@thumper1 I’ve had good luck using pageplus for my out of contract Verizon-linked phones - very cheap and still the Verizon network. (Heard about it here on CC a few years back.) I’m sure there must be some ATT network discount carriers.
I pay $166 per month (give or take a few bucks) for cable, Internet, and a landline, from a local company. I like to support the local business and service has been good. I also have Netflix, $10 per month. I have a Tracfone, which is very inexpensive.
My $90 a month for DSL, landline and TV is starting to look pretty good!
Thanks for re-starting this thread! We have Optimum/Cablevision and our monthly cost has been on a steady climb.
We have a notch above basic cable, but no HBO, Showtime, etc. I called and threatened to cancel today and they said, “Good news. You are eligible for a promotion.” They took $30 off our monthly bill for a year. This calmed DH down. 
Next year, I suspect I’ll have to do it all over again.
^^we saved $30 plus tax, too with just a call! Feels pretty good.
Maybe this will provide some relief on our bills soon.
http://uncubed.com/2016/02/03/can-insanely-fast-internet-come-from-an-antenna/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NAT_STARRY&utm_source=wakefield%20daily&utm_term=national
"Antennas, it seems, are making a comeback. As a new generation of couch potatoes forgoes cable, companies like Missouri’s Antennas Direct are seeing record business.
And the newly launched Starry Internet promises wireless internet speeds of up to one gigabit simply using an antenna (of sorts).
The service is expected to debut in Boston this summer before rolling out to more cities.
The “Starry Point” device is placed in the user’s window like an air-conditioner, and data is transmitted using high-frequency radio waves. That means the service doesn’t require installation or cables."
Hmmm"…I wonder if you can install and uninstall easily?
^^Good question, Conmama. Another Comcast user, here. Our basement TV has the HD feature (Not sure how much it adds to the bill, but I vaguely remember $30.) but it’s only used when kids are home on breaks, etc. I wonder if I could shut off that feature and add it when they’re home for a couple of months? Seems like nickel and dime-ing but it’s a waste of money for most of the year. Has anybody done this? In my experience, I’d rather have a root canal than get on the phone with those people!