Cable television has become an integral part of our entertainment and a major source of information. However, with the rising costs of cable subscriptions, it is essential to find ways to save money while still enjoying your favourite shows and channels.
In this piece, Daniel Adaji outlines smart ways to save cost while enjoying the services of cable TV.
Cable TV has gained wide acceptance in Nigeria. It was formerly a luxury when it debuted in the country in 1990.
Currently, many households can boast of a cable TV.
It was introduced in the United States in 1948.
John Walson is credited with establishing the first cable television system in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania.
His goal was to provide television signals to people whose reception was poor due to tall mountains and buildings blocking TV signals.
In areas where over-the-air TV reception was limited by distance from transmitters or mountainous terrain, large community antennas were constructed.
Cable was then run from these antennas to individual homes. CATV systems improved reception of commercial network broadcasts in remote and hilly areas.
The first terrestrial television broadcast signals in Africa occurred on Saturday, October 31, 1959 and belonged to the Western Nigeria Television Service.
This was a critical milestone in television history and today Africa boasts of over 600 television stations (excluding repeater stations).
This historic station was called Western Nigerian Government Broadcasting Corporation.
Located in Ibadan, WNTV did not only marked the birth of television in Nigeria but also became the first TV station in Tropical Africa.
Its primary goal was to promote education and connect citizens to the wider world.
However, over time, it also became a platform for political opposition to broadcast its ideas to Western Nigerians.
Inspired by WNTV’s success, other regions in Nigeria followed suit. In the 1960s, the country saw the rise of additional regional television stations: Radio Kaduna Television; Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation; Benue-Plateau Television Corporation; Mid-west Television.
Today, all the states in the country own at least one TV station. Private TV stations are also scattered across the country.
Cable TV arrived in Nigeria relatively late, gaining prominence in the 1990s and becoming popular in the early 2000s.
The first cable TV provider in Nigeria was Multichoice, which launched its service under the brand name DStv.
While streaming services and digital platforms have changed the landscape of television, cable TV remains a significant part of entertainment for many households.
In today’s digital age, entertainment options abound, but they are often expensive. Cable and streaming TV services can quickly eat into your budget.
But fear not! With a little planning and savvy decision-making, you can enjoy your favorite shows without breaking the bank. Let’s explore some practical ways to save money on your TV services.
Know set your budget
Before diving into TV service options, assess your budget, determine how much you can comfortably allocate to entertainment each month. Next, make a list of your needs and wants.
Research cable TV providers
Selecting the right cable TV provider is crucial. Consider the following factors:
Affordability: Look for providers that offer competitive pricing. Some newer companies provide unique channels and affordable payment plans.
Coverage: Ensure that the provider has comprehensive coverage, allowing you to connect from any location.
Explore cable TV providers in your area. Compare their offerings, channel lineups, and pricing. Look out for any deals, promotions, or discounts tailored to seniors, military personnel, healthcare workers, teachers, and low-income families.
Be cautious with add-ons like sports packages, premium movie channels, or pay-per-view events.
While they can enhance your viewing experience, they also increase your monthly bill. Evaluate whether these extras are worth the cost. Stick to your budget and avoid unnecessary add-ons.
Beware of second-year price hikes
 Some providers lock you into a two-year contract, but beware—the second year often comes with a significant price increase.
Calculate the average monthly cost over the entire contract period. If it seems too steep, consider switching to a provider with transparent pricing.
Say no to basic cable plans
If you are not a heavy TV watcher, consider opting for free-to-air packages.
These usually include local channels and a few popular international channels. Avoid paying for premium channels you rarely watch.
Basic cable plans may seem tempting due to their lower cost, but they offer minimal value.
You are essentially paying for channels you can access with a free-to-air TV antenna.
Invest in free-to-air antenna and enjoy local channels without the monthly fee.
Negotiate with your provider
Do not hesitate to negotiate with your cable TV provider.
Call their customer service and inquire about any available discounts or promotions.
Sometimes they have special offers for loyal customers.
Consider streaming services
 Streaming services are gaining popularity worldwide.
Explore options like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or local platforms like IROKOtv.
These services often offer a wide range of content at a fraction of the cost of cable TV.
Monitor your usage
Keep track of your cable TV usage.
If you find that you rarely watch certain channels, consider downgrading to a lower-tier package. You will save money without sacrificing much.
Look for promotions and discounts
Keep an eye out for promotional periods or discounts.
Providers occasionally offer reduced rates for new subscribers or during festive seasons. Take advantage of these opportunities.
Explore internet-only plans
If you primarily watch content online, consider canceling your cable TV subscription altogether and opting for an internet-only plan. You can stream shows, movies, and news online without paying for cable channels.
Remember that saving costs on cable TV requires a bit of research and proactive decision-making.
By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy quality entertainment without breaking the bank.
Saving costs on cable TV in Nigeria involves making informed choices, negotiating, and exploring affordable options.
By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy quality entertainment without breaking the bank.
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Source: Punch Newspaper
