Spectrum Equipment And Dvr Rundown
After choosing a cable TV plan, you may be asked whether you want to use an HD Box or Apple TV 4K. Keep in mind that adding TV equipment to your plan is required. Here’s the lowdown.
Spectrum HD Boxes cost $9.99 per month and allow you to view in HD on each TV. The box enables you to access the channels directly, and, for a fee, professional Spectrum installation and support are available. It also includes a universal remote, and you can pay an additional monthly fee for cloud DVR storage.
Good to Know: Your rates may increase after the first year if you don’t sign up for a two-year package. There may also be surcharges and taxes, along with extra fees for equipment, installation, and additional services.
If you opt for the Apple TV 4K, it includes a voice-activated remote, an excellent option if you dislike tiny buttons. You’ll have access to all your channels via the Spectrum TV App. Users can also upgrade to include cloud DVR storage, which allows you to save up to 100 hours of your favorite shows and movies. Note that you’ll be on your own for installation, so reach out to a more tech-savvy family member if that’s not your strength. You can either purchase the device for $180 upfront or pay $8.99 per month for 20 months.
Good to Know: Apple TV 4K is limited to one per online purchase. But if you need to order more, contact Spectrum for support.
Price Hikes After Promotional Rates
Cable companies are notorious for welcoming you in with a discounted rate for a period of six months to two years. However, after that promo rate expires, your monthly price will go up. The new price could be as much as double what you’re paying during the promotional period. For seniors on a fixed income, that could break your budget.Find out how much your rates will rise after the promo period. One service might look a lot cheaper initially but, if their rates go up higher than a competitor after the promo period, you could be better off choosing the slightly more expensive option upfront.
Which Devices Support The Spectrum Tv App
The Spectrum TV App works on Apple iOS, Android and Amazon Kindle devices, as well as Roku players, Xbox and Samsung Smart TVs that are 2012 edition or newer. If you want to watch on your computer, use the same username and password for the Spectrum TV App to log into Spectrums online TV viewing site.
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Spectrum Tv Plans Pricing & Features For Seniors
Here are the cable TV plans seniors can get with Spectrum TV:
| Tier |
With Spectrums cable television plans, you can access the following features:
- Spectrum TV app: allows you to watch channels anywhere
- Spectrum originals
The Spectrum TV app is my favorite part of Spectrum. It allows you to watch unlimited streams simultaneously when youre at home. And 2 streams at once while youre away from home.
If youre visiting someone and dont feel chatty, you could watch channels on your phone.
But you can watch a limited number of channels with the TV app. These depend on the device youre using. Heres a website you can use to see what channels you can watch.
You will need the internet to watch content on the Spectrum TV app. But Spectrum doesnt specify speed requirements. Based on their suggestion for internet speeds for live shows, youll need at least 4.08.0 Mbps download speeds per stream .
For 720 HD or 1080p FHD.
Id use Spectrums recommendation as a benchmark.
The app also prevents you from having to rent additional TV boxes. These boxes cost $9.99 each per device.
You could buy a Roku Express streaming device at Walmart for $24. And this device would allow you to use the Spectrum TV app in multiple rooms that have TVs.
How To Apply For Spectrum Internet Assist
If you believe that you qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist , then apply online by filling out an application online form and providing all required documents to prove your eligibility. Alternatively, you could contact Spectrum directly.
Whether you apply online or via phone, you will receive an instant response from Spectrum representatives and they will schedule the delivery of your service.
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Prerequisite: Understand How Spectrum Works
Before we start, you need some basic information about how Spectrum operates.
Like most cable companies, Spectrum uses a tactic called introductory pricing to sell internet service. This means that the price they advertise is not the actual cost of service its a promotional rate for the first 12 months or so.
Unfortunately, this fact is often downplayed when customers sign up. In fact, if you ask a Spectrum agent what the final price is, they will invariably say: the standard rate at the time your promotion expires.
No matter how you ask, they will be hesitant to reveal the standard rate or the fact that the standard rate can change at any time. This is why so many customers are surprised when their bill suddenly jumps 40%.
