Community Chat

[ValuSkr]

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@SilleeMee wrote:

The cheapest plans are usually the ones with bundles. Stay with one provider for all services...tv, landline, isp and cell. A word of caution though. When I cancelled my landline phone service, my bill went UP for the rest of my bundle. They told me that's the way they keep customers from ditching their landline phones.

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Similar situation here.  I had a triple-play bundle with Verizon FIOS.  When I tried to cancel the TV portion, their price for double-play (land line + internet) was actually more than my triple-play price.  So I kept the TV (just a basic package of over-the-air channels) and the triple-play. ... Which is exactly what they wanted - they don't like telling shareholders they're losing cable TV customers.

Guess I'll have to drop both TV and land line to see any savings.

[sunshine45]

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@Moonchilde wrote:

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@sunshine45 wrote:

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@Moonchilde wrote:

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@sunshine45 wrote:

if his cell phone service is with verizon, i would have him go to verizon to see if he can package his internet service with his cell phone service and landline service. they are offering deals all the time.

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4G LTE service from Verizon is VERY expensive compared to wi-fi and the data is quickly used up (I know, trust me). NOT good for someone on a budget.

Wifi can be had from your local cable company for much less $$ with probably no data cap. They will try to get him to take TV as well of course, but he can insist he just wants wifi and it's pretty cheap.  $30/mo from Time Warner for example.

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@Moonchilde

he doesnt have to switch his cell phone service ( he has a basic cell phone through verizon.). he needs to check and see if they have verizon services in the area for tv/internet/landline? it is difficult to determine then what would be the best option. verizon is good because you can bundle your cell phone (which he already has) and his internet (which they can set up in his home) and his landline (which they can switch over to verizon) into one bill.

he doesnt need 4GLTE service.

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You're speaking of FIOS, which is Verizon's wifi. It's not available everywhere. The OP is looking for the cheapest option. IF FIOS is available in the area (it might not be), they should insist on using that as the price is $25-50 for internet, but Verizon will also encourage the use of 4G LTE, i.e. push it on you, so they need to understand the difference & that one is NOT good for someone on a budget.

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when you do a bundle, it becomes cheaper (he is already using verizon for his cell phone service). he doesnt NEED 4GLTE because he doesnt have a smart phone and probably doesnt need one. if the OP helps him out she can make sure they dont  add on any extra services. if FIOS is available in his area it is an option definitely worth looking into, especially since he already has verizon cell phone service.

my ex has FIOS in his home.......landline, tv, internet for about $80 a month. i do believe there are other bundles even less than that (especially if you dont want tv service. he was never pushed to get anything he doesnt really need.

[JustJazzmom]

Another thing to consider is choosing upload and download speeds as to how fast a person gets pages loaded, movies or videos streamed while on the internet. This is also part of packaging for home wi fi. 

[sunshine45]

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@JustJazzmom wrote:

Another thing to consider is choosing upload and download speeds as to how fast a person gets pages loaded, movies or videos streamed while on the internet. This is also part of packaging for home wi fi. 

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right.......if he isnt concerned about speed then he can choose the slowest internet service available to save some money. if he is just getting started, that would probably be a good option to consider.

[sandraskates]

Our cell phone service is through T-Mobile but our Internet service (we do have WiFi) is through a really good local provider.

If there is a local provider in your area check on their prices too. No bundling required.

[Moonchilde]

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@ValuSkr wrote:

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@SilleeMee wrote:

The cheapest plans are usually the ones with bundles. Stay with one provider for all services...tv, landline, isp and cell. A word of caution though. When I cancelled my landline phone service, my bill went UP for the rest of my bundle. They told me that's the way they keep customers from ditching their landline phones.

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Similar situation here.  I had a triple-play bundle with Verizon FIOS.  When I tried to cancel the TV portion, their price for double-play (land line + internet) was actually more than my triple-play price.  So I kept the TV (just a basic package of over-the-air channels) and the triple-play. ... Which is exactly what they wanted - they don't like telling shareholders they're losing cable TV customers.

Guess I'll have to drop both TV and land line to see any savings.

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This type of scenario (ATT does it too, as does cable) is what I was advising to watch out for. Bundling is not always the best option. And then there's the ol' fabulous price for  years - and then watch it double after the 2 years are up. I was just saying Buyer Beware and in the interest of budget constraints (which the person has), don't sign up for anything you don't need or might want to cancel. And yes, sounds like the slower speed internet would be fine for them, so that puts it at about $20-25/mo. 

[Nuttmeg]

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@KYToby wrote:

No one here would be able to give you a definitive answer to that question. 

Your best bet would be to contafct Verizonj to see the cost of DSL service (which should include wifi).  This may be the best option since he already had a landlinle with tjem.

After that, contact the local cable company and find out the cost (it may be higher sice he has no TV).  The cable company, thoughj, may offer phone service which could end up being cheaper than Verizon.

Ultimately, you need to find out the installation charges and the monthly charges from both, then you will be able to compare and decide.

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In my area of NJ, Verizon should stop selling DSL service. The service is slow and the only way to get it is with a bundle of Direct TV. I mean slow .5-1.3 Mbps.

You should contact your cable company. They have a program for families with limited resources.

[KathyPet]

THere are really only two providers available.  VErizon and who ever the local cable provider is.  BOth companies are in competition with each other.  OFten you can get a special bundled price for a much lower rate BUT that special rate is only good for one year and then the price goes up.  WHen you compare prices and find out what the prices are for equal,services after the first year is up you will probably find little difference between VErizon and the cable provider.

[JustJazzmom]

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@KathyPet wrote:

THere are really only two providers available.  VErizon and who ever the local cable provider is.  BOth companies are in competition with each other.  OFten you can get a special bundled price for a much lower rate BUT that special rate is only good for one year and then the price goes up.  WHen you compare prices and find out what the prices are for equal,services after the first year is up you will probably find little difference between VErizon and the cable provider.

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But for those special locked in prices, when it gets towards renewal time, a person can call and renegotiate the pricing terms -- yes, it's annoying but you have to play this game to see continued savings or a certain reduced rate. Threatening nicely to go to a competitor always gets their interest.

[wildcat fan]

@pggoody That is so nice of you to help this person.  😊

We we started with ATT but switched to a local cable provider.  I suggest you do some research.  I just looked in my yellow pages in the phone book and consulted the reps at our local Best Buy.  I was surprised we had so many options where we live.  I called them all to comparison shop and selected our current provider based on their price and speed.