As inflation continues to squeeze household and business budgets across the country, finding ways to cut expenses has become more critical than ever. One area where South Central South Dakota residents and businesses can often find significant savings is their cable and internet bill. We’ve received numerous inquiries from local businesses and nonprofits about how they can reduce or even eliminate these costs, and through our research, we’ve identified several practical options.
Why This Matters Now
Inflation has driven up the cost of nearly everything—goods, services, and especially utilities. Traditional cable services, which often bundle internet, TV, and phone, have become a prime target for reduction, particularly with so many alternatives available. Many of our clients, from small businesses to nonprofits, are feeling the strain of cable bills that, in some cases, are topping an eye-watering $3,000 per month. That’s simply unacceptable. For companies in South Dakota to remain profitable under inflationary pressures, cutting unnecessary expenses like this is crucial.
So, whether you’re a business or a household, it’s time to take a hard look at your cable bill and explore alternatives.
Free Alternatives to Traditional Cable
Believe it or not, there are several free ways to access live TV and entertainment without paying a dime for cable:
- Roku TV: Roku offers a range of free channels and apps, giving you access to a variety of content, including news, sports, and entertainment.
- Pluto TV: This free streaming service provides access to over 250 channels of live TV, as well as on-demand movies and shows.
- Samsung TV Plus: If you have a Samsung smart TV, you’re in luck! Samsung’s TV Plus offers free live streaming channels at no extra cost.
- Over-the-Air (OTA) Antenna: For many, simply installing an antenna is enough to receive free, high-definition local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. If you live in South Central South Dakota, this could be a fantastic option, given our access to clear broadcasting signals.
Paid Streaming Alternatives
If your needs go beyond what free services can offer, there are affordable paid streaming options that can significantly reduce costs compared to traditional cable:
- DirectTV Stream: Offering unlimited concurrent streams, DirectTV Stream is a popular option for businesses or large families who need access across multiple devices.
- Philo TV: With three concurrent streams, Philo offers a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much in terms of content.
Both of these options provide significant savings compared to traditional cable and still give you the flexibility to watch on multiple devices.
Overpriced Streaming Options
While streaming services are generally more affordable, not all of them represent a good deal. Here are a few options that, while popular, may not offer the best bang for your buck:
- YouTube TV (3 concurrent streams): While offering a wide range of channels, YouTube TV’s price point puts it on the higher end of streaming services.
- Sling TV (4 concurrent streams): Another popular option, but once you add the extras needed for a full cable experience, Sling TV can quickly become costly.
- Hulu + Live TV (2 concurrent streams): Hulu’s live TV option is pricier than it should be, given the limited number of concurrent streams.
The “Way Overpriced” Option: Traditional Cable
Lastly, let’s talk about traditional cable, which is quickly becoming an outdated and overly expensive option for South Central residents. Local providers, such as Goldenwest, offer cable packages that often far exceed the value provided by modern streaming services. For businesses and households alike, traditional cable is, frankly, way overpriced.
We’ve seen some of our residential and business customers paying upwards of $3,000 a month for bundled services. That’s an astronomical figure for services that can be obtained elsewhere for a fraction of the cost.
Conclusion: The Time to Cut the Cord Is Now
If you or your business are still relying on traditional cable services, now is the perfect time to rethink that strategy. With free options like Roku TV and Pluto TV, as well as affordable streaming services like DirectTV Stream and Philo TV, there’s no reason to continue paying sky-high rates for a service you can get for much less—or even for free.
By switching to these alternatives, South Dakota companies and residents can make meaningful reductions in their monthly expenses and free up resources for more critical business needs.
At Cybertek Systems, we can assist you in reviewing your cable, internet, and streaming service costs and help you find the best options for your needs. Whether you’re looking to cut expenses or explore new technology solutions, we’re here to help. Contact us today, and let’s find a way to reduce those burdensome bills and invest that money where it matters most.
Click our Get Support button in the top right-hand corner of our website or call us at 605 842 8324.