Consumer Reports just surveyed 69,000 readers about their telecom services. Of those who bundled, a whopping 85 percent said they would probably do it again. Triple-play bundles in particular can help you maximize savings and get nice extras like free installation.
Two fast-growing fiber-optic services, Verizon Fios and AT&T U-verse, received top scores for their Internet and TV services. And both were among the better phone providers.
These days, companies from fiber to cable to satellite are aggressively wooing customers with everything from $100 Visa gift cards to free netbooks.
You can save if you're prepared to switch carriers or negotiate with your current provider once your promotional period is over. Go online to find the best deal in your area. When you call, see whether your provider will match it.
More tips to help reduce your telecom costs:
Ask to speak to a manager if a representative isn't able to give a better deal.
Don't pay more for a higher-speed broadband service unless you share a lot of videos or stream multiple videos at one time.
Ask what the first month's total bill will be, including extra charges, as well as the amount of subsequent bills.
Billing gripes, including higher than expected costs, were the No. 1 complaint in the Consumer Reports survey.
Consumer Reports says check out the service you're buying carefully to be sure you're getting the services you want. For example, if you want to be able to watch football on TV, then your only choice is DirectTV, as it has exclusive NFL packages.
Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.
In our area, Verizon FiOS was tops for best bundled telecom service overall.
Comcast was toward the very bottom of the list at number 11 out of the 12 companies rated.
Comcast tells Action News it is very focused on improving the customer experience and has made real progress since the Consumer Reports survey was conducted last spring. The company says while it still has work to do, it is on the right track.
And Comcast is now offering the new Comcast customer guarantee. If you're not satisfied and want to cancel service for any reason within 30 days - Comcast promises to give you your money back.
But no matter who your provider is:
"You can save if you're prepared to switch carriers or negotiate with your current provider once your promotional period is over," Rosalind Tordesillas of Consumer Reports said. "Go online to find the best deal in your area. When you call, see if your provider will match it."
Here's a sample script of exactly what to say when you're negotiating. This is based on what's really worked for customers:
"My bundled bill just shot up and I can't afford to pay this much. I checked with my internet service provider and if I switch my phone and internet service back to them, I could save $20 a month over what I'll pay with this new rate. I'd like to stay with you if you can meet those savings."
That's how you start bargaining.
