| Provider | Channels | User Rating | Pricing | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Up to 590 Channels | | $14.99 - $165 | (855) 650-4217 |
 | Up to 160 Channels | | $45 - $105 | (855) 650-4212 |
 | Up to 290 Channels | | $10 - $109.98 | (205) 946-1154 |
 | Up to 330 Channels | | $35 - $110 | (855) 652-1629 |
Considering how many tv providers there are, selecting the right provider in Columbia, TN may seem like a difficult task. For anyone moving to a new home, or just wanting to change their home television service, service providers have made it easier to find a new fiber optic televisions, satellite, or cable service. By entering the zip code, users get to enjoy money-saving deals on cable and satellite plans. Also, this tool will show how TV plans that are combined with internet and telephone service give users even more savings.
Since Wirefly has quite a few plans listed for every type of TV service in Columbia, TN, users have a range of company options for their areas broken down in a way that's easy to understand. Once the user begins using our comparison tools to find cable and satellite TV service, they'll also see that they can search for plans with specific upgrades, such as a DVR or HD service. As an added bonus, the tools are chock full of helpful resources on various subjects related to television.
The main difference between cable and satellite TV is how their signals are transmitted. Cable TV transmits encrypted signals to your TV through a physical connection that involves electrical wiring and cables. Satellite TV, however, receives the signals that are transmitted to your TV by way of a frequency sent to your satellite dish.
If you opt for cable TV in Columbia, TN, you will need a receiver that serves as the relay between the cable outlet and your TV. Cable companies frequently offer promotions to prospective customers as a way to help them decide on using their service. The specials they offer can add up to quite a savings to you over time. While the cable company may offer a service for free, it's important to be aware that they will still charge you a monthly maintenance fee on that service. Unless a particular provider is offering free installation, you should plan on paying around $200 for that aspect of the service.
Another consideration in choosing cable over satellite is dependability. Cable, because of its physical connectivity, is usually more reliable than satellite. Satellite is dependent on weather conditions, and if they're inclement, you may lose satellite service for a time. Prior to going too far into committing to cable, however, it's highly recommended that you verify that you are in an area that can get service. Cable is not always available in certain locations, such as the mountains.
Once you've chosen a cable TV company, plan on setting aside an entire day for installation. Cable companies in Columbia, TN will schedule a date with you, but the closest they will narrow the time down is within a four or five-hour window. The installation process itself is fairly time consuming as well, so when the technician does arrive, you should plan on another several hours for him to complete his job.
You may also be offered the option of choosing an installation kit provided by the cable company. If you are so inclined, you could save yourself both time and money by installing cable yourself. This option is really only recommended for someone who either has the appropriate background to be able to set the service up. Otherwise, it's advisable to just accept the time commitment.
The process for how satellite TV gets from the provider to the consumer is a bit different, even if the end result is basically the same. The provider first transmits encrypted TV signals from one of its broadcast centers to its satellite. The satellite, in turn, sends encrypted TV signals to the satellite dishes of all the provider's customers. The obvious advantage here over cable is that a physical connection between the broadcast center and the customer's home isn't required, making satellite an option for more people. Someone in Columbia, TN who lives out in the country, far from any cable provider, may still be able to get TV service through a satellite dish.
There can be some hefty costs when getting satellite service hooked up, especially since satellite dishes in Columbia, TN are often expensive. The good news is that providers often give their customers the dish and the installation for free, but consumers must check the fine print to verify what's free and what they'll need to pay for. The drawback when it comes to satellite TV service is how the weather can affect it. If the wind picks up quite a bit or there's heavy snowfall, those can interfere with the customer's TV service. Although satellite dishes aren't necessarily fragile, inclement weather can put them out of commission.
Another benefit with satellite plans are that they often also have a DVR, and sometimes an HD DVR, included with the plan. This allows the customer to tape their shows, put parental controls in place and check out On Demand content. However, a free DVR is sometimes available with cable companies, as well. Either way, there's usually still a free every month for having the DVR, with most companies charging at least $10.
Fiber optic technology often gets associated with internet service, and to its credit, it's the most impressive internet option available for residential and business customers in Columbia, TN. The internet service goes from the provider to the customer on ultra-fast and reliable fiber optic cables. While there are still tons of consumers on DSL or cable plans, fiber optic is the superior choice and is rapidly gaining in popularity. It can deliver much faster upload and download speeds than other internet options, without any drawbacks.
TV is also seeing its latest advancements come with fiber optic cables. The fiber optic providers now have TV, phone and internet available over their state-of-the-art fiber optic networks. As far as how the services work, they are the same over fiber optic cables as they are over standard cable service. The difference is entirely in how the types of cables perform, as fiber optic cables are unmatched by standard cable service.
