It’s time to shop for TV service! It’s supposed to be exciting, but there’s a ton of information and what does all this fine print mean? You just want to watch your favorite TV shows, not stress about what you’re about to sign.
Here we’re going to go over the most common language you’ll see in contracts, fine print and web disclaimers. Be prepared with knowledge before choosing TV service, signing any agreements or scheduling any install appointments. Get ready to take notes because we’re diving right in!
Pricing “For 24 Months”
The meaning of this fine print varies. Generally speaking, pricing for 24 months or any amount of months guarantees that you’ll receive the package price at that price for that allotted time. With TV service, it often comes with a contract for the same amount of time, sometimes longer.
For example, DirecTV loves to have customers sign two-year contracts but only guarantee their monthly price for a year. Do your due diligence and don’t get stuck in a contract where your fee doubles halfway through.
“As Low As” Monthly Price
This verbiage is exactly how it sounds; the monthly price listed isn’t getting lower. This price is for the lowest tier TV service that the provider you’re looking at has available. This doesn’t include add on channels, premium channels, equipment lease fees, paper statements, taxes or any upgrades you request.
“Equipment Included” Plan Benefit
Some equipment can be included, but it usually isn’t any kind of equipment you request. It’s a you get what you get, but you can try to negotiate fees and upgrades as a new customer.
It’s actually unusual for TV providers to lend any equipment at all without a fee, but Sling TV and DishLATINO do. If you credit qualify, you’ll get a baseline smart HD DVR. Of course there’s upgrades to it with an equipment fee. The upgrade is pretty cool and well worth it to tech savvy viewers.
“Get Up To $500 To Help You Switch” Deal
This well meaning deal offers to offset the cost of switching TV providers. Your new TV provider wants you as a customer so badly that they’re throwing money at you! This offer can be the real deal, but there’s a lot you have to do to get your money.
Read the disclaimer on this offer carefully. You will need to fill out a form, provide documentation and be a customer for a required amount of time to be eligible for this deal. Plan to front whatever money you owe your old TV provider because your money will come in long after you need to pay your final bill.
“Availability Varies By Location” Disclaimer
You’ll see this disclaimer underneath local and national channel mentions. It is exactly how it reads. You’ll get different local channels than your friends in different cities. This is the TV provider’s way of not listing extra information that has the potential to be inaccurate. If you’re worried about receiving a particular channel, it’s always best to ask the TV provider directly.
“Internet Connection Required” Disclaimer
This disclaimer you’ll find underneath mentions of streaming and DVR upgrades. Of course you’ll need the fast internet to stream, but a lot of DVR’s also use your internet service to deliver their more advanced features. Features like apps, streaming, scheduling recordings, deleting recordings and watching recordings off of your DVR from mobile devices require access to the internet to work properly.
Some internet providers have special apps to provide a better viewing experience. For example DishLATINO has an exclusive app only available on their service called FÚTBOL360°. Within the app you can look up stats on your favorite soccer teams, like upcoming games, scores, and more! For it to work, internet service is required.
