YouTube TV? You Now Gonna Pay More

I got an email from YouTube TV today, March 16, 2023. Nothing good can become from that. The last one I got was to inform me that due to a breakdown in negotiations, the MLB Network was being removed entirely from the channel lineup. No amount of extra monthly money could bring it back. So, I was not looking forward to opening this one. Sure enough, my not looking forward to opening it was rewarded with the following:

“Hi Harvey,

We have an important update for our members. After nearly 3 years, we’re adjusting our monthly price from $64.99/month to $72.99/month. As content costs have risen and we continue to invest in the quality of our service, we are updating our price to keep bringing you the best possible service.

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Your YouTube TV Base Plan membership price will change in your first billing cycle on or after April 18, 2023, and will be charged to your payment method on file going forward. To view your current plan, go to your Settings > Membership page for updated information. If you are currently on a Base Plan promotional price or a trial, that promotion is still honored and unchanged.”

I am relatively new to YouTube TV, so maybe after three years, a rate increase is justified because other major cable, satellite and streaming services continue to raise their prices. But, that’s a 12% increase. It’s like a 4% yearly increase for each of the three years since they have been charging $64.99. So, in the time that I have been with YTTV, I’ve lost the MLB Network and my rate has increased by 12%.

Then comes the let me down easy part. The email goes on to say that they would be lowering their 4K plan from $19.99 a month to $9.99 a month and new users get a further discount to $4.99 in the first year. That’s a pretty good deal if you own a 4K TV and you still have to find enough 4K programming to make it worthwhile. They finally say that because there is no contract, I can cancel at any time, but they sure hope that I don’t. So, is it time to change providers?

Well, I can answer that because that’s what my company, Lower Tech Bills, does. I am constantly looking at price and value options in the TV, Cell and Internet world. That's why after a ton of research, I left my previous provider and chose YouTube TV. I found that it made the most sense based on the channels that our household “must have” and the price being charged for the service. In fact, even with the increase, I may very well end up staying with YouTube TV. That's because I know all of the channel and pricing options from the other cable, satellite and streaming services so I can make an informed decision.

If you are looking at changing Cell, Internet and/or TV providers or you just want to make sure that you’re getting the best value each month based on your household’s needs, visit www.lowertechbills.com or email hmwellsradio@gmail.com. Lower Tech Bills will examine your bills free of charge. Some of my clients have saved thousands of dollars, with some of those savings ongoing each month. So, before you pay your next bill, check your costs. You owe your money to you before you owe it to YouTube (or any other provider for that matter).