Find the Best Cable Companies and Satellite TV Providers in Cincinnati, OH

Choosing a cable company or satellite TV provider in Cincinnati

Cable companies aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each provider in Cincinnati offers different channel options, contract requirements and service bundles, such as internet and phone packages. These factors influence the cost of your television package, so it’s worth the time to consider each carefully.

Another consideration is the cable company’s reputation for reliability and uninterrupted service. There are many tree-filled Cincinnati neighborhoods, such as Indian Hill or Wyoming, and this can cause satellite disruptions with companies that have a reputation for poor service.

Types of cable and satellite TV

Cable television has come a long way in recent years, and technological advances make it easier than ever to have crystal clear reception. There are a few different types of cable and satellite TV providers in Cincinnati, such as:

• Basic cable: This is the most affordable cable package, and typically only includes your standard selection of national and local broadcast channels.
• Extended basic cable: These mid-range packages add on some of the most popular cable channels, such as ESPN and CNN.
• Premium cable: Higher tiers of cable packages include a wider variety of channels, such as HBO and other blockbuster movie channels.

Your channel preferences and budget requirements will determine which of these satellite or cable TV packages are right for you.

Cable vs. satellite TV

There are a few benefits and detriments to both cable and satellite television. Here are some of the most common observations of each service type:

Cable TV vs. satellite TV

The Ohio Department of Commerce has regulations in place for cable TV providers but not satellite providers. These regulations require cable companies to follow specific customer service standards for Ohio customers.

Alternatives to cable and satellite TV

As an alternative to traditional cable, you can opt to stream cable services through an internet-based service. Despite the commonly used name, these services use no cables and can be accessed on any compatible device. Unlike cable or satellite TV, these services do not work directly with your television and require using a smart TV or add-on device, such as an Amazon Fire TV or Roku system.

Popular satellite television company DIRECTV offers an internet-based service called DIRECTV NOW, and YouTube has launched YouTube TV. Many of these companies provide tiered services, letting you receive more channels for an additional cost, and offer month-to-month service instead of requiring a contract.

How much does cable and satellite TV cost in Cincinnati?

Most people pay between $85 and $100 a month for cable or satellite TV services. While both are around the same price range, satellite TV providers are usually cheaper per channel than their cable competitors. You can find some cheap basic cable packages for around $15 a month, though the average cable TV cost can run up to $50.

Satellite TV packages also start around $50, with providers like DISH and DIRECTV having similar price ranges. Both of these options increase in cost with the addition of movie or other premium channels.

If you’re signing a contract with your provider, be sure to look at the fine print. Many companies offer two-year contracts that have discounted rates for the first year that can nearly double in price in the second year. Ask your provider what the true cost is over the life of the contract.

Most cable and satellite providers in Cincinnati charge installation fees of up to $100, but keep an eye out for the best cable deals that might waive this fee.