What Channels are Included in Basic Cable [User’s Guide]

Tv is an important part of our daily lives. Most of us, imagine the expensive plan that includes phone, internet, and Tv connection when thinking about the cable service. They include the DVR system, hundreds of Tv channels, and other latest high-end features. However, there is a large number of people who do not want these unnecessary features. It is very possible that you are not a heavy watcher of Television and prefers good morning America instead of the game of thrones. Hence, there is no need to spend your hard-earned money on unnecessary plans. You might think that what is basic cable?

What is Basic Cable?

Basic cable refers to the plan tier which is generally under the most affordable advertised plan by the service provider. You will get basic local channels, national broadcast channels such as NBC, ABC and other FCC mandatory channels. In this article, we have included a basic cable channels list for your help.

There are some basic channels provided by the TV service providers such as Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, Optimum, RCN, and Cable One.

All cable companies provide a basic plan that includes local channels at a very inexpensive price. The price of these basic plans may vary from one service provider to another. It is very possible that you might not hear much about these plans because cable companies earn lesser money with these plans. Therefore, they advertise very little about them.  Although, it is compulsory for cable companies to offer basic plans. it does not mean that they will tell you about that unless you asked for it. That will force you to choose the double play or triple play (phone, internet, and TV) which are comparatively expensive in comparison to the basic plans. You may be in a little confused and wondering what channels are included in the basic cable?

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What Channels are Included in Basic Cable?

However, there is no need to worry because we have included an in-depth review and user’s guide for your help.

So. Without further ado, let’s get started.

1. Spectrum Basic and extended basic cable tv channels:

The basic plan begins at around $24/month. However, the real price of the plan may vary from one to another carrier. The basic plan of the spectrum includes basic cable channels.

In order to include the expanded basic plan, you should go to the spectrum Tv select package and add 125+ channels at just $64.99/month for at least 12 months.

Read Also: Spectrum Business Internet Plans and Pricing

2. Xfinity Extended and Basic Channels:

It is one of the most affordable packages on our list because it begins only at just $18.40/month for the basic limited plan.

In order to add extra channels, all you have to do us to opt for the Cox contour Tv package that offers 140+ Tv channels at just $64.99/month and the best thing about this plan is that you can completely customize the desired channels in your plan. You can significantly reduce the overall cost of the package by choosing your favorite channels manually and It provides you great flexibility.

In case you want other plans besides these big three Tv service provider then you can opt for local providers such as Cable one, RCN, or optimum, etc.

Read Also: Cox High Speed Internet Plans & Packages

4. Optimum Basic Cable Channels:

Optimum Basic Channels service is a local and smaller Tv network provider that is available in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut cities. They offer mixers of basic and addon channels to their subscribers.

5. RCN Basic Cable Channels:

It is also a local smaller service provider that operates in New York, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts cities.

6. Cable One:

The cable is also a local but competitively larger cable service provider because it operates in nine states in the united states. It is the largest service provider in the Mississippi, North Dakota, and Idaho.

FAQs or Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. What is the difference between the expanded basic cable and limited basic cable?

Ans: Well, if you are going to choose the basic plans then there are two types of basic plans namely; expand and limited. The expanded basic plan includes some extras channels with the basic channels. However, these added channels are still very basic types of channels. Limited basic channels contain only the most basic channels at the most basic price.  The expanded basic channels by Xfinity includes basic channels such as MTV, ESPN, Disney, FOX news. The exact list of changes varies from one to another service provider

Q. Why Should You Go for the Basic Cable Service?

Ans: There are many advantages of the basic cable channels over double or triple play plans. Some of them are given below:

It is very affordable: There is no doubt that the basic cable is the most affordable package available. It is a wise decision to choose these packages because it will not break your bank account and provide you all the important channels.

It is not an old-fashioned basic cable: It is possible that you might be thinking that it is a thing from the era of your grandpa., you are absolutely wrong because it is neither old fashioned. Over 60% of Americans prefer basic plans over double or triple play plans. and the most interesting thing about it is that more than 50% are between 20 to 54.

You can get a free upgrade: In case you want to watch HBO in your basic cable plan then you can simply call the cable provider and ask for the monthly free trials. Due to cutthroat competition, it is very likely that they will give you a free monthly upgrade for premium channels such as HBO, etc.

You can use the internet for a supplement: Yes, it is right that you can use your internet connection if you have missed your favorite tv shows due to unavailability on your basic cable channel. It will save your hard-earned money and allow you to watch whatever you want.

The shadows on basic channels are improving: Use to the cutthroat completion the quality of the shown on basic channels improving and you can watch many awards-winning shows such as madmen, rescue me, lost chuck, nip/tuck and closer with this plan.

Bottom line:

In brief, Television is a necessity in our daily lives and we cannot live without a tv. There are many service providers and plans for the television channels connection. However, most of the double play and triple play plans are very expensive and include unwanted and unnecessary content. If you want something simpler and affordable then you should opt for the basic channels because they are much cheaper and do not contains any unnecessary connect. There are many companies both big and local companies that provide basic and expanded plans for you.

Next time when you want to change your plan ask for the basic plans.

We hope that our in-depth article and user’s guide was helpful for you in some ways.

So, which basic channels provider is best for yours? Please share your thoughts. We are waiting for your response.