The final pricing eventually shows up on bills, so Ive been able to track down the current rates. The plans are regional, generally divided between their upgrade service areas . The pricing is the same for each of the three tiers of service the only difference is the internet speed. While this site is focused on California, Spectrum pricing is more or less the same nationally:
| Plan Name | |
|---|---|
| $109.99/mo | $129.99 |
As you can see, youre looking at anywhere from 1080% price hikes, depending on the promotion you signed up on .
You may also want to try and qualify for a subsidized plan, although those plans have much slower speeds and no TV options.
Lets get started:
How Much Is Spectrum Cable Tv A Month
The Spectrum TV Select service starts at $59.99 per month for 12 months for 125+ channels with FREE HD. Customers can choose from various add-on packs to supplement the base TV package if they want more channels. Premium add-on channels are also available like HBO® , SHOWTIME®, Cinemax®, STARZ® & STARZ ENCORE®, EPIX®, and TMC.
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Switch To Spectrum Internet And Get Up To $500
When you switch to Spectrum, the company will give you up to $500 to cover early termination fees from your current Internet provider contract. All you have to do is be a new Spectrum Internet® customer, provide proof of the ETFs on the final bill from your previous provider, and complete Spectrums Contract Buyout form to get the credit.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Spectrum Tv Package For Seniors
If you’re a senior and you have Spectrum TV, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re getting the most out of your package. First, make sure you’re taking advantage of all the channels that are included in your package. There may be some channels that you don’t watch, but that are included in your package anyway. Second, figure out what features of Spectrum TV work best for you. Some people prefer to use the DVR to record their favorite shows, while others prefer to watch them live. Finally, explore the options that Spectrum offers for streaming content.
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Escalate To A Manager To Check For Promo Offers
If they cant reduce it, ask to speak to a manager, and politely repeat the above script.
Remember, you are frustrated at Spectrum not the call center employees.
For the manager, try expressing frustration about the bait and switch, and say that you werent made aware of the standard rate when you signed up. This may trigger them to offer a discount, if they believe you are going to submit an FCC complaint.
Mi Plan Latino Tv Options
The plan gives you options to do Spanish and English programming and enjoy the most appropriate language for your programs. The option gives you 80+ Spanish language programs in each plan, and you get thousands of On-Demand channels. Each plan gives you the following.
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We Search For Multiple Cable Tv & Satellite Providers For Senior Cable Deals
Spectrum Cable Senior Plans
Although seniors can receive discounts on select Spectrum Internet plans, there are no senior-specific discounts for cable TV. If youre looking for an affordable cable TV plan, then wed recommend Spectrum TV Select, which starts at $59.99 per month for 12 months and has the option of adding more channels to suit your entertainment preferences.
Although Spectrum doesnt have paperless billing discount incentives like Xfinity and other providers, we still think the price point is great for the number of channels youre getting . Plus, there are no contracts, and Spectrum will even reimburse you up to $500 if you switch providers and show proof that you were charged an early termination fee.
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Get Access To Over 500000 Hotspots
Spectrum Internet customers can get free, unlimited access to over 500,000 secure Spectrum WiFi access points after installing their Spectrum WiFi profile. With this many hotspots, you can say goodbye to watching your favorite shows in subpar coffee shops and hello to bufferless binge watching wherever you are.
Spectrum Cable Tv Plans
Disclaimer
Spectrum Internet: Limited time offer subject to change valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum Internet ® promotion price is $49.99/mo standard rates apply after yr. 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. General Terms: INTERNET: Speed based on wired connection and may vary by address. Wireless speeds may vary. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability. ©2022 Charter Communications.
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Why Spectrum Internet Is Ideal For Seniors
In this digital world, every single person deserves access to the internet. Fortunately, Spectrum is one of the few internet providers that have come forward to offer a discounted plan to seniors. It would not be wrong to say that Spectrum offers various internet plans with speeds starting from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
Spectrum also makes sure to offer well-designed packages so you can choose the most suitable plan for your needs. With Spectrum internet, you can enjoy entertainment your way. In fact, you can indulge in your favorite online activities without worrying about lag.
With fast speeds and 99.9% network reliability, it is a whole lot easier to handle everything you do online. What sets Spectrum apart from other providers is that each of its plans comes with a free Internet modem and free antivirus software. Wi-Fi can also be added for an additional $5 per month.
The best part is there are no data caps, which means seniors can use as much data as they need without worrying about penalties for exceeding their monthly data limits.
