TV and Internet: Living in a Building with an Exclusive Provider

Living in an apartment complex with an exclusive television and Internet provider can prove to be a hassle if you’re a fan of another provider or you become unsatisfied with the complex’s exclusive provider’s service. If you’re faced with either situation, you have a number of potential options.

Speak with the Landlord About Satellite

Some apartment complexes with exclusive television and Internet providers don’t count satellite providers in the exclusion. You may not be able to get another cable-based company to install new TV and Internet in your apartment due to the complex’s contract, but you may be able to opt out of the cable-based system and get satellite-based TV and Internet. However, be aware that some apartment complexes forbid satellites, either because the satellite is unattractive outside of the apartment or the complex’s contract with the exclusive provider doesn’t allow for satellite competition, either. Nevertheless, if you want to choose your provider or escape from poor service, you should start by asking your landlord if satellite installation is allowed.

Choose Internet Over TV

If you’re truly stuck with your current television and Internet provider, opt out of television so that you at least have one less hassle and one less bill to worry about. You can still have access to free television stations and if you keep your Internet, you can watch many shows otherwise aired on cable for free–legally–online. You may find it cheaper and less of a pain to turn your computer into your TV.

If You Want to Opt Out of Both

If your apartment complex can force you to have only one television and Internet provider option, they can’t, at the very least, force you to have TV and Internet to begin with. Banishing cable TV from your home may be easier than banishing Internet, especially if you use the Internet for work and relaxation. Nevertheless, it can free up time for you to engage in other activities. And you have other options.

Rent DVDs from the library and you’ll still make use of your TV–or play video games for your TV entertainment. In order to still access the Internet, you can spend a few hours each night at the library or take a laptop or netbook to a restaurant with free Wi-Fi. Getting your Internet from another location will save you a lot of money and make sure that you’re not giving that provider you dislike your business.

Bringing Up the Issue at a Meeting

Still, if you’d ideally like to be able to enjoy TV and Internet in your apartment and you’re just not happy with the exclusive television and Internet provider, see if your neighbors feel the same. You can bring up the issue with your landlord or at a tenant’s association meeting, if your complex has one. You can go door to door and ask neighbors who agree with you to sign a petition. If enough of you complain, the landlord and complex owner may look into getting another provider for the complex or allowing tenants to choose their own providers.