Choose a cable provider
elevision provides a number of entertainment and information options for people’s homes and businesses. There are many access options available, and many choose cable TV for its reliability and quality.
When choosing a cable provider, reliability is important. You don’t want your service interrupted by things like the weather when a favorite character is in peril or a live sports game is being broadcast.
Some cable providers have run their lines underground, which means the signal won’t be interrupted during those crucial moments. Unlike satellite reception, there is no need to worry about your TV service being interrupted by weather if the signal is too weak.
There are many local television stations that broadcast news, sports and other content over the air. Cable providers offer that content to subscribers, which helps residents stay informed about local events such as sports, parades, fairs and other community projects. There are many different packages available depending on what content a cable subscriber needs. Are movies important? What about children’s programming and sports? Check with the cable provider to find out what packages are available. For example, a sports fan might want to check out Fidelity Communications’ SportsView package, which carries more than 15 extra sports-specific channels, including the NFL RedZone. Movie lovers might want to subscribe to premium channels such as HBO, Showtime and Encore.
Most people have busy lives with work and family and may not have time to sit and watch a program as it airs. For those folks, digital video recorders and on-demand services might be needed.
These allow people to view their content on their own schedules.
Fidelity’s system, called FiDO, has many useful features such as a DVR, applications, parental controls and video-ondemand.
Some cable providers offer access to other services such as internet access or telephone service.
Check to see if there are bundled packages that offer those services, if needed.
Local businesses can also take advantage of services offered by cable providers. Cable television gives customers something to watch while they wait, or Wi-Fi to connect to the world. Fidelity customers can also become community advertisers. Fidelity works with small businesses to produce commercials that reach potential customers locally and online. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the service.
Are contracts involved? Are there fees to cancel the contract? Does the business have a data cap? Do they carry certain networks? Questions like these help customers make sure they know what they are getting and might save some frustration in the future. — Story by Cody Graves, special sections writer