Cable

Four Things to Consider Before You Cut the Cord

Cord Cutting
Know the trade-offs before you ditch cable

Cutting the cord is tempting as pay TV costs rise and service slips. Before you cancel cable or satellite, weigh four key factors that decide whether streaming really saves you money.

1 Why Consumers Are Cutting the Cord

Many consumers today are cutting the cord and saying good-bye to their cable and satellite providers. And who could blame them? The cost of traditional pay TV is on the rise and customer service is declining rapidly — a trend that makes it clear why cable companies keep raising prices.

According to Leichtman Research, the largest pay TV providers in the United States (approximately 95% of the market) lost twice as many subscribers this year: about 975,000 net video subscribers in 3Q 2018, compared to 410,000 in 3Q 2017.

With a large selection of streaming subscription services available to consumers, cutting the cord seems to make sense. But is it always the right decision? These are four things to consider before you cut the cord.

2 You Depend on Your Internet Service

You are dependent on your internet service. Depending on where you live, you may not always have a reliable internet connection. Although most people can live with the occasional blip in their connection, this could pose a huge problem when you’re engrossed in a show or sporting event.

3 Streaming Is Harder for Major Live Events

Streaming is harder for major live events. Although most streaming devices can handle high traffic, really big events could cause a slowdown. The quality of the video that you receive depends on the bandwidth available. This is directly affected by how many users in your neighborhood are on the same connection. Even more problematic is the number of people in your home who have devices using the same WiFi.

4 The Cost of Streaming Could Be Significant

The cost of streaming could be significant. Consumers who make the switch are seeking to decrease the monthly financial burden of pay TV. However, the cost of streaming services like Netflix, HBO Now, Amazon Prime, YouTube Red or Hulu Plus could be higher than you think. In fact, prices for streaming services continue to go up. Furthermore, if your internet connection is not fast enough, you have to consider the cost of upgrading the speed to ensure high-quality streaming.

5 You Might Be Stuck With Your Bundle

You might be stuck with your “bundle.” Companies like AT&T U-Verse and Verizon FiOS know how to ensure that customers depend on them: they provide bundled packages that make your services seem less expensive. In addition to the convenience of getting one bill, internet service is less expensive when you bundle it with your TV, and home phone services.

6 Is Cutting the Cord Right for You?

For many consumers, cutting the cord is a great decision. For others, there is not enough financial gain to justify losing a full array of network choices and to risk video quality. For consumers who aren’t quite ready to cut the cord, there are other, reliable ways to save money on your monthly bills.

Billshark can negotiate your cable, internet and phone bills while you sit back and reap the rewards. We have an 85% success rate lowering consumers’ monthly bills, with a $275 average savings per bill. Send us your bills for cable bill negotiation, and we’ll do the rest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are so many consumers cutting the cord?

The cost of traditional pay TV is on the rise and customer service is declining rapidly, so many consumers are saying good-bye to their cable and satellite providers. According to Leichtman Research, the largest pay TV providers in the United States lost about 975,000 net video subscribers in 3Q 2018, twice as many as the 410,000 lost in 3Q 2017.

Does cutting the cord depend on my internet service?

Yes. When you cut the cord you are dependent on your internet service. Depending on where you live, you may not always have a reliable internet connection. While most people can live with the occasional blip, an unreliable connection can pose a huge problem when you’re engrossed in a show or sporting event.

Why is streaming harder during major live events?

Although most streaming devices can handle high traffic, really big events could cause a slowdown. The quality of the video you receive depends on the bandwidth available, which is directly affected by how many users in your neighborhood are on the same connection and how many people in your home have devices using the same WiFi.

Could streaming end up costing me more than cable?

It can. The cost of streaming services like Netflix, HBO Now, Amazon Prime, YouTube Red or Hulu Plus could be higher than you think, and prices for streaming services continue to go up. If your internet connection is not fast enough, you also have to consider the cost of upgrading the speed to ensure high-quality streaming.

How can I save on my bills without cutting the cord?

If you aren’t quite ready to cut the cord, there are other reliable ways to save. Billshark can negotiate your cable, internet and phone bills while you sit back and reap the rewards. We have an 85% success rate lowering consumers’ monthly bills, with a $275 average savings per bill.

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Four Things to Consider Before You Cut the Cord is a Billshark page. It can help you with your bills and your choices, and it can show you how to save.

Thinking of cutting the cord? Weigh internet reliance, live-event streaming, the true cost of streaming and bundle traps before you cancel cable today.