Above all, to provide flexibility to its senior citizens, the provider keeps its plans contract-free.
Get Enough Internet Speed
All of Spectrums bundles come with 200 Mbps* download speeds, so you dont have much choice here. But, the good news is those speeds should support two to four people, a home office, gaming, video streaming, and several connected devices.
Wed say you should look elsewhere for faster speeds if youve got five or more people using your internet, or if anyones running a home business. Check out our internet speed guide for more recommendations.
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Tv Select + Sports View + Entertainment View
$77.99/mo.
- Adds premium live sports networks
- Channels include NFL RedZone, ESPNews, Outdoor Channel
Enter your zip code below to learn more about Spectrum TV plans.
| View plan |
Other TV providers may stuff their TV plans with no-name channels to puff up their channel lineups, but Spectrums TV options let you pay for the channels you want. Spectrum TV Select is Spectrums starting TV plan, and it comes with 125+ local and basic cable channels thatll cover everybodys TV habits.
Want to catch up on the latest comedies? TBS, Comedy Central, and TNT are there. What about if the big games on? Between ESPN, Fox Sports, and all the major networks, your bases are covered there.
Best Charter Spectrum Internet & Tv Packages For Seniors
Spectrum doesnt offer many internet plans. But I want to help you further narrow your options. Ill cover each plans benefits and who theyre best for.
Unless youre living in a large household, most of Spectrums broadband internet plans have download speeds youll likely never use. For instance, their lowest tier plan has 300 Mbps downstream.
Those speeds could support a home with over 10 people.
As Spectrum increases their available plans, we may update this post to include them.
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Can Spectrum Cover Me
Spectrum Internet is one of the top three largest ISPs in the USA. It offers Internet plans to users across 41 states via hybrid fiber-coaxial infrastructure. To check if your area is covered by the ISP, just enter your address into the Spectrum website. If you live in a major metro area, you will most likely be able to use their services.
Did You Know: Spectrum Internet subscribers get free access to over 500,000 WiFi hotspots, across the nation.
In case you have already signed up for a long-term Internet plan with another service provider, Spectrum Internet gives you an easy out. With its contract buyout program, you may purchase Spectrums Triple Play or limited Double Play package**** and get up to $500 to cover the early termination fee charged by your previous service provider. This offer is valid to customers in select states only.
Call Spectrum Customer Service At 707
When you call Spectrum, your goal is to:
Finding the right agent is easier said than done.
When you first call, youll be given prompts to route your call to the right department. You can either go directly to the cancellation department, or go to general customer service.
I recommend that you start with customer service, because theyre more likely to transfer you to an agent with pricing power than if you go directly to cancellation.
This part is very important: you need to talk to the customer service or billing agent for at least five minutes before they transfer you.
This ensures that they send you to retention, rather than simply giving you cancellation information on the spot.
Retention is where you want to be ultimately, because these agents have the best promotional offers and the most power to lower customer pricing. However, sometimes the customer service agent can grant your request on the spot it depends on the current promotions, and where you call from.
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Tv Select + Internet Ultra + Voice
If you’re looking for a comprehensive bundle with TV, internet, and home phone service, we’d recommend getting this bundle. You’ll get over 125 channels and download speeds up to 500 Mbps, as well as 28 calling features for your home phone. As a perk, you can enjoy free on-demand access in high definition. You’ll also receive a free modem. The voice plan offers unlimited calling to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and has no added fees.
FYI: It might be worth adding a landline to your Spectrum bundle, which costs approximately $15 per month. It’s not a bad deal given that it’s a safety measure in case your mobile phone is lost, damaged, or can’t be recharged. And if there’s an emergency, 911 dispatch knows where you are.
Spectrum Internet Frequently Asked Questions
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Users of Spectrum Internet services also gain free access to antivirus scanning software. With it, you may enjoy real-time protection against threats, in the form of virus and spyware detection and removal.
Amie Clark
Amie has been writing about senior care products and services for the last decade. She is particularly passionate about new technologies that help improve the quality of life for seniors and their families. Seeing her parents and grandparents age made Amie ask herself, Would this be good enough for my loved ones? In her spare time, Amie enjoys outdoor adventures and spontaneous road trips. Learn more about Amie here
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