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Cord Cutters Grew 44% Last Four Years
According to a new report by Experian Marketing Services, "cord-cutters" grew by 44 percent in the past four years, with 7.6 million households using broadband for streaming or downloading videos instead of traditional cable or satellite television. The report found that 48 percent of all U.S. adults and 67 percent of young adults watch streaming or downloaded video during a typical week. "While we are seeing the way we view video drastically changing, television is likely to remain the primary device for consumer video; we just are witnessing the transition of the definition of television," states the company.
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davidc502
join:2002-03-06
Mount Juliet, TN

davidc502

Member

Let us downplay to avoid new fees.

I would like to see cable companies continue to downplay cord-cutting because I don't wish to see new fees for those of us who don't subscribe to traditional TV.

Current savings by cutting the cord is 1000 dollars a year, and I want to keep it that way.

Cord cutters are far few and in between as far as I know

why me lord
@66.249.83.x

why me lord

Anon

Re: Let us downplay to avoid new fees.

said by davidc502:

I would like to see cable companies continue to downplay cord-cutting because I don't wish to see new fees for those of us who don't subscribe to traditional TV.

Current savings by cutting the cord is 1000 dollars a year, and I want to keep it that way.

Cord cutters are far few and in between as far as I know

As more and more end the traditional TV subscriptions, the cable companies will start to raise the prices of internet only access accordingly. They will make up the losses of traditional TV subscribers one way or another.

P.S. You are not cutting the CORD. The cable connection to your house is still there unless you went 100% wireless. And obviously you didn't or you wouldn't have saved any money.

Frank
Premium Member
join:2000-11-03
somewhere

Frank

Premium Member

Re: Let us downplay to avoid new fees.

said by why me lord :

P.S. You are not cutting the CORD. The cable connection to your house is still there unless you went 100% wireless. And obviously you didn't or you wouldn't have saved any money.

A $110 triple play package with no premiums can easily cost $150+ after taxes and equipment fees. Thats with with promo pricing, after the promos expire they want like $200-$230 a month. All of this isnt even factoring rising tv rates.

Meanwhile, you can easily find an internet connection in most places for around $40-$80 which is a substansial savings.

why me lord
@66.249.83.x

why me lord

Anon

Re: Let us downplay to avoid new fees.

said by Frank:

Meanwhile, you can easily find an internet connection in most places for around $40-$80 which is a substansial savings.

Can you? And what connection is that? A DSL connection with 1.5 or 3 mbps downstream? Hardly can stream anything in HD or stream for more than 1 user in a house. If you want good streaming you are connected to CABLE.

davidc502
join:2002-03-06
Mount Juliet, TN

davidc502

Member

Re: Let us downplay to avoid new fees.

said by why me lord :

Can you? And what connection is that? A DSL connection with 1.5 or 3 mbps downstream? Hardly can stream anything in HD or stream for more than 1 user in a house. If you want good streaming you are connected to CABLE.

Not sure what you're talking about... but I cut the cord, and went with TDS Fiber Optic network, which I have the minimum speed offered of 50mbps for a little over 50 bucks a month with no data caps.

I have little to complain about.

norm
join:2012-10-18
Pittsburgh, PA

norm

Member

Re: Let us downplay to avoid new fees.

said by davidc502:

Not sure what you're talking about... but I cut the cord, and went with TDS Fiber Optic network, which I have the minimum speed offered of 50mbps for a little over 50 bucks a month with no data caps.

I have little to complain about.

I wish I had that here. Verizon wants $74.99 for their 25/25 Mbit internet here with no contract and no TV or phone... For Comcast, which is the the only realistic alternative, they want $66.95 for 25/5 Mbit with no agreement.

Frank
Premium Member
join:2000-11-03
somewhere

Frank to why me lord

Premium Member

to why me lord
said by why me lord :

said by Frank:

Meanwhile, you can easily find an internet connection in most places for around $40-$80 which is a substansial savings.

Can you? And what connection is that? A DSL connection with 1.5 or 3 mbps downstream? Hardly can stream anything in HD or stream for more than 1 user in a house. If you want good streaming you are connected to CABLE.

fiber

why me lord
@50.7.78.x

why me lord

Anon

Re: Let us downplay to avoid new fees.

