How much do you spend on telecom services at home? Are you thoroughly using them all? Are you anxious about calling your providers or overwhelmed by possible alternatives?

There have become myriad choices of television services and more high speed Internet plans to support them. If all you seek is an advocate to help you determine what you need, navigate acquisition, and set it up for easy access, let me know.

Decision Paralysis

In some areas, the number of choices of Internet and television services borders on insane, but most people need not get overwhelmed. Rather, the most important thing is to consider which services actually benefit you.

For example, if you watch television, which channels must you have? Or, to choose Internet bandwidth, how many people and devices need to connect simultaneously and for what kinds of content? Or, do you need more than one phone line or none at all?

Second, in the space of streaming TV services, each offers a free trial. Test first before you commit and before you cancel your conventional cable service.

Resources & Tools

To help identify a streaming television service that satisfies your needs, The Streamable and Suppose.TV offer two valuable tools. Identify the channels you want and these websites filter the range of services to help you select.

Additionally, Clark Howard has a wealth of reviews and suggestions for navigating this landscape, including reviews of each leading competitor and comparisons among them. Overall, he says you can cut a $100 TV bill in half if you’re willing to forego some channels and learn a new interface.

If you don’t watch TV but enjoy movies, maybe the question is whether your Internet connection and device choices support this experience. Let’s discuss your needs.

What About PBS?

If your local PBS station is on your “must have” list, you’re not out of luck. However, you won’t find it with a streaming service (learn why) unless you’re okay with on-demand content. For live PBS, I recommend a digital antenna.

It may seem an antiquated concept but in many locales, a new-fashioned HDTV antenna is just the ticket for accessing local broadcast networks including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS.

I like the $35 Mohu ReLeaf for its green values—made in the United States from recycled paper as well as plastic repurposed from cable boxes. However, it’s worth using their channel lookup tool to verify availability in your neighborhood. Alternatively, use NoCable’s tool for a broader scope.

Forgetting the Box?

I know what you’re thinking. “If I cancel my cable television service, don’t I still need a device to watch TV?” Perhaps. Some smart TVs have everything you need to connect to your new streaming services.

Otherwise, I recommend an Apple TV. No, Apple TV is not an actual television; it’s a small box and remote with powerful software to help you access the content you want to consume—TV, movies, your photo library, games, and more.

P.S. I’ll still help you set up and navigate your device if choose a competitor like Roku or Amazon Fire.

Still overwhelmed? Feel free to contact me for support. I’m happy to help you explore the landscape, choose a money-saving alternative if one exists, and learn to use it.