the Price of Basic Cable

I have expanded analog cable, which includes approximately 80 channels, including local channels. The monthly bill is for $33, which breaks down into $29 for service and approximately $4 in taxes and fees. I do not have any premium channels. The cable service does not include a set top box or remote control; I use my television directly to change channels. It is not digital; there is no on-screen guide and no HDTV service.

The picture on many stations has static or interference, and the picture brightness often fades in and out from dark to light. Only analog cable was available in my building even though the cable company has digital cable in other buildings on our block. I asked the installer whether our building would have digital cable soon, and he said that the digital cable line already comes into the building, but they hadn't "gotten around" to hooking it up yet. They don't appear to be concerned with delivering the best possible service. We did not have a choice of receiving HDTV signals, a digital on-screen guide, or a Digital Video Recorder. The cable has not been disconnected or interrupted in the past few months since it was installed.

Shop around for the latest deals instead of contacting the cable company directly first. Find out all services that are available in your area, so that you can compare them. Never sign a time-based contract unless you're certain that you will be happy with the level of service that the cable company is able to provide.