And how many on independent fiber, except for FIOS which is just like cable? 1% or 2% nationally. Most switching from cable would be on slow DSL.

thatguythere
@108.13.189.x

thatguythere

Anon

Re: Let us downplay to avoid new fees.

Or forget Charter's 30mbit for $30/mo which covers quite a geographic area. Let's just say that broadband is super expensive and there are no exceptions ever, it's all either cheap 3mbit DSL or expensive Comcast 305mbit.

Frank
Premium Member
join:2000-11-03
somewhere

Frank to why me lord

Premium Member

to why me lord
said by why me lord :

And how many on independent fiber, except for FIOS which is just like cable? 1% or 2% nationally. Most switching from cable would be on slow DSL.

most cities in the us are covered by fiber via either: att uverse, centurylink prism or verizon fios. besides that, even if fiber isnt available...dsl isnt as slow as you think, there are alot of places that have 7-15mbps dsl options which is more than adequate for streaming especially considering that theyre usually marketed around half the price of cable internet.

Brian_M
join:2004-06-19
Manchester, GA

Brian_M to why me lord

Member

to why me lord
For me, Charter 60/4 is $50/month or Windstream DSL at 12/2 (though supposed to be 24/4 by the end of the year) for the same $50. TV easily adds $60~80/month, and I haven't paid for it for 2+ years now.

Personally, I also hope that the cable companies keep saying pay-tv cutters don't exist... I prefer them playing stupid, though I know it won't last for long.
mist668
join:2011-02-15
Middleburg, PA

mist668 to why me lord

Member

to why me lord
$55 month with cable and I use ota, netflix, hulu, and other free means. Not paying $70 or so a month for 100 channels of garbage plus tack on fees and rentals... no thanks

Btw 25/2 for $55

NormanS
I gave her time to steal my mind away
MVM
join:2001-02-14
San Jose, CA
TP-Link TD-8616
Asus RT-AC66U B1
Netgear FR114P

NormanS to why me lord

MVM

to why me lord
said by why me lord :

If you want good streaming you are connected to CABLE.

I had good streaming on DSL in another home. AT&T only offered 3M, which was really 2.5M after deducting overhead; but when I switched to Sonic.net, I was easily streaming 3M on the same line.

In my current home, I stream 5.8M, unless the show itself isn't HD.

nmtumryum7i
@69.131.102.x

nmtumryum7i to why me lord

Anon

to why me lord
Companies like Earthlink still exist and they will resell you cable or DSL in most of the US without having to pay for any other services you don't need.

With the money you save you can get both DSL and Cable so you'll have a backup connection should one go down or use the DSL for VoIP and gaming then use the cable for everything else.

Majestik
World Traveler
Premium Member
join:2001-05-11
Tulsa, OK

Majestik to why me lord

Premium Member

to why me lord
I have always consider cord cutting as canceling subscription to cable,satellite,bundles,and telephone lines(AT&T Uverse) in favor of more cheaper access,ala carte options for viewing entertainment.
Skippy25
join:2000-09-13
Hazelwood, MO

Skippy25

Member

Re: Let us downplay to avoid new fees.

It does to everyone else in the world as well except to those that want to deny it and discredit it.

catchingup
@135.23.225.x

catchingup to why me lord

Anon

to why me lord
said by why me lord :

P.S. You are not cutting the CORD. The cable connection to your house is still there unless you went 100% wireless. And obviously you didn't or you wouldn't have saved any money.

You're making up a new definition.

maartena
Elmo
Premium Member
join:2002-05-10
Orange, CA

maartena to why me lord

Premium Member

to why me lord
said by why me lord :

P.S. You are not cutting the CORD. The cable connection to your house is still there unless you went 100% wireless. And obviously you didn't or you wouldn't have saved any money.

You should not see this as a literal translation. "Cord Cutting" is simply a term used for those who unsubscribe from traditional subscription television, and go to a primary online and/or OTA solution. You should not translate the term "Cord Cutter" to physically cutting a cord.

