Bundles have changed a lot over the last few years, but with the right bundle, you could get everything you need for a good price all on one monthly bill. However, bundling doesn’t meet everyone’s individual needs. So, let’s go over what bundling is, what the pros and cons are and from there you’ll have all the information you could want to decide if bundling is good for your family or not.
What Does It Mean To Bundle TV, Internet & Phone?
A bundle is where you can get several services from one provider on the same bill. For example if you’re looking for TV packages and internet, you could get both services from the same company or separate companies. They’re pros and cons to both scenarios that we’ll go over in a little bit.
Traditional bundles can be double play that include TV and internet or triple play that include TV, internet and home phone. Traditionally bundles have kept monthly bills lower for customers and made shopping for what they need less stressful.
However, a lot has changed in recent years. Providers have added more than the traditional three services to their list of offers and have seemed to cut back on the discounts they used to provide. Bundling used to be a tactic used to keep home phone subscribers, but customers eventually canceled anyway due to everyone having a cell phone. Why call the kitchen counter when you can call someone directly?
The Pros Of Bundling
There’s a reason why everyone looks for a bundle; it’s often cheaper and more convenient. But that’s not the only reason why people seek out a bundle. Here’s the top five reasons why bundling is an excellent choice.
- One stop shopping with one installation appointment and one monthly bill
- Better perks and new customer promotional offers
- More services like whole home Wi-Fi with faster internet speeds
- Less work to switch providers
- Better troubleshooting and customer service options
The Cons Of Bundling
Unfortunately, there’s cons to bundling too. That’s why it’s important to shop smart and stick to your pre planned budget. It’s so easy to add extra services you didn’t intend on purchasing.
- Your total monthly bill will be higher versus multiple smaller ones
- Might be locked into a service contract
- Set bundles don’t leave room for negotiating power
- Separate services may have better internet speeds, lower monthly bills or better channels
- May end up with services you do not need or would use
What Happened To Bundling Discounts?
If you’ve already started shopping around for TV and internet, you might be asking yourself where all the bundling discounts go. Unfortunately, those deep discounts we were used to in the early 2000’s when we bundled are long gone. In fact, many providers are not giving you any kind of break on the traditional bundle at all! We did the research, and we didn’t find any bundle from any major provider that gave any sort of discount deeper than simple pocket change.
Instead, you’re looking at temporary price breaks in the forms of promotional pricing, free installation, limited time free whole home Wi-Fi, limited time free equipment and gift cards. Here’s some of the better deals out right now:
- AT&T is giving a $150 gift card for getting the 1000 plan or faster
- Hughesnet has $25-$30 off for 12 months and free professional installation
- Hughesnet is offering a $100 gift card when you subscribe to their internet service
- Metronet is offering a $200 gift card when you get the 1 or 2 gig internet plans
- Spectrum gives the Xumo Stream Box for free for 6 months when you get Spectrum TV
- Spectrum gives your second unlimited mobile line free for 12 months
- Verizon Fios is giving 6 months of Disney+ for free in their streaming bundle
- Verizon Fios is offering $50 Xbox gift card as a part of their gaming bundle
You Can Bundle More Than Just TV, Internet & Phone
Bundling isn’t just reserved for TV, internet and phone services. Many providers like Spectrum, Xfinity, Verizon Fios and Metronet allow you to bundle your mobile phone, whole home Wi-Fi and home security services too.
