Find the Best Cable Companies and Satellite TV Providers in Boise, ID

Choosing a cable company or satellite TV provider in Boise

When it comes to choosing a cable company or satellite TV provider in Boise, there are a few things to take into consideration. The channel selection, cost, contract requirements and your ability to bundle cable with your home phone or internet help determine which provider to choose.

Cable TV companies and satellite TV providers in Boise usually provide customers with a variety of channel packages or plans from which to choose. The more channels and features available, the higher the monthly cost. If premium channels such as HBO and Starz are important to you, make sure the provider you choose offers these options.

Additional features offered by cable companies in Boise include the ability to record a show and watch it later with DVR. Packages may also include connecting multiple televisions or apps that allow you to watch TV on the go, streaming channels to your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Narrow your options by carefully considering what you want to watch and how you want to watch it.

Ask friends and neighbors which provider they use and what they like or dislike about the service. Check the frequency of outages, especially weather-related outages. Sometimes, reception can be compromised when it is cloudy outside.

Types of cable and satellite TV

Between channel selection, bundle options, optional equipment and costs, there are many choices when it comes to selecting a cable or satellite TV service in Boise. You might start by looking at channel packages and narrowing your choices that offer the programming you consider essential.

Cable and satellite TV channel packages

Basic cable is a great option for those who don't want to spend much money on cable but still want access to news and local programming. Premium cable is a better option for those willing to pay for specific TV shows and channels.

Some providers in Boise allow you to choose premium channels a la carte, typically costing between $12 and $15 per channel per month. Other service providers allow you to bundle multiple premium channels at a reduced cost.

Cable vs. satellite TV

While the channel package you choose depends on how much television you watch and which channels you prefer, deciding between cable and satellite TV involves considering availability, reception and required equipment. Both cable and satellite come with pros and cons.

What is internet-based cable?

Despite the commonly used name, internet-based cable does not require cables or installation. Internet television providers such as YouTube TV, Hulu and DIRECTVNOW stream television services over the internet. Unlike traditional cable and satellite services, internet television requires using an app on a smart TV or device.

These services offer different channel tiers and may allow you to add interest-specific channel packages, such as additional sports or movies channels. You can also access television through any compatible device, including smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Internet-based television packages can cost much less than premium cable options, typically ranging anywhere between $50 and $75 a month for access to some of the most popular TV channels.

How much does cable and satellite TV cost in Boise?

The average cable or satellite TV customer pays between $85 and $100 per month for service. Basic cable programming can cost anywhere from $15 to $25 a month, although you can often get these channels for free with an antenna. Premium cable can run to more than $100 a month, especially if you add on multiple premium channels.

There are generally two options to choose from for satellite TV in Boise: DIRECTV and DISH. While both satellite TV providers earn high ratings for their channel selection and reliability, DIRECTV seems to be a better option for sports lovers. It has exclusive rights to packages covering sports, such as the company’s NFL SUNDAY TICKET package.

If you are not an avid sports fan, DISH may be a better option. The company is known for the industry-leading Hopper 3 DVR system that records up to 16 programs at once. If you prefer to record and watch your shows on your schedule, DISH offers the most flexibility.

Both companies offer their first receiver for free, but to access the programming on all of the TVs in your house, each TV needs a receiver. You can purchase additional receiver is from both companies for anywhere between $7 and $10 each per month. DISH charges a $12 per month home DVR fee for the ability to record and watch your favorite shows on your schedule.

When comparing rates for cable and satellite TV companies, be sure to read the fine print. Many companies in Boise offer two-year contracts with reduced rates in the first year that drastically increase in the second year. Ask the company what the total cost over the life contract is before making any commitments.