Virtually all cord cutters still have internet from either the cable or telecommunication company.

syslock
Premium Member
join:2007-02-03
La La Land

syslock to davidc502

Premium Member

to davidc502
Exactly... My Mohu Sky and Prime are all my family needs. That $1000+ we are savaing a year goes towards other fun things, not dumb TV bundles of junk shows.
ajac
join:2000-08-15
Norman, OK

ajac

Member

well

till we start seeing big drops in cable subscribers they wont care about cord cutters. Prices continue to go up data caps still exist and junk packages still are around

Majestik
World Traveler
Premium Member
join:2001-05-11
Tulsa, OK

Majestik

Premium Member

Re: well

I don't think cord cutters even care if they care because they have moved on to cheaper ways and are happy and saving money with other options. As far as I'm concerned they can have big drops or double their subscribers it doesn't matter anymore.

dvd536
as Mr. Pink as they come
Premium Member
join:2001-04-27
Phoenix, AZ

dvd536 to ajac

Premium Member

to ajac
TV used to subsidize hsi. why you're seeing more hsi rate hikes is because of all the people cutting the[TV] cord.
Os
join:2011-01-26
US

Os

Member

Cord Cutters Think They're Smart

But the reality is they're cheating the system now and will pay later for it.

If the traditional TV bundle fades away, you will see your internet metered like electricity, and pay for it accordingly and the FCC has shown no interest in regulating broadband like a utility.

Also, do you really think Netflix will stay $8/month forever? It's already up to $9 for new subscribers, and every time the content providers have a new deal, they'll want more and more money. They're not giving up their slice of the pie, and many of the same companies are negotiating with both cable/satellite and Netflix.

The reality is eventually we will pay more and get less content with no sports, no local news, no weather, and somehow we'll think this is better? There is no chance the content companies or the cable/satellite companies will allow this current go-around to continue. I expect that as Netflix deals come up for any content provider who has an interest in preserving the traditional model will pull their support, leaving nothing but independent movies and shows nobody wants to watch anyway. And when those negotiations come up with cable/satellite, they will require exclusivity with content, and all that content will need to be authenticated.

Cord cutters are going to be gouged in the future and contribute to an even more corrupted system down the road.

syslock
Premium Member
join:2007-02-03
La La Land

1 recommendation

syslock

Premium Member

Re: Cord Cutters Think They're Smart

Os: Technology is always changing. The TV comapnies need to learn from the lessons of the record companies. Adapt or fail. With technology, there will always be an alternative method to receive content like it or not. There are tons of alternative ways to get sports, news, weather without TV. Again... I'm saving over $1000 a year NOT paying for crap spoon fed to me by the current content bundles.
Os
join:2011-01-26
US

1 recommendation

Os

Member

Re: Cord Cutters Think They're Smart

Sure, there are ways. And few of them are legal.

And soon, you won't be saving $1000/year. The cable companies will come for you, and you'll be paying more for less. And IMO, you'll deserve it.

And it's time to make piracy a felony too, IMO. That's what many of the cord cutters are doing, going to Pirate Bay and other illegal sites for sports.

syslock
Premium Member
join:2007-02-03
La La Land

syslock

Premium Member

Re: Cord Cutters Think They're Smart

Sorry you are so bitter. I am not Pirating ANYTHING. I don't have to. I can get sports, news, and weather via the internet, via FM radio... I don't need a pay TV service to get that content and I'm not. I have a life. I don't sit at home in front of my TV much. And when I do, I'm watching legal content of my choosing.

davidc502
join:2002-03-06
Mount Juliet, TN

1 recommendation

davidc502 to Os

Member

to Os
said by Os:

And it's time to make piracy a felony too, IMO. That's what many of the cord cutters are doing, going to Pirate Bay and other illegal sites for sports.

What? You want to make copyright infringement a felony? That's too funny! Keep dreaming.
biochemistry
Premium Member
join:2003-05-09
92361

1 recommendation

biochemistry to Os

Premium Member

to Os
Talk about stereotyping. Number one, do you really want your daughter going to jail for 15 years because she downloaded a movie from a torrent. Secondly, I would say most cord cutters DO NOT pirate. They have Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime and OTA among others to choose from.
mist668
join:2011-02-15
Middleburg, PA

mist668 to Os

Member

to Os
No they won't. I'll read a book or go outside. Not sit and watch dumb sports all day. I left dish for ota and netflix hulu and got used to that. I can get used to having nothing if need be. Come and get me for not having tv subscription.

catchingup
@135.23.225.x

4 recommendations

catchingup to Os

Anon

to Os
said by Os:

Sure, there are ways. And few of them are legal.

