Cable verses the Satellite
There was a time past the only service offered for television reception was the antenna on the roof of the house. If a home was afforded the luxury of a tv set, everyone just watched the station(s) available and was happy. Television has made Americans a part of history. Now every home has the opportunity to watch events live as they happen. But even when the reliable roof antenna was all that was available, history was being made. Examples of past history would be President Kenney's televised funeral and the first walk on the moon. Consumers today are not making a decision on installing cable or satellite based on being a part of history. Add campaigns are focused on the highly popular sports arena.
Both cable and Direct TV offers the Sunday NFL Ticket, College Football, Center Ice and NBA Hoops. The question is how to make a choice. When cable hit the market, this was an alternative to the antenna program so most markets were captive with only one company present. Now there are multipul cable companies in the bigger market places and expanded services with phone and high speed interent are being offered in a bundled package. Direct TV flooded the market with a stragetic add campain focused on customer service. Over time the cable companies let customer service erode until consumers were ready to jump ship with the first offer that came along. In truth, cable companies were lacking in serveral areas for some time.
Common issues like faulty cable boxes, billing errors and suspension of service for being just one day late on paying the bill had worn down the consumer. AT&T was banking on the name to snatch up the consumers that were not loyal to cable. For now at least, the adds are working. The best bang for the buck is to bundle with AT&T for basic phone service, high speed internet connection and Direct TV. Cable companies are rolling over and playing dead right now pretending this wave will wear its self out. Direct TV is still pooring on the adds and staying even with pricing and installation promotions. Cable is trying to lure the consumers back without a loaded gun. If the consumer is looking for quick service to hook up before a special event, then cable is still attractive. Satellite companies take time to get an order processed and completed.
Still satellite is the only way for a RV to have connection to the outside world and satellite radio is very popular in new cars being sold. The best advice for any consumer is to shop and compare what package pricing fits the budget and proceed. Keep in mind two important features of either company: a two year contract is very common and if there is even a hint of a storm, the satellite dish is out for the duration.
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