Use this page to learn about Billshark. Then go to the part of the site that fits what you need. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

We share this page to help you make sense of your monthly bills, your choices, and what to do next. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

This page links you to more help from Billshark. Use it when you want more detail or a clear next step. You can save a lot over time.

Got a question about a bill you pay each month? This page can help you find the best answer. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up.

Read each part of this page at your own pace. If you need more help, go on to a guide on your topic. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We put facts and tips in one place. This makes it easy to learn about the bills you pay at home. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

This page can help with real questions. You can learn about your plan, your account, and what you pay each month. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

Use the menu and the links to go from a big question to the facts that fit your own needs. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We keep things short and clear so you can choose well. You can then read more if you want to. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

The links on this page help you weigh your choices. They also help you see what you pay and what to do next. You can save a lot over time.

Our goal is to help you spot the bills you pay each month. We also share smart ways to keep them low. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

Come back to this page when you have a new question. It will still be here to help with bills and savings. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

We link the small choices you make each day to the big picture. That means your budget and what you spend at home. We make it easy for you.

Each part of this page helps you see what you need. It may be help with a plan, your account, or a good read. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up.

Use what you learn here to plan your questions. Look at your choices, then take the next step when you are ready. It is free to read. Keep this page handy.

Our pages link to each other. That way, you can find more help and still keep track of what you came for. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

This page makes it easy to find the key facts first. Then you can pick a plan or make a change with less stress. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

Good facts help you see why a bill went up. They also show you what to check before you call or reply. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

This page puts the key facts in one place. It can help you talk with a company about your bills and how to save. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

Our other pages explain the words you see on a bill. They also help you weigh the pros and cons of each plan. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

Our tips focus on real choices you can make. Start with the basics, then read a more detailed guide if you need one. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

This page is one of many that we share. Together they cover home costs, the firms you pay, and how to get help. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

Take your time and read this page first. It helps you see your choices and find out what to read next. We make it easy for you. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

We set this page up so you can compare and keep reading. You will not need to hunt for what you want. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

Monthly bills come with rules, terms, and fine print. This page helps you find the parts that count for you. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

Our pages give you a clear view of what you pay each month. You can then pick the plan or guide you want. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

Some of our guides cover the basics. Others go into detail on one company or one type of bill. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

It pays to read first and act later. This page links you to the next guide if you want to learn more. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We share guides that help you make sense of your bills. They show your choices and the best next step. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

Want more detail on a bill, a plan, or your account? Check this page against the links we share here. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

We group our pages by topic to keep things simple. This helps you stay on track as you read about your costs. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

A bit of background goes a long way. It helps you spot what counts before you check a bill, change a plan, or call us. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

This page is part of our help library. It gives you clear facts and links so you can keep on reading. We make it easy for you. We are here to help.

Your needs can change, so come back any time. Our other pages can help you look into a new cost or plan. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

We laid out this page to help you get the facts and compare them. You can then choose your next step with ease. It is free to read. Keep this page handy.

Cutting the cord is tempting as pay TV costs rise and service slips.

Many consumers today are cutting the cord and saying good-bye to their cable and satellite providers.

According to Leichtman Research.

With a large selection of streaming subscription services available to consumers, cutting the cord seems to make sense.

You are dependent on your internet service.

Streaming is harder for major live events.

The cost of streaming could be significant.

You might be stuck with your “bundle.”.

For many consumers, cutting the cord is a great decision.

Billshark can negotiate your cable, internet and phone bills while you sit back and reap the rewards.

The cost of traditional pay TV is on the rise and customer service is declining rapidly, so many consumers are saying good-bye to their cable and satellite providers.

Yes.

Although most streaming devices can handle high traffic, really big events could cause a slowdown.

It can.

If you aren’t quite ready to cut the cord, there are other reliable ways to save.

Billshark negotiates your bills for you — no savings, no fee.

Billshark helps lower internet, wireless, cable, satellite radio, and other monthly bills.

Our experts handle providers for customers and share updates throughout the process.

Customers pay only when Billshark finds savings on eligible bills.

1 Why Consumers Are Cutting the Cord.

2 You Depend on Your Internet Service.

3 Streaming Is Harder for Major Live Events.

4 The Cost of Streaming Could Be Significant.

5 You Might Be Stuck With Your Bundle.

6 Is Cutting the Cord Right for You?.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Why are so many consumers cutting the cord?.

Does cutting the cord depend on my internet service?.

Why is streaming harder during major live events?.

Could streaming end up costing me more than cable?.

How can I save on my bills without cutting the cord?.

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