The Best Entertainment For Your Home: Streaming Services And Foxtel Deals

There are a lot of entertainment options available these days, in fact, sometimes it feels like too many! When you find yourself spoilt for choice but also trying to stick to a budget, it can be hard to decide which services to keep and which have to go.

We’ve put together a guide to some of the most popular pay tv and streaming services, along with some tips and tricks to make sure you never miss out on your favorite shows!

• What is subscription TV?
• What is a streaming service?
• How much does it cost?
• How much data do I need?
• Tips and tricks to save money

What is subscription TV?

Traditionally, subscription TV is a paid service that brings you additional or exclusive entertainment options that aren’t available on free-to-air television. Pay TV Australia includes cable and satellite services such as Foxtel which give you access to extra channels through a set-top box and your TV remote. In recent years, this has expanded to include a range of streaming services.

What is a streaming service?

A streaming platform is similar to Pay TV, in that it brings you more content that is usually not available on your free-to-air channels. The difference is that you access the content through your internet connection and the content is all on-demand rather than on a scheduled TV channel.

There are several streaming platforms in Australia, including Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime Video, Binge, Apple TV, and Paramount+, with more arriving by the day!

Because streaming services use your internet data, it’s important to compare internet plans to make sure you have one that is suitable for streaming. Look for a plan with high download speeds and unlimited data.

How much does it cost?

The cost of your entertainment will depend on the provider you choose, how many rooms or devices you want to connect, the streaming quality, and the entertainment/channel pack you choose.

Foxtel and Optus customers can save money by bundling their entertainment and cheap internet plans with the same provider.

Some of our favorite plans are below.

*Fetch TV is available as a bundle with several internet providers including iPrimus, Aussie Broadband, Westnet and Internode. Talk to a CheapBills expert about the best NBN plans for your home.

There are pros and cons to each different service, so you need to consider how your household consumes their entertainment. Some of the key things to consider are if you want a contract vs a month-to-month plan, if you want to connect through your internet connection or via cable/satellite TV, if you are happy with ads or would prefer an ad-free service and if you want to watch shows and movies on demand.

How much data do I need?

If you choose a streaming service, we recommend an unlimited data plan with fast download speeds to enjoy the best experience.

The exact amount of data you will need depends on the streaming quality you choose. Below is a guide to how much you can expect to use.

These days, even the cheap NBN plans include unlimited data, however, if you want to save data with a capped plan, you might be able to find a cheaper option.

Tips and tricks to save money

With so many options available, it’s easy to end up paying for several services each month, which can add up to a lot of money. Follow these tips to save money on your bills.

• Only pay for what you’ll use – if you have a high-definition television, don’t get caught out paying for a 4K plan that you won’t be able to take advantage of. Similarly, if you only watch TV in your living room and bedroom, don’t pay more for a plan that can connect 3 or more rooms and devices at once.

• Take advantage of month-to-month contracts – streaming services work on a month-to-month contract, so make sure that if you’re not currently watching any content on a particular service, you cancel it. It is a little bit more effort, but over the course of a year, it can drastically cut your costs, and it’s quick and easy to sign back up again when you want to.

• Choose a bundle – entertainment and internet bundles often work out a lot cheaper than paying for the services separately. In addition, several bundles (including Foxtel and Optus) now include a Netflix subscription, so you are saving even more each month.

Get Connected

If you are looking for new entertainment options for your home, talk to the team at CheapBills and we can find you an option that will deliver all your favorite shows and save you money at the same time.

We can not only help you find the best Pay TV option, but one of our experts can help you understand the type of internet connection you need and match you to an affordable plan.

To enjoy your streaming service, you will need a fast and reliable internet connection. In Australia, the best option is 5G or the NBN. When you do a 5G and NBN plan comparison with us, we will look at your budget, the typical evening speed of the plan (you will need at least 5Mbps or up to 25Mbps for ultra-high definition), the data limits, and the type of internet available in your area to make sure you have everything you need to keep your family entertained!

To connect now call CheapBills on 1300 786 045 or enter your details online.