Streaming Frequency & Devices
The majority of Aussies tune into a streaming service every single day, our survey found. About a third tune in a few times a week, while 6% said they only log in on a weekly basis.
When it comes to which devices are favoured for streaming, it seems the good old living room television is still the main go-to, with 83% using their TV for streaming. Almost a third use their phone, 25% use their laptop, 19% their tablet, and 11% the computer.
Almost half of respondents to our survey said that their streaming services are worth the money. If youre one of these people, thats awesome. But if youre not happy with the value you get, dont go on paying for something you dont use, even if it is just a few dollars a month. And dont forget about the free trials, as you may find it a great way to try before you buy.
Can I Get Sky In My Area
Sky is widely available across the UK. If you own your own house, you can easily get a satellite dish installed by Sky engineers. Problems only arise when you live in a rented property or a flat, which may not allow you to have a dish installed to the exterior of your home.
Many apartment buildings will have a communal satellite dish installed so that each flat can then have access to Sky TV services via their own individual set-top boxes.
If you do have some limitations when it comes to satellite TV, you can still enjoy the full Sky TV experience with Sky Glass. Sky Glass is a smart TV with built in Sky services that you can access via your internet connection. You don’t even need to subscribe to Sky broadband to access it.
You can use our TV postcode above to see what services are available at your postcode. But if youre only interested in Sky TV, you can see all the latest Sky TV deals here.
Take a look at our Sky TV postcode checker.
Virgin Media: The Uks Top Cable TV Provider
Virgin Medias roughly 5 million subscribers enjoy a high quality digital TV service that brings them up over 200 digital television channels including Sky 1, ESPN, Discovery and FX along with the full range of Freeview channels. Sports fans can enjoy a great line-up that includes ESPN, Eurosport and Sky Sports 1.
The V6 is the latest set top box from Virgin Media. All Virgin TV 360 boxes, including the Mini Boxes, are 4K and HDR-ready.
If youre thinking of switching your TV provider, then its worth checking that youre backing the right horse before putting your money down. Our comparison tables let you do just that, ensuring you get the important information so you can make the right choice.
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A Great Variety Of Programming
Whatever your tastes, you should be able to find a TV package that ticks all your boxes as theres such a huge amount of content out there. From the best UK and US entertainment and drama, an array of live sporting events or lists of the latest Hollywood blockbusters, you cant fail to find something thatll whet your appetite.
About The Author Of This Page
This report was written by Canstar Blues Content Projects Lead, Dean Heckscher. Hes our resident expert on all things automotive, health & fitness, streaming and more. Dean is also one of Canstar Blues customer research report producers, helping to turn complicated subjects into easily-digestible information for our readers. Hes passionate about helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services.
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Cons Of Cable Internet
Network congestionThis issue is mostly a thing of the past, but there may be areas where cable internet customers still experience slowdowns due to high internet activity in their neighborhoodslike during the evening, for instance. Cable lines can handle a lot of bandwidth, but they all converge to a node that feeds internet into the neighborhood. To help ease congestion, cable internet providers like Xfinity and Spectrum are adding more and more nodes. So, while it does happen, network congestion isnt usually a huge problem for cable internet customers.
Slower upload speedsThe speed cable ISPs advertise for specific plans is the max speed available for that planupload speeds are different. Upload speeds for cable internet are usually only one tenth of the download speed. Most of us are download-heavy users and get by just fine with cable internets limited upload bandwidth.
Can be expensiveCable internet plans can get expensive, though this is largely dependent on your region and which ISPs you have to choose from. If youre in an area with only a single ISP, rates could be higher due to a lack of competition. Also, some ISPs are just plain pricey for what you get.
Want to know what plans are available in your area? Enter your zip code into our search tool to find out.
Data as of 8/01/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
* For the first 12 months. Some packages require a 1- or 2-year contract.
How To Choose The Best Cable TV Alternative For You
You can filter through the best cable TV alternatives in a couple of ways. The easiest, of course, is by price. If you want to spend less than $40 per month, you’ve got an easy buying decision. Sling TV â either its Orange or Blue packages â is the only option, and it costs a relatively low $30 per month. It may not offer as many channels, but everything else starts at least at $50, which can be frustrating when you also want streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus that cost $6 to $13 per month.
But if you need all of your available local broadcast channels â ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC â your choices move away from Sling TV to all of its competitors. Hulu With Live is the most affordable to give you all four locals and costs $10 less than YouTube TV. Plus, you get those buzzworthy originals like Normal People, Shrill, Ramy and Little Fires Everywhere.
