said by Anon :Recall the days of analog cable, all these local channels were always directly accessible without any decoder box. Aren't there any laws that require the basic channels be maintained that way?
No. As satellite-direct-to-home and DSL-based-IPTV services (See: Bell, Bell ExpressVu, Shaw Direct, Telus as examples) require a box to gain service, it is completely acceptable for a MSO to require this as well. They just have to carry certain channels by requirement, with no specifics about them being analog or unencrypted.
You can buy an HD Antenna and likely get some service over the air still, if you TV has a QAM Tuner.
Disclaimer: This is my personal understanding, I am by no means an expert or authority on this topic.