And soon, you won't be saving $1000/year. The cable companies will come for you, and you'll be paying more for less. And IMO, you'll deserve it.

And it's time to make piracy a felony too, IMO. That's what many of the cord cutters are doing, going to Pirate Bay and other illegal sites for sports.

Can you come across as anymore of a bitter corporate shill?

If you don't like people pirating go F yourself.

No one cares what you think.

Swingerhead
Premium Member
join:2004-04-06
Richmond, VA

Swingerhead

Premium Member

Re: Cord Cutters Think They're Smart

I go to torrents for things I cant get without the cable box. Its silly that they charge $20 for a DVR service or $12 a month for the cable boxes on top of the service without an option to purchase. If I could have a one time up front cost and own the equipment with all the features, not talking about TiVo, then I would keep the service. Also adding stupid fees like cell companies is where I finally got fed up. I have found that I enjoy the free time I have much more now that I don't have standard cable service. Thanks corporate greed meisters.
BiggA
Premium Member
join:2005-11-23
Central CT

BiggA

Premium Member

Re: Cord Cutters Think They're Smart

You're talking about TiVo, but then not talking about TiVo... TiVo IS the box you can own...

maartena
Elmo
Premium Member
join:2002-05-10
Orange, CA

maartena to Os

Premium Member

to Os
said by Os:

Sure, there are ways. And few of them are legal.

And soon, you won't be saving $1000/year. The cable companies will come for you, and you'll be paying more for less. And IMO, you'll deserve it.

And it's time to make piracy a felony too, IMO. That's what many of the cord cutters are doing, going to Pirate Bay and other illegal sites for sports.

I don't pirate anything, because....

1) I don't care much about sports. If I REALLY want to watch something, I will go to a sports bar. So far, this year, that has only been the World Cup.

2) I don't care about having to have a TV series next-day. I am perfectly fine waiting till it arrives on Amazon Prime or Netflix, to both of which I subscribe. I haven't even STARTED watching "Lost" yet, and by the time I am through all 7 of those seasons, I am sure I can find other things to watch. The current season of TV series will probably be on LEGAL online sources in 2 to 3 years. Do I care that I am 2-3 years behind? (or in the case of Lost, almost 10 years?) Not one bit.... the days that we came to work and discussed who it could have been that shot JR are really over. Everyone is time-shifting anyways with DVR's and might not have watched it the next day, and discussing on Friday what happened on Tuesday's Revolution, is quite pointless.

3) I have completely, 100% FREE OTA antenna television, and the HD quality is better then cable. Not only that, I can record that television using my media server as it has a TV card. So anything that I DO want to watch semi-live, such as The Voice, American Idol, and such..... I can simply record from ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, MyNetworkTV, PBS, or one of the other 20 or so HD channels and 80 or so SD channels I can pick up in the Los Angeles area.

4) Most big networks actually offer quite a large amount of content for free, such as HGTV for example. My setup is a computer attached to my TV, and I have a wireless keyboard and mouse as my remote. If it plays full screen in a browser, I can watch it.

Furthermore I wish to add that copyright infringement is never going to be a felony. First off, it isn't worth the legal expense states are making (YOUR taxes!!!) to start paying for more prisons and a larger force to arrest people who commit copyright infringes, and second, the industry has been burning themselves as of late by suing people who truly DID have an open router, an old, old PC that didnt contain any P2P software, etc.... and it is very bad PR to drag a mother of 2 on wellfare because the jerk husband abandoned them in front of a judge only to find out they are rather innocent. Another case recently reported in the media was that of a mother that couldn't even afford regular television, and wanted to download ONE cartoon for her children, and did it in a way that she got caught. Again, bad publicity, as they don't want to go after the downloader that downloads once or twice, but the ones that are actually recording the movies/tv shows and distribute them through warez group.

Finally, a completely 100% anonymous VPN/Tor based P2P has already been invented. It isn't in use much, because right now.... it is way too slow because few are using it. When current P2P become too transparent, pirates will simply dig a little deeper.

It is the ever lasting question of the wall. You build a bigger wall, but they already HAVE a taller ladder.

If you want to BEAT piracy, you have to do what iTunes has done for music. Music piracy has gone DOWN because of iTunes, Video piracy has gone UP because the movie industry is infesting video with DRM so you can't use your LEGALLY bought video on another device. No wonder people are turning to piracy.