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What Is The Least Expensive Way To Watch TV
The least expensive way to watch TV is to probably by visiting your library and seeing what services that they offer. Other options may include:
- If you already pay for and use Amazon Prime for other reasons , then watching TV through Amazon may be an affordable option for you because it is a service that you are already using.
- Netflix is a very popular option due to its low cost and wide selection of movies, documentaries, TV shows, and more. If you are going to go with just one option, then Netflix may be a low cost and easy choice for you.
- If youre looking to spend nearly no money over the years, then finding a digital antenna may be a good option for you. This is because you can spend money by simply buying a digital antenna upfront, and then having to spend no additional money in future months to watch TV.
There are many other great options to save the most money and watch TV without cable or satellite as well.
Maps For Available TV And Internet Providers
We think finding a cable provider that covers your area should be simple, so we made a map that details cable TV and internet coverage across the United States with a focus on cable availability by provider. It makes finding a providers service area easy, allowing you to zoom in to see more details about cable TV coverage by region.
You might notice there are only one or two companies that offer cable TV service to your home. Although there are hundreds of options for cable TV service nationwide, there may be only a few available in your zip code. This is usually because your local municipality determines which providers theyll contract with. We also offer individual availability maps for the larger cable companies below so you can get a better idea of whether or not your preferred provider services your area.
Once youve explored the maps, the best way to zero in on which cable or satellite TV company services your specific area is to enter your zip code. Using that information, we can put our powerful tools to work, allowing you to compare packages, read reviews, and get the best deals available for TV service in your area. Enter your zip code now, and get started exploring the best cable and satellite TV has to offer for your home.
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Netflix: World Famous Video Streaming
The world’s most popular streaming service
Without a doubt, Netflix is the biggest thing in Australia TV right now. Like Fetch TV, Netflix is seen as a major threat to the dominance of Foxtel in the Pay TV segment, but it is a very different product. You could even argue it is a complementary offer for true fans of TV.
Pros:
- Cheap monthly fee and no set-up costs
- Watch Netflix anywhere you are
- Stream Netflix exclusive shows and movies
- Great range of genre films, cult classics and documentaries
Want to know what you can watch on Netflix? Here are our picks!
Search For Cable TV Providers By Postcode
Cable TV providers in the UK are pretty much limited to one: Virgin Media. And while BT TV and TalkTalk TV are often thought of as cable TV since their services are delivered via a cable theyre technically Internet Protocol Television , as theyre delivered via internet cables.
You can search for cable TV providers by postcode with the TV postcode checker above. Alternatively, you can check out the latest Virgin Media broadband and TV deals directly.
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Do Anything Else For Cable TV Alternatives
This might be the best alternative to cable TV, but thats just my opinion.
And heres why, the average person watches over 30 hours of TV a week. If you used just half of those hours finding things to do instead of watching TV, you could probably accomplish something great!
Now, Im not completely hating on TV.
I have my favorite TV shows and can sit in front of a TV for hours on end.
However, for the most part, the average person probably spends way too much time just flipping through channels or watching something that they probably dont even like.
If you feel like you arent accomplishing your goals in life or that you are always pressed for time, then you should first analyze how much time youre wasting each day, especially when it comes to how much TV you watch.
You may not even realize how much time you spend in front of the TV!
Once you realize how much time you are probably wasting in front of the TV, I want you to start taking back some of that time, stop watching as much TV, and put your time to better use by finding things to do instead of watching TV!
Other things you could do with your time that are alternatives to cable TV include:
- Read a book, blog, etc.
- Get a book from the library.
- Go to a museum.
What Are The Advantages Of Bundling With Cable Companies
Cable companies tend to make bundling TV, phone, and internet easy, which means lots of savings for you. Not only are bundles cheaper than buying the services individually, but theyre also convenient because you dont have to deal with more than one supplierthat cuts out hassle and paperwork. Use our site to compare prices and check for providers offering phone, internet, and cable bundles.
Looking to bundle up? Find the best internet and TV package in your area.
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Try All Of Foxtel Now On Us For 1 Month
For new and returning Foxtel Now customers. Telstra consumer post-paid customers only. Offer ends 30 June 2020.
- That’s 70+ Foxtel channels, on us for your first month
- Packs include Essentials, Sport, Movies, Drama, Kids & Docos
- Stream live and On Demand on your mobile, tablet, PC, TV and PlayStation
- After the trial, only pay for the packs youve chosen
Must sign up via Telstra. Requires internet & compatible device. Roll onto Essentials pack .
