A cable subscriber's $279 monthly bill sparked a discussion about the rising cost of watching TV, especially when major streaming services still require separate subscriptions.
Here's what to know
In a post on Reddit, the subscriber asked the r/MildlyInfuriating subreddit why their expensive package didn't include more entertainment options.
"Cable TV $279 a month is ridiculous, and they still want me to pay for Disney, HBO, Netflix, ESPN, etc.," they wrote.
At that rate, their yearly cable bill would total $3,348. Additional subscriptions would push the household's entertainment spending even higher.
The post drew suggestions to compare providers, cancel cable, and check for streaming benefits included with other subscriptions. One commenter noted, though, that the available alternatives depend on where a customer lives.
Another Redditor reported receiving all the services the original poster listed, except Netflix, through Spectrum. Their thought was that the original poster might already have been paying for benefits they hadn't identified.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
More background
Following sports involves extra hurdles, according to one commenter who wasn't a sports fan and said they hadn't subscribed to cable since 1997.
Another described paying $85 a month for internet alongside subscriptions to Hulu, CR, and YouTube plus seasonal access to their MLB team.
A Canadian commenter described a monthly bundle costing $600 to $679 for basic digital cable, two cellphone lines, a home phone, Wi-Fi, and internet.
They also reported receiving streaming access through Amazon Prime, the Walmart grocery-delivery program, and another food-delivery app. So maybe the grass wasn't greener for the original poster's neighbors up north.
"Here in Canada what we get charged is three times more than what you get charged," they wrote.
What can be done?
Someone else recommended selectively picking streaming options.
"While streaming is pricey, I only subscribe to the services I'm actively watching a show on," they explained. "Like, I'm not paying for Peacock year-round if I only watch one show on there."
Another strategy is to seek services that come with other offerings. One Redditor said their AT&T internet plan included HBO Max, while Amazon Prime provided Amazon Prime Video. For spring weather updates in Tornado Alley, they relied on local channels picked up with an antenna.
After the original poster asked about using a VPN, one person explained that that wouldn't resolve the underlying subscription costs.
Abstaining from TV was another option, while someone else suggested occasionally watching with friends or family.
"I've regained so much time and money by doing literally anything else," they wrote.
"I don't have a television," another user wrote. "I am very happy."
Where can I learn more?
Switching from cable to streaming doesn't always cut costs, and it often comes with its own set of frustrations.
• U.S. cord-cutters ditched cable but ended up with a $139-a-month streaming bundle.
• Americans facing streaming bills near $120 monthly are canceling services amid rising costs.
• Discovery+ subscribers faced a price hike days after Skydance's $110 billion merger.
• Netflix pushed pausing instead of canceling, prompting commenters to warn about billing restarting.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
Cool Picks
