What is a basic cable package?

The cable TV basic service tier is defined as the lowest service package offered by the cable industry for television distribution. It has a subscription-based model, which allows you to have access to local broadcast channels as well as several basic cable channels. Here is a closer look at what is typically included in a basic cable package:

Local Broadcast Channels

A basic cable package will consist of local terrestrial broadcast stations that are over the air in your region. This usually includes major networks such as:

• ABC
• CBS
• NBC
• Fox
• PBS

These local broadcast stations also air popular national shows such as news, sporting events, reality shows, comedies, dramas, douc-sitcoms, and many others without subscribing to cable. However, cable connection can sometimes enhance the quality and stability of local TV signals and stations.

Basic Cable Channels

The basic package of cable companies also includes a package of local broadcast channels and a limited list of basic cable channels. The exact channels included can vary depending on your cable provider, but most basic packages include many of the following:

• C SPAN – Broadcast and cable television network focusing on public affairs programming.
• Home Shopping Networks – QVC and HSN Home shopping networks consist of television networks that endorse and sell consumer goods directly to consumers.
• Local Access Channels – They can contain local content.
• Local Sports Channels – Many regional sports channels cover sports events in specific regions.
• MTV, VH1, and CMT are some of the available music channels.
• Children’s TV stations – Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon.
• Leader: CNN, Fox News, MSNBC.
• OMG Networks – TruTV, Spike TV, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, CMT.
• Bible Teaching and Learning Channels – TBN, EWTN.
• Weather Channel – National and local weather • News.

These are the Cable networks, which provide a variety of Music, shopping, kids, lifestyle, and basic entertainment programs. Some of the channels that are typically omitted in basic packages are sports giants such as ESPN, FS1, and regional sports networks that are typically bundled in high-end tier packages.

Number of Channels

The various cable providers that offer basic cable packages may have different amounts of cable channels available to the public. These basic bundles give customers between 20-60+ channels depending on the service provider and location. A package that may contain only the local broadcast stations may be referred to as “Limited Basic” while those with more cable networks included may just be referred to as the “Basic Cable”.

Therefore, the initial plans provided by the satellite companies such as DIRECTV and Dish Network have always contained a larger number of channels (between 60-100) than the initial packages provided by the majority of the cable companies like Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, Cox Communications, among others that only provide about 20-60 channels. Instead, Cable operators have been using more channels as a way of competing for the customer’s attention in the market.

Cost/Price

Cable basic services are the cheapest when it comes to cable TV services to provide customers with television programs. They cost approximately $25-55 dollars per month with the normal rate being between $35-45 dollars per month. However, a common strategy used to capture new customers is the provision of promotional offers that can lower the monthly price for the first year of service. Other miscellaneous fees and taxes are also normally included in the total cost but over and above the basic package price.

This way we can define the providers on the base of the number of channels as well as the monthly cost of the basic offer. This has the effect of hiding the actual cost of service as some of the amounts are not included in the quoted price. The subscription can also be made with internet or home phone services, and this can also potentially result in lower monthly tariffs.

Pros and Cons

The main fascination with basic cable packages is the affordability of a small monthly fee to view national programming offered by numerous broadcast networks plus a selection of basic cable stations. The cost makes it extremely affordable especially when compared with other channels that offer more powerful packages. This means families, especially those living on low incomes like senior citizens, can afford cable TV services.

But the biggest disadvantage is the fact that, even in the basic package, many of the most watched cable channels will not be included, especially sports channels. The limited channel selection will mean that the value that you get from the basic package may not justify cable TV if this is your principal source of entertainment. However, it is still good for occasional use in a second, nonprimary viewing location.

Upgrading Options

Many cable operators offer this choice in the form of ‘pick and choose’ where they allow customers to add other channel packages on top of their base cable packages such as additional sports, movies, family, and others. However, it is highly undesirable to combine different channel add-ons as this can lead to a sharp rise in costs.

However, to be able to watch a more extensive list of cable channels, you will need to switch to a better package offered by digital cable. The second tier or the mid-level packages such as “Preferred” or “Expanded Basic” provide more channel options with 100+ cable channels in its package for a better deal. It is also worth noting that, like most IPTV services, you can just expect your monthly rate to increase proportionally.

Cutting the Cord?

Today, other streaming services, in this case, are also capturing the viewers’ attention and pose a considerable threat to conventional pay TV. Currently, for the price of a single month’s subscription to a basic cable package, a consumer gets access to thousands of on-demand programs, movies, and exclusive content through streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video with no strings attached. And products like Sling and YouTube TV emulate the traditional live cable channels over the internet. If one can do without a few of the cable channels that he or she holds dear, “cutting the cord” is now completely possible for most viewers.

So to sum up, an inexpensive basic cable plan is an opportunity to get a live cable at a relatively low price. But it is also important to make sure to list all the required channels and to review all the TV viewing choices available before subscribing. These changes have benefited the streaming platforms and the consumers since it has offered more options while also adding confusion. To understand your basic options in the cable sector, recognizing which classes you will need to take is the first step to getting the most amount of TV entertainment for your family at the lowest cost possible.

Ready to upgrade your TV experience? Call us now at (877) 471-4808 to find the perfect Dish Network plan for you! Don’t miss out on great entertainment—our team is here to help you choose the best package and get you started today.