How to “Interview” Your Next IPTV Provider: 4 Questions to Ask Before You Buy

A few years ago, when I first started looking into internet television, I felt completely overwhelmed. I would find a website that looked great, but then I would read a horror story online about someone losing their money to a scam.

Choosing an IPTV provider felt like throwing a dart at a dartboard while blindfolded!

I finally realized that I was looking at it the wrong way. You are the customer, which means you have the money and all the power. You shouldn’t just cross your fingers and hope a company is good. You need to “interview” them!

Today, I want to share the 4 specific questions I always ask a new TV service before I ever give them my credit card.

Question 1: “Where are your servers actually located?”

This is the most important question of the entire interview! Many bad providers use cheap, overloaded servers located in Europe or Asia. By the time the video signal travels across the ocean to your living room in North America, your TV screen is frozen.

• The Answer You Want: “We use fast, dedicated servers located right here in North America.” This guarantees that your live sports and movies will stream flawlessly in high definition.

Question 2: “Can I test it before I sign a contract?”

If you look at advice from places like Consumer Reports regarding subscriptions and internet safety, they always warn against locking yourself into long, unseen contracts.

If an IPTV provider demands that you pay for a full 12 months upfront before you can even look at their TV guide, end the interview immediately!

• The Answer You Want: “We offer short, 24-hour trials so you can test the channels on your own TV, and we only charge on a month-to-month basis.”

Question 3: “Are local sports extra?”

One of the biggest reasons people cut the cord is to escape the hidden “sports package” fees that regular cable companies charge. However, some sneaky internet providers try to do the exact same thing!

• The Answer You Want: “No hidden fees. Every single regional sports feed, hockey channel, and pay-per-view event is included in your basic flat monthly fee.”

Question 4: “How do I reach you on a Sunday night?”

Technology isn’t perfect. Sometimes your app might need an update, or you might accidentally type in the wrong password. If this happens right before a big movie night, you need help fast. If the provider only has a fake “contact form” that they never check, you are out of luck.

• The Answer You Want: “We have real, friendly humans running our customer support via email or live chat, ready to help you get back to watching TV quickly.”

You Passed the Interview! Now What?

If you find a company that gives you all four of these answers, you have found a winner! If you want to know a few other red flags to watch out for, I highly recommend reading my guide on the 3 secrets big cable companies hide when you are shopping around.

If you don’t want to spend hours interviewing dozens of random websites, I have already done the hard work for you. I highly recommend checking out my absolute favorite reliable Canadian IPTV provider because they easily pass this interview with flying colors!

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

When I teach my friends how to interview their new TV companies, they always ask me these follow-up questions. Here are the simple answers!

What is the most reliable IPTV provider?

The most reliable provider is one that strictly limits how many people are allowed on their servers. When servers aren’t crowded, your picture doesn’t freeze. Based on my personal testing, Jet Stream IPTV is currently the most reliable, buffer-free option available.

How do I switch my IPTV provider?

Switching is incredibly easy! You don’t need to buy a new Amazon Firestick or a new TV. You just cancel your old subscription, sign up for a new one, and type your brand new Username and Password into the player app you already have downloaded.

Do I need a VPN for my IPTV provider?

While it is not always required, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a very smart idea. It hides your screen from your internet service provider (like Rogers or Bell) so they can’t purposely slow down your internet speed while you are streaming live television.

How much should a premium provider cost?

You should run away from providers offering $20 for an entire year—they are almost always scams. A safe, high-quality TV subscription will usually cost you between $10 and $20 every month.