required for satellite TV. That said, Cable TV plans may not be as good as satellite when it comes to HD quality. However, many providers let you bundle TV with high-speed cable internet to save on your monthly bill!

Verizon has fiber coverage in 10 states, is available in an estimated 15,512,719 homes and is available to an estimated 38,193,059 members of the US population.

Optimum has cable coverage in 21 states, is available in an estimated 8,332,930 homes and is available to an estimated 20,585,604 members of the US population.

Xfinity has cable coverage in 41 states, is available in an estimated 51,695,678 homes and is available to an estimated 122,350,395 members of the US population.

Cox has cable coverage in 19 states, is available in an estimated 9,772,369 homes and is available to an estimated 23,295,442 members of the US population.

Satellite TV Providers

So how does satellite TV work? Satellite TV transmits signals from a satellite up in space to a dish on the roof of your home. This communication between the two satellites is what gives you the ability to watch television. Satellite TV is an excellent option for those that live in rural areas because it’s much more widely available than other types of TV. Cable and fiber TV require wires and cables, and this infrastructure is often not present in remote areas. Satellite TV providers like DIRECTV can bring a full range of TV programming to your home, no matter where you live.

Virtually anyone can get satellite TV unless the signal is hindered by a foreign object, or the resident can’t install a dish. Satellite TV also offers better picture quality and has the most HD channels available compared to other TV formats. One drawback to satellite is that it usually requires a long-term contract. Make sure you’re ready to commit because most providers will charge an early termination fee (ETF) if you decide to cancel before your contract ends. Also, and most notably, the quality of your satellite TV programming can face interruptions during inclement weather conditions.

What Kind of Perks Come with TV Equipment?

TV providers are stepping up the game when it comes to DVR and television equipment capabilities. Scroll through thousands of on-demand titles, record all of your favorite shows, and watch your stored recordings on multiple TVs at once: all from a single box. Specific recording features will vary by provider and receiver. Some providers even include certain streaming services with your plan.

Got home too late to catch that new episode of your favorite show that you’ve been waiting all week to see? No problem. Control what your children can watch. Schedule or watch recordings from your laptop, tablet, or phone. Discover new programs you’ll love straight from your receiver. The possibilities are endless! Make sure to check the fine print when it comes to equipment fees. Some providers include the DVR for free, while others charge a monthly fee.

Features

HD Channels

On Demand Library

Parental Control

Rewind Live TV

DVR Included

Record Shows

Storage

On Demand Titles

What Is the TV Installation Process Like?

What can you expect when it comes to TV installation? The process, price, and equipment required will vary by provider, location, and the type of TV that you choose. Some providers offer free standard installation for all TV plans, while others have a one time fee, so keep your eyes peeled for the best deal!

If you’re purchasing satellite TV, a professional will come to your home and set up a dish on the roof or balcony. This installation process tends to take longer than for cable or fiber TV because of the large equipment required. You can expect the installer to be at your home for several hours, whereas cable installation typically only takes 1-3 hours. Take advantage of that time by asking any questions you might have about how your new TV connection works. The installer will be happy to help!

DIRECTV installation comes free with all of the provider’s packages, and many customers can even opt for next-day installation. With DIRECTV, you can even start watching before the installation process through the DIRECTV app. Satellite installation is usually included with all providers’ packages. Many customers can even opt for next-day installation. The installation process for cable or fiber TV will be relatively easy if your home already has a cable or fiber connection from having past service.

There are a few things that you can do to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible. Make sure all of the TVs that you want to be connected are in the house at the time of installation. Keep the area around your TV open so that the technician has room to work. If you’re getting satellite, make sure the technician will have easy access to your balcony or roof where the dish will be mounted. Set aside enough time in your schedule for the technician to complete the entire process. Keep your phone on hand in the days and hours leading up to your appointment so the technician can call to confirm or alert you to any changes.

Are Internet and TV Bundles Worth It?

If you’re looking for ways to save on your monthly cable bill, we have one word for you: bundles. Most TV providers offer generous discounts and awesome perks when you bundle your service with high-speed internet and/or phone. You can even get freebies like free installation and equipment, so say goodbye to extra fees!

Take Spectrum, for example. You can get cable TV for cheap when you package internet, TV, and home phone service together. The total cost of your bill for all three bundled services would be cheaper than purchasing cable TV by itself from some other provider. There’s no need to go through the hassle of paying three separate bills every month when you could just bundle them on one bill AND save at the same time.

Can I Find a Cheap Cable TV Plan?

There’s no need to break the bank just to get television. Plenty of providers offer cheap cable TV packages, so you can save your money for what really matters. Check out Spectrum’s packages. When you bundle with internet and home phone services, you can get TV and internet for pretty cheap. 

Many cord-cutters opt for online streaming services to save money on TV. But in reality, those cord-cutters often end up spending more money than they would for a cable TV package. To get all of your favorite shows and networks, you would probably need to get subscriptions from multiple streaming services. Add up the combined costs of Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube TV, and you start to exceed the cost of a traditional satellite or cable TV plan. For the same price, you could get a Spectrum package or DIRECTV service with much more programming. Why limit yourself to just a few networks when you can avoid the hassle of paying for multiple streaming services?

Internet streaming services also require a high-speed internet connection. If your internet isn’t fast enough, you’ll probably experience lots of buffering and lagging during your shows. Many cord-cutters end up paying extra for a faster internet plan, just so they can stream their shows. Cable, fiber, and satellite TV aren’t dependent on the internet, so you’ll never have to worry about inconsistent sound and picture quality. If you do need internet, why not get all of your services in the same place? You can bundle your TV service with internet to save even more every month.

Committing to a long-term contract can be scary, especially when you’re not sure what your budget is going to look like in the next few months. Luckily, there are providers that offer “no commitment” options, so you won’t be tied down by a contract. Providers like Spectrum even offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide the service isn’t worth the price, they’ll give your money back: no questions asked and no hassle. If you’re already stuck in a long-term contract from a previous cable provider with early termination fees, no need to worry! Spectrum even offers to buy you out of your previous contract for up to $500, so you can get out of your commitment at no extra cost.

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