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People watching TV OTA are probably still keeping internet service.
Quote:
Originally Posted by oceangaia
I don't think "the cord" originally meant your electronic connection to the world but the cable noose around your neck.
Right.
The household will probably have internet service anyway, unless they don't have a computer. I know some people just rely on their cell service, but that isn't a practical solution for most, IMO.
When I had Cable/satellite, what really ran up the bill was extra outlet fees. Particularly after the Cable providers started encrypting ALL channels, requiring a proprietary set-top box, with extra monthly fee for each. Want DVR service? Even more monthly fees. Those services are OK if you just want a basic channel package on one TV with no DVR.
If someone cuts the cord and then replaces with multiple services, the cost savings aren't that great. There is some value in the cable/satellite bundle, as expensive as it may seem on the surface.
The other advantage of the cable bundle is that internet video can be spotty. My home internet tends to cut out a fair amount when watching internet video, so I still believe in DVD/Blu-ray disc for longer movies and cable TV. I have broadband service from a big name provider.
I have one burning question about seniors and cord cutting.
When the Baby Boomers retire, sell the homes that they've been living in for a while, and move to Florida or Arizona, will they get cable/satellite TV in their FL/AZ retirement home? I've not seen any data points that specifically answer that question. I ask this because moving is often a time to re-assess home service and retirement provides a material income level change.
It may not save you that much money, but you can customize your content.
I can watch all the professional wrestling from my childhood that I'd have to build a huge DVD library for otherwise. It's that type of thing that is so nice.
I live in a rural area. The only way to get any TV is via satellite, or maybe the Internet. DSL had unlimited data, but only 500kbsp on a good day. It was rarely a good day. At times I got less than 100kbps. You can't watch video with that.
I have DISH for TV and switched to HughesNet Internet (owned by the same company) a month ago. I thought 10 Gb per month of data sounded good. It isn't. A Windows update used up about 2 Gb. So now I have faster Internet but can't use it much unless I want to pay for a higher level of service. It already costs close to twice as much as the DSL did.
If someone cuts the cord and then replaces with multiple services, the cost savings aren't that great.
When I cut the cable (Verizon FIOS triple play) I cut my costs roughly in half. And that includes the increased cost of Verizon internet only service, since they charge more for individual services. I now have Hulu, Netflix and Disney+. I already had Amazon Prime and free AT&T Watch TV. Even with the one-time costs of buying three Amazon Firesticks vs the recurring monthly costs of the cable equipment and I still come out ahead. Add in some free apps like IMDb and Crackle, and between all of those services, everyone in my household (My wife and I, my two adult children, and my 6 and 7 year old grandchildren) can pretty much watch anything they want to.
^^^Yup^^^ I'm with djplourd. Even with paying separately for internet, Netflix, Hulu live, and Amazon (which I already had anyway for the free shipping, so it doesn't really count), I am at 1/2 the cost of the awful cable service, and I can watch it in multiple rooms and on computer or tablet. And I can download shows/movies onto my tablet and take it with me to watch later anywhere, like on a plane, in a hotel room, wherever.
I live in a rural area. The only way to get any TV is via satellite, or maybe the Internet. DSL had unlimited data, but only 500kbsp on a good day. It was rarely a good day. At times I got less than 100kbps. You can't watch video with that.
I have DISH for TV and switched to HughesNet Internet (owned by the same company) a month ago. I thought 10 Gb per month of data sounded good. It isn't. A Windows update used up about 2 Gb. So now I have faster Internet but can't use it much unless I want to pay for a higher level of service. It already costs close to twice as much as the DSL did.
I envy all you people who have so many choices.
We can get Internet service from the cable co. Or not.
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