Midco TV Packages Prices Revealed: What Experts Don't Want You to Know About Hidden Bundle Costs

Shopping for TV packages can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. You see one price advertised, but then the final bill looks completely different. If you're considering Midco TV packages, you're probably wondering what the real costs are – beyond those shiny promotional prices that seem too good to be true.

Let's cut through the marketing fluff and break down exactly what you'll pay for Midco TV packages, including those sneaky fees that often catch customers off guard.

The Real Midco TV Package Pricing Breakdown

Midco offers several TV tiers, and here's what you're actually looking at price-wise:

Limited Cable starts at $22.95 per month and gives you 90+ channels. This includes your basic broadcast networks like ABC, FOX, PBS, and NBC – essentially what you'd get with an antenna, plus some cable channels.

Essentials Cable bumps up to $39.95 monthly for 105+ channels. You'll get a few more entertainment and news channels thrown into the mix.

Basic Cable costs $59.95 per month for 145+ channels. This is where you start seeing more variety in your channel lineup.

Preferred Cable runs $69.95 monthly and includes 190+ channels – a significant jump in content for just $10 more than Basic.

Theatre Suite costs $85.95 per month for the same 190+ channels as Preferred, but includes premium movie channels.

Ultimate Theatre Suite tops out at $119.95 monthly, giving you 190+ channels plus all the premium networks including HBO, SHOWTIME, THE MOVIE CHANNEL, and STARZ.

The Equipment Fee Reality Check

Here's where things get interesting – and where many customers get their first surprise. Midco includes your first TV box at no charge (normally $3 per month), which is actually pretty generous compared to some providers. But here's the catch: you need to return that box when you cancel service, or you'll face equipment charges.

If you have multiple TVs and want service on all of them, each additional box will cost you extra monthly. This is where that "starting at $22.95" price can quickly balloon if you're outfitting a whole house with TV service.

Bundle Pricing: The Good and the Gotchas

Midco pushes their internet and TV bundles pretty hard, and sometimes the math actually works out in your favor. Instead of paying separate prices for internet and TV, bundles can offer real savings – but only if you were planning to get both services anyway.

For example, you might see packages like "Midco Internet 500 with Basic Cable" priced as a complete bundle. The key is comparing this bundle price against what you'd pay for standalone internet plus standalone TV to see if you're actually saving money.

But here's what they don't always make crystal clear upfront: many of these bundle prices include a promotional discount that expires after 12 months.

The 12-Month Promotional Price Game

This is probably the biggest "hidden" aspect of Midco pricing. Many advertised rates include a $10 monthly discount for the first 12 months, but only if you sign up for autopay and paperless billing.

So that $22.95 Limited Cable package? It might actually be $32.95 after your first year. That $59.95 Basic Cable? Could jump to $69.95 in month 13. Always ask what your rate will be after the promotional period ends, and factor that into your budget planning.

Premium Channel Add-Ons: Where Costs Multiply

Premium channels are where TV providers really make their money. While the Theatre Suite and Ultimate Theatre Suite packages include premium channels in their pricing, you can also add them individually to lower-tier packages.

HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and other premium networks each come with their own monthly fee. If you're not careful, adding a few premium channels to a basic package can quickly push your bill higher than just upgrading to a package that includes them.

The Free Alternative Nobody Talks About

Here's something interesting that Midco offers but doesn't heavily promote: MidcoStream. This service provides 200+ free, ad-supported channels to internet customers, and the first streaming box comes at no charge.

If you're mainly looking for basic entertainment and news, MidcoStream could potentially replace a paid TV package entirely. It's worth asking about this option, especially if you're trying to keep costs down.

Phone Service Add-Ons

Midco also offers home phone service that can be bundled with your TV package. Basic Home Phone runs $9.95 monthly, while their Home Phone Package costs $22.95 per month.

In today's world where most people rely on cell phones, this might seem unnecessary. But if you have specific needs for a landline (maybe elderly family members, home security systems, or business requirements), it's available.

Installation and Activation Fees

While not always heavily advertised, most cable providers charge installation fees for new service. This can range from self-installation kit fees to full professional installation charges. Make sure to ask about these upfront costs when you're getting quotes.

Some providers waive installation fees during promotional periods, but it's always worth asking if there are ways to avoid these charges.

Early Termination and Contract Considerations

Many TV packages come with contract commitments, usually 12 or 24 months. Breaking these contracts early typically results in fees, sometimes calculated as a certain dollar amount per remaining month of service.

If there's any chance you might move or want to change services within the next year or two, ask about month-to-month options or what the early termination fees would be.

Regional Pricing Variations

Something that often surprises customers is that cable TV pricing can vary even within the same provider's service area. Local market conditions, competition, and regional sports networks can all affect pricing.

The prices we've discussed here might vary slightly in your specific area, so always confirm current pricing for your exact location when you call.

Sports and Specialty Package Costs

If you're a sports fan, you might need additional sports packages beyond what's included in the base tiers. Regional sports networks, NFL RedZone, NBA League Pass, and other specialty sports content often come with extra monthly fees.

These can add $10-30+ monthly to your bill, depending on which sports packages you want. Factor these into your budget if sports viewing is important to you.

Tax and Fee Additions

Your final bill will include various taxes and regulatory fees that aren't typically included in the advertised package price. These can add several dollars monthly to your actual cost.

While providers can't control these government-imposed fees, they do add to your total monthly expense, so keep them in mind when budgeting.

Comparing Midco to Alternatives

When evaluating Midco's pricing, it's worth comparing against other options in your area. This includes other cable providers, satellite TV, and streaming services.

Sometimes the math works out where multiple streaming services plus high-speed internet costs less than a traditional cable package. Other times, especially if you want lots of channels, cable bundles provide better value.

Making the Smart Choice for Your Situation

The key to avoiding bill shock with any TV provider is understanding exactly what you're signing up for. Ask about:

• The total cost after promotional pricing ends
• All equipment fees for your specific setup
• Installation and activation charges
• Contract length and early termination fees
• Exactly which channels are included in your package
• Any additional fees or taxes not included in the advertised price

For many households, Midco's pricing is competitive, especially if you need both internet and TV service. The free first TV box and MidcoStream options show they're trying to provide value beyond just basic packages.

But like any major monthly expense, it pays to understand all the costs upfront rather than discovering them on your first bill. Take the time to ask detailed questions, compare your options, and choose the package that truly fits both your viewing needs and your budget.

If you're ready to explore Midco's current offerings in your area, visit our cable deals guide for tips on getting the best pricing, or check out our comparison of cable vs. streaming costs to see which option makes the most sense for your household.