Where do I signup:
Pay Digital Satellite And Cable TV
There are four main pay digital and cable/satellite providers in Australia:
Not all providers are available in every region, and cable TV is not easily accessible in remote areas.
The main packages supplied by all providers include films, news, documentaries, sports, films and childrens’ programmes.
There are also options to pre-record programmes and for multiple TV set up in the home. For all the options, check the provider’s website or discuss with the sales representative through the selected provider.
Usually the process for set up is straightforward. Once a provider is chosen they will make an appointment to come to the home and install with a cable link or through satellite. The service usually operates through a monthly direct debit arrangement and fees vary according to what package or services are required.
Those living in rented accommodation should get permission from their landlord before installing a satellite dish. It may also be necessary to get permission from the local council too.
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Why Should I Choose Satellite TV
Going with a satellite provider generally gives you more HD channels than cable or live streaming . Satellite TV is also available in many rural areas where cable is not. So you can still keep up with The Bachelorette even if you live outside of your local cable company’s area of service.
The downsides are that you need to have a satellite dish installed on your roof, which can mean extra installation fees, and satellite just isn’t as reliable. Sometimes your signal can get interrupted by bad weather, like harsh snow or wind.
Why Did My Monthly TV Service Bill Increase
There are two reasons your monthly bill might increaseyour promotional pricing has expired, or if you didn’t sign a contract, some companies are subject to increase their service by pennies.
For example, when you get DIRECTV, you’ll receive a promotional price for the first 12 months, and then your monthly price will increase in year two.
It’s definitely not good for your blood pressure, but if you’re careful, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Make sure to ask about any price changes that may happen after your promotional period ends so that you’re not blindsided with a giant bill.
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Sling TV For Alternative Cable TV Options
The way Sling TV works is by giving you access to shows on some of the most popular networks, including live TV. On Sling, you can watch Disney, AMC, TNT, TBS, Comedy Central, and more.
And, I have been hearing more and more people talking about Sling TV as one of the best alternatives to cable TV for sports lovers because Sling TV has ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, NFL Network, and add-ons like SEC Network, NHL Network, and NBA TV. I know that it can be hard to get rid of satellite TV due to sports, but there are options these days!
Sling TV also regularly runs promotions for free streaming devices when you sign up and pay for a couple of months of service.
Sling TV has three plan levels:
- Sling Orange $35/month comes with channels like Disney, Food Network, Comedy Central, and more.
- Sling Blue $35/month comes with channels like Bravo, E!, TLC, and more.
- Sling Blue and Orange $50/month comes with all the channels in Blue and Orange.
If you have Sling TV and are looking for Sling TV alternatives, below is a good, low cost option.
Do I Have More Than One Cable Providers Near Me
TV is at the heart of any home. It brings everyone together by showing entertainment from around the world. That is why finding the right TV service provider can be a difficult task.
It is easy to get stressed out by questions like, do I have access to multiple cable companies in my area? or how many channels can I fit in my plan given the budget? or can I trust a satellite TV service like DIRECTV or should I stick to the finest cable providers in my area, like Spectrum & Xfinity? etc.
Worry not, because LocalCableDeals helps you skip out on all that hard work. Simply enter your zip code, and relax as the tool generates a list of the local cable TV providers near you and compares their applicable offers automatically, so you dont have to.
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What Is Pay TV
Pay TV is a generic term that refers to subscription television services that are provided using analog, digital cable and satellite. In Australia, analog television has been eliminated since 2012, narrowing the choices in how your Pay TV service is brought into your home. Pay TV should not be confused with Pay-per-View, which is a service that allows you to buy one program or movie at a time. Although the terms premium channels or premium television are sometimes used when describing pay TV.
Since pay TV is a subscription-based service, the companies that provide it offer channels and programming that are unique in order to entice new customers to buy their service. Specialised channels are created to appeal to different groups of people. Since advertising on most of these channels is not the main source of revenue, increasing subscriptions with content and channels is the focus rather than who is watching and when.
Pay TV providers have also gained popularity by producing series shows, like the wildly popular Sex and the City or Game of Thrones. Since the program is exclusive to the cable network providing it, viewers must become subscribers in order to watch.
Of course, streaming services have revolutionised the way in which we watch TV. Tuning in on demand is more popular than ever, since a lot of viewers don’t like to depend on a TV schedule. Still, if you’d like to watch TV the old-school way, you have some choice.