Final answer:
The question involves a financial comparison between staying with a current cable provider at a flat rate of $50 a month with no contract, and switching to DIRECTV with an introductory offer and subsequent rate increase. Over two years, DIRECTV is $120 cheaper, not accounting for additional fees or the value of a potential commercial extra opportunity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario given is about evaluating the cost-effectiveness of switching from a current internet and cable service provider to a new one, which is DIRECTV. The cost-benefit analysis includes comparing the introductory rate of $30 for six months with the subsequent price increase to $75 per month for the remaining 18 months of the two-year contract, as opposed to the existing rate of $50 per month without a contract.
For the first six months, the saving with DIRECTV compared to the current provider would be $20 per month. However, once the rate increases after six months, the cost would become $25 per month more expensive than the current provider. Over the course of the two-year contract, the total cost with DIRECTV would be $1,080 ($30x6 + $75x18), as opposed to $1,200 with the current provider ($50x24). Therefore, over two years, DIRECTV would be $120 cheaper, excluding any additional fees and the potential value of the promotional offer.