Internet and TV Bundle Prices Are Up This Year. How to Cut Back

CNET

7 hours ago

If you've noticed your TV and internet bills going up recently, you're not alone. Internet and TV bundles increased for the first quarter of 2025, recent JD Power data shows. Though surprisingly, unbundled internet bills saw a slight decrease.
Finding ways to cut back on monthly bills can feel nearly impossible, especially when there's a price increase every few months. But it's possible. Here's more on JD Power's findings and what CNET experts recommend to help lower your TV and internet bills.
TV and streaming are getting more expensive
According to JD Power's findings, here's how much cable, satellite TV and streaming bills have gone up. It's no surprise that we're seeing price hikes, because most providers increase prices over time. But it's important to understand why, even if the price change seems small.
It could be caused by the end of a promotional offer you signed up for, cable companies charging you more because networks are charging more for their content or even inflation.
Average monthly bill
Locating local internet providers
January 2025
October 2024
Bundled cable or satellite TV
$187.99
$180.30
Unbundled cable or satellite TV
$121.86
$120.93
Streaming
$73.47
$73.09
Credit: J.D. Power
Regardless of the reason, every cent can help toward other goals. If you're paying more than you'd like for TV, you may consider a few options to save money on your monthly bill -- especially if you're paying for streaming services.
Ask your streaming or TV provider about special promotions, such as military discounts or family bundles, to try to cut back. And as much as ads may be inconvenient when watching your show, the monthly cost for a service with ads is usually cheaper than no-ad options.
Or you may cancel some streaming services altogether.
"The advantage of streaming services is there's no contract and no penalty, so you can always sign back up whenever you want to -- especially if you are on a monthly subscription," Kourtnee Jackson, CNET's senior editor of streaming and home entertainment, previously said.
Even if you're in a TV service contract, take a close look at your contract to see what you're paying for and ask if some services can be altered or cancelled. You may be successful at negotiating a lower bill.
Unbundled wireless internet is slightly cheaper
Bundling your internet with other services may seem like a way to save money but not if prices are going up. The only option that's gotten less expensive is unbundled wireless internet, which decreased by nearly $2 per month. Here's a closer look.
Average monthly bill
February 2025
November 2024
Bundled wired internet
$170.06
$169.14
Bundled wireless internet
$145.40
$145.21
Unbundled wired internet
$83.35
$82.96
Unbundled wireless internet
$71.53
$73.64
Credit: J.D. Power
We saw a similar trend in a CNET survey earlier this year that shows 63% of US adults saw their Internet prices increase last year. But what's more surprising is that 51% of US adults still have unreliable internet despite monthly bill increases.
There are a few ways to lower your internet bill, especially if you're unhappy with the service. Try negotiating with your provider or using your own equipment. Bundling your internet with TV or phone services may still be a money-saver, despite JD Power's data, but it's best to do the math first.