But again, for the record: I don't pirate. And if I do, it is rare and far between, only if I can really not find something I really want. You don't NEED to be a pirate to be a cord cutter.

And yeah, I am saving $1,000 a year, and that includes a subscription to Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu.
AmericanMan
Premium Member
join:2013-12-28
united state

AmericanMan to syslock

Premium Member

to syslock
said by syslock:

The TV comapnies need to learn from the lessons of the record companies. Adapt or fail.

I think that TV companies have learned quite well from the record companies, only I don't think they learned the lesson we wanted them to learn.

Record companies tried to adapt, and did so in a way many of us approve of and support (DRM-free, using open technology, etc etc.), and now look, their revenue has flatlined. »www.latimes.com/entertai ··· ory.html

So instead of either 'adapt', or 'fail', I think the TV companies will choose the third method that's not only the cheapest but that has the highest chance of success -- litigate.
biochemistry
Premium Member
join:2003-05-09
92361

biochemistry

Premium Member

Re: Cord Cutters Think They're Smart

So there is no possibility revenue was flat because a lot of awful music is being produced?
AmericanMan
Premium Member
join:2013-12-28
united state

AmericanMan

Premium Member

Re: Cord Cutters Think They're Smart

Maybe, maybe not. But I think that the TV Execs took one look at how anybody can go on Amazon or iTunes and download an unprotected MP3 for $1.29, play it on any device they own (without paying any extra convenience fees!) and said to themselves "this will never be us. never."

dvd536
as Mr. Pink as they come
Premium Member
join:2001-04-27
Phoenix, AZ

dvd536 to syslock

Premium Member

to syslock
pirated sports: who wants to download a game they already heard the score on the news?
BiggA
Premium Member
join:2005-11-23
Central CT

BiggA

Premium Member

Re: Cord Cutters Think They're Smart

There's crappy pirated live streams that look like YouTube from 5 years ago...

NO to ESPN
@72.5.190.x

NO to ESPN to Os

Anon

to Os
Actually the whole media business is in trouble as the cost to support sports is getting out of control. I went to a restaurant last night and saw a baseball game on a big screen and the stands were pretty empty. I watched because the TV was in front of me and I had no choice. Without ESPN I doubt the team would meet it's budget.

The answer is to tax ESPN.
BiggA
Premium Member
join:2005-11-23
Central CT

BiggA

Premium Member

Re: Cord Cutters Think They're Smart

ESPN is a big problem, as are the NCAA athletic conferences that are getting MASSIVE contracts from them, not to mention professional sports deals.

Majestik
World Traveler
Premium Member
join:2001-05-11
Tulsa, OK

Majestik to Os

Premium Member

to Os
Not really smart. Just common sense. Well maybe a little smart.
I cut the cord in the late nineties. Lost my addiction to TV and paying for 200 channels when I was only watching six. Contributed the savings to many shares of AT&T and Comcast.
I'm saving and making money.
I have much more cheaper viewing options and entertainment.
I'm sure it will change and and all of this TV stuff will become cheaper one day.
As for now you and others pay for it and thanks for your support.
I get enough reinvested dividends to pay all of my monthly utility bills if I wish.
If Netflix monthly price goes up higher than I would like I will cancel. Won't be complaining on this forum. Just move on. Only watched about 6 shows and one movie on there this year so far but I've read/listened to close to 40 books,listened to 100s of hours of podcasts,spent my time outdoors,traveling,work,and with people.
I don't watch sports and my favorite weather channel is OTA.
biochemistry
Premium Member
join:2003-05-09
92361

1 recommendation

biochemistry to Os

Premium Member

to Os
Sports, local news and weather are all available OTA.

Lone Wolf
Retired
Premium Member
join:2001-12-30
USA

Lone Wolf to Os

Premium Member

to Os
said by Os:

But the reality is they're cheating the system now and will pay later for it.

That's totally untrue. Nobody's getting cheated and nobody's cheating.

You are angry over nothing.

The future is in smartphones. Seems everyone has 4G LTE and they watch videos and tether their tablets and laptops to their phones.

Get over it!
Os
join:2011-01-26
US

Os

Member

Re: Cord Cutters Think They're Smart

And you can't stream video without ridiculous fees, