Consolidated Cable vs. Comcast

Speed is the main concern when choosing an Internet provider. As of June 2011, Consolidated's cheapest package is a 3-megabytes-per-second maximum for $18 per month, versus Comcast's cheapest, which is $40 per month for a 1.5-mbps connection. All Comcast connections also require an extra $7 per month for cable modem rental. Consolidated's other packages range from $52 per month for 6 mbps to $85 per month for a 20-mbps connection. Comcast's other XFinity Internet deals are as low as $50 per month for 6 mpbs, $60 per month to $200 per month for 105 mbps. Medium to light users will be fine with the lower end of this spectrum, whereas heavy users, such as gamers and high-definition video downloaders, may want higher speeds.

Cable prices vary for the most part based on how many and what kinds of channels the customer wants. Basic is less, and premium channels are much more. Consolidated offers basic cable of 17 channels for $20 per month, 90 channels for $40 per month and 145 channels for $52 per month. As of June 2011, premium channels such as HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz are $13 per month for the first channel of their choice and $10 per month for each additional channel. HD service is an additional $6 per month. As of June 2011, Comcast offers basic cable for $23 per month and $45 per month for its starter package ($30 per month for the first year). Comcast also offers a preferred service for $60 per month ($40 per month for the first year) and a premier service for $105 per month ($85 the first year), which includes HBO, Cinemax, Starz and Showtime.

Consolidated and Comcast offers digital phone service. These telephone lines act like a traditional landline but travel on a dedicated line through a cable modem instead of a phone line. Consolidated does not list its prices online, as they vary depending on your address. Consolidated also offers a traditional landline service. Comcast's XFinity Voice prices as of June 2011 are $35 per month for unlimited local calling with long-distance at 5 cents per minute and $45 per month for unlimited local and long-distance.

Bundles and starter packages allow customers to save the most money for cable, telephone and Internet services. These deals come and go, but bundles generally save you money every month as long as you stay with the company, and starter packages expire after a certain amount of time. Comcast uses many more starter packages as of June 2011. Consolidated's typical packages include Internet, phone and cable for around $80 per month altogether, two of the services being basic and one being medium or premium. Comcast offers slightly more premium packages of all three services in the $115 to $140 area as of June 2011.