How I Keep My Streaming Bill Under $100 Per Month (Part I)
Around this time every year, I make the same phone call to my internet provider. I use the touch tones to make it clear I want to disconnect my service, then when I finally am routed to “retention,” I explain that I have no intention of canceling and just want to take advantage of the latest promotional offer.
Let me backup…
I haven't had a proper cable bill in over ten years now. Call me an early adopter, but I have been a cord cutter since moving out of my parents’ house. Maybe I’m one of the first cord nevers. I ditched that monthly expense when I moved into my first apartment and realized I could save a bunch of money if I got proactive about my services. With a few workarounds only I knew, it worked.
Back then, it was limited to having a smart TV or Roku player, with strategically placed rabbit ears to pull in broadcast channels. I also used a Tivo back then to provide the interactive channel guide and DVR. It was great--well as long as it didn’t rain or the signal didn’t get interrupted.
Fast forward and things are way easier today. In fact, I find there are too many choices and part of my process is ensuring I’m not double paying for the same content. So, how do I do it? Like I said, it takes some proactive actions.
Here is what I found works to keep your bill low and enjoy what feels like endless content options.
The “Cable” Bill
I only need internet access, that’s it. Keeping my “cable” bill low is the goal and at this point, I couldn’t tell you what services I actually pay for. Some years, I have a triple-play. Other years, I just take advantage of the internet + phone. What I tell the reps at the cable company is simple, “I just want high speed internet and to keep my bill under $65-70.” They get what I’m after, so we start going through the different options. Still, in 2021, unbundling the packages isn’t preferred, but can be achieved.
How do we get there? Promotions.
I call every April and find out what promotions get me the right package to keep my bill low. Why April? No reason, other than that is when we moved into our home and has become the end of any annual promotion I take advantage of. The promotions are designed to retain customers; pricing packages that cable companies use to keep their customers happy and from canceling their service.
Cancel Every Year:
Cable companies are not set up to streamline current customer satisfaction. In fact, I think that is to make it harder to regularly lower your bill. If you’re a satisfied customer, then you’re basically using the web portal or touch tone phone service to pay your bill, get your balance or schedule a service call. There’s no human interaction and if you choose to speak to someone, then you land in an off-shore call center.
So, how do you take advantage of promotions?
It is a simple workaround. What you have to do is call and start the process of removing (canceling) your service. You’ll use your phone’s keypad to hit the right numbers, telling your provider you’d like to disconnect your service. Stay the course and keep confirming your choice until the automated system tells you that you’ll be placed on hold while they connect you with a live representative.
This is when the negotiation actually begins.
Kill ‘Em With Kindness
So, here we are, we made it. We’re ready to disconnect our service and a live “customer care” rep picks up to ask you how they can help you today.
STOP...this is essential.
The days of the angry customer calling only to threaten to quit, switch to a competitor and ensure that they tell their entire family to do the same are over. It doesn’t work, the reps don’t care and people cancel every hour of every day. If you’re rude and abusive, they’ll just let you quit and find a way to make your life more difficult in the process. Trust me.
So, what do you do? It’s simple, be nice. Like really nice.
In fact I typically follow the same steps each time I call:
Give a warm greeting.
Ask how they are doing and how their day is going.
State how long I have been a customer for and that I’m actually a satisfied customer.
Explain why I’m calling-- looking for what promotions I can take advantage of in order to keep my bill from going up.
The entire tone of the conversation flips at this point. There are no threats, and no pressure for my emergency to be solved by someone whose job is to jump into everyone’s personal fire drill all day long. Typically after I finish my four-step intro, I’m met with an equally as nice response of “okay, I see what you’re trying to do. Let me see what’s available.”
Have An Open Mind, Be Creative
At this point you’re in the home stretch. All you need to do is listen to your options and see which makes the most sense for your home and/or business needs. What internet speeds are you looking for? Do you even know what you need for streaming? Hint: it is lower than you think.
As I stated in the intro, I’m not sure what bundle I currently have. All I know is if I have the internet speed I need for multiple devices, web browsing, video conferencing and streaming.
Some promotions offer those speeds (approx. 100-200mbps) at a lower price when you bundle with a phone line or triple play with basic channels. Don’t get stuck--getting stubborn and pushing back because you only stream isn’t the answer here. Of course, you don’t need a landline or cable box, but it may actually be your cheapest option. In fact, you don’t ever have to connect the services they’re offering you. Right now, I have a brand new, unused cable box in my basement. Why? Because it was the cheapest way to keep my internet speed where I want it to be without my bill going up.
Like I said, have an open mind. Remember, your goal is internet access at the speed you need for your home.
Ask For More
Okay, so I play Mr. Nice Guy and eventually get what I want. My bill is back to where I want it for another year. Don’t stop there, now is the time to push a little more. The retention reps have more power then you realize, and there are fees you pay that can be waived on the spot. Two things I’ve taken advantage of include:
Waive Router Fees - Ask them to waive the router rental fee. Your modem is probably part of your plan and comes with the service. Your router may not be. Sometimes they attach a $10-15 charge just to use a router. Ask that to be waived if it hasn’t been already.
Monthly Credit - This is additional money off your bill, a credit towards your account for one to three months. This is why you need to be nice, because at some point, you’ll receive money off just for asking.
Conclusion
Current Cable Bill - $60.34
Keeping your monthly bill low is a proactive process, one the cable companies count on you not staying on top of. If you realize it’s possible, you will find success. Cord cutters are the most successful when they stay ahead of the changing terms of their current service; the main cost being internet access.
In part II, we’ll look at what video streaming services I’m using. No surprises here, but I do take advantage of entertainment bundles, phone carrier packages and yes shared passwords (shhhh).
Stay Tuned...pun intended.