Choosing a cable company or satellite TV provider in Fort Myers
There are many different options for cable TV in Fort Myers. Because most companies require annual contracts, it’s important to select the right one for you. One of the most important factors is channel availability — if your subscription doesn’t include the channels you enjoy watching, you may end up paying for other subscription services to watch your favorite shows. Other factors to consider include:
- Contract length: Some cable and satellite TV businesses in Fort Myers offer contracts of up to two years — be sure you’re fine with this commitment before signing because most companies charge a fee to get out of your contract early.
- Quality of service: Check to see if the company is known for frequent outages in your area. Fort Myers has rainy summers with an average rainfall of 8 to 9 inches from June until September, so you could experience weather outages, especially with satellite TV.
- Service bundling: Some companies also offer phone and internet services, and you can save money by bundling these with your cable or satellite TV subscription.
- Customer service: Dealing with poor customer service is frustrating, especially when you need assistance with an outage or other problem. Check customer reviews to see how each company’s reputation stacks up against its competition.
- Extra features: Research what other features providers offer in Fort Myers. Most have optional DVR service to record your favorite shows, and some companies offer apps that let you watch television on your smartphone, tablet or other compatible devices.
Types of cable and satellite TV
Cable and satellite companies in Fort Myers offer different tiers of service — higher tiers are more expensive but provide more options. The most common types of channel packages are:
- Basic cable is the lowest tier of service and includes national and local broadcast networks. The channels in basic cable packages are typically the same ones you would receive using an antenna.
- Extended basic channel packages include local and national broadcast channels as well as some of the most popular pay channels, such as ESPN and CNN. This is an ideal package for someone who enjoys television but doesn’t need a huge number of channels.
- Premium channel packages include an extensive variety of pay channels along with movie channels such as HBO and SHOWTIME. These are the most expensive packages, but they also provide the most viewing options.
Cable vs. satellite TV
Choosing between basic and premium cable isn’t usually a challenge — your viewing habits and budget should help guide your decision. Choosing between cable and satellite TV can be more difficult. By understanding the difference between the services, you can make a more informed decision.
Generally speaking, cable TV service in Fort Myers is cheaper than satellite, although cable companies may not offer as many channels. Cable companies in Fort Myers tend to offer month-to-month contracts without long-term commitments, and cable is generally easier to install than satellite, which requires a dish placed outside your home or apartment.
Satellite’s primary advantage is its extensive availability. Cable companies can only offer service in specific areas, but satellite TV providers transmit service wirelessly and cover a broad area. Because the service relies on dish reception, however, severe weather can interrupt your service or cause outages.
Alternatives to cable and satellite TV in Fort Myers
Several businesses offer internet-based television packages that are similar to cable or satellite TV subscriptions. Services such as YouTube TV, DIRECTVNOW and a Hulu offer programming packaged in tiers that can be accessed on any compatible device. These services require an app, meaning you need a smart TV or device to use them with your television.
Many other Fort Myers residents are forgoing live television programming and instead using a variety of on-demand television services, including Netflix and HBO Now. These services are available on a month-to-month basis and do not require a long-term contract.
How much does cable and satellite TV cost in Fort Myers?
The average customer pays between $85 and $100 a month for cable or satellite TV. Some companies offer introductory rates starting at $35 a month, but read the contract carefully — many of these offers are two-year deals with rates that increase dramatically in the second year.
Depending on the company, you may need to pay installation fees of up to $250. Some businesses also charge equipment rental fees of $8 to $16 per device each month. Be sure you know what additional charges may be added to your service before signing a contract.
