Find the Best Cable Companies and Satellite TV Providers in Indianapolis, IN

Choosing a cable company or satellite TV provider in Indianapolis

Cable and satellite TV companies in Indianapolis are becoming more competitive each year, and companies are adding new features and services to gain an edge in the market. When choosing between television providers, a few things to consider include:

• Channel selection: When choosing between satellite and cable TV companies, make a list of the channels you plan to watch the most. Everyone in your family has their favorite shows, so be sure the company and the package you choose includes the news programming, sports channels, movie options and other types of content that you want.
• Contract: Most Indianapolis cable companies require you to sign a contract of at least one year, and the standard contract is often two years. Make sure you’re willing to stay with a cable company that long to avoid termination fees.
• Bundling: Many cable and satellite TV providers also offer internet and phone service. By bundling these services with the same company, you generally receive a discount.
• Reliability: Reliable service is important. Many people enjoy satellite television because of the more extensive selection of channels, but they may lose reception during severe weather. In Indianapolis, thunderstorms in summer and snow, ice and wind in winter can affect the satellite signal.

Types of cable and satellite TV

Your entertainment and information needs determine which television package you should choose. For those who only want access to Indianapolis news and major national channels, a basic cable package comes at an affordable price. If you enjoy specialty television, such as cooking shows, sports or nature channels, you should go with a premium cable package that includes hundreds of channels.

Some companies also offer television programming streamed through the internet. Some of these channels, such as YouTube TV and Sling, offer live programming and services similar to traditional cable and satellite TV companies. Others, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, offer video-on-demand services that complement a cable or satellite TV service.

Most internet-based television providers offer month-to-month contracts without requiring a long-term commitment. These services require strong internet and a membership that is paid monthly or annually.

Cable vs. satellite TV

Cable companies and satellite TV providers in Indianapolis have different strengths and weaknesses, and it’s crucial to consider the differences when choosing a service.

• Cable television companies transmit a signal through a physical wire, which means your service is less affected by weather and has fewer outages. Installation is usually simple and requires only a receiver that plugs into your television. Cable companies have limited service areas that can vary by neighborhood, however, and the service typically costs more per channel.
• Satellite television often has a wider selection of programming and costs less per channel than cable. Satellite companies also transmit a wireless signal that is available nearly everywhere. To receive the signal, however, you have to install a dish, which may not be allowed by your landlord or homeowners association. The wireless signal is also susceptible to outages in severe weather.

How much does cable and satellite TV cost in Indianapolis?

The average cable or satellite TV customer pays between $85 and $100 per month for service, according to the Federal Communications Commission. The amount you pay depends on the package you choose. Basic cable that includes only local and national broadcast channels starts at $20 to $30 a month, but adding sports packages or paid movie channels can increase the cost to closer to $100 a month.

Indianapolis consumers looking for cheap cable can get a basic package from satellite companies like DISH or DIRECTV for as little as $40 or $50 per month. Read the contract carefully, however — some companies offer two-year deals with dramatic price increases in the second year.

Some satellite and cable TV companies in Indianapolis charge installation fees between $100 and $200, though others waive this fee for new subscribers. Many introductory price packages include installation fees or waive the amount you’d usually pay, so don’t be afraid to ask for this discount.