When you are making the decision on whether to order satellite television services or cable television services, there are several things to take into consideration before you make that call to place the order.

1. Basic Package – Compare what channels you would receive with a basic package, from either option ,and compare the prices of those packages. Receiving more channels for less money may not also be the best choice if the basic package doesn’t include the channels you want to watch.
2. What channels do you want? Most people have their ‘must have’ list of television networks and channels. Make sure and write those down, and determine which packages you’d need to purchase from each provider, in order to receive all the channels on that list. Now compare your costs, again.
3. Number of TV’s – How many televisions to intend to connect to the satellite or cable service? Is there additional charges that you will need to factor in for the additional television sets?
4. Location of TV’s – Which rooms are you planning to have your televisions in? Are there cable jacks already available in all those rooms? Are the jacks located on walls where you intend to place your television? There may be additional expenses involved if you need to add television jacks to your home.
5. Length of contract – Do you need contract with the service provider for a certain period of time in order receive the price you have been quoted? What are the penalties if you choose to change providers during that time? What are the consequences if you would need to move before the end of the contract?
6. Reliability – You may want to check with other customers of those services in your neighborhood to determine how reliable the television reception has been and whether or not the service has been adversely affected by weather.
7. Internet service – Will the television service provider be able to provide you with internet service as well? Would there be a discounted rate for bundling the two services from one provider? What speeds are available for downloads and uploads to the internet through their service? Are there any limitations to the amount of data transferred monthly or daily?
8. Customer service – Check online to find out whether the company has a reputation for good customer service. Problems can occur with any service, but a prompt and courteous service department can make up for those issues.
9. Installation – Does your television service provider also do the installation of the equipment and at what cost? Also, be sure to ask how long to expect the installation to take.
10. Other options – Are satellite and cable television your only options for television viewing? Some individuals have opted to avoid the expense of either option and do much of their television watching online through their computer instead.

It seems that there are always a list of options and considerations with every decision we make these days. The choice of a television service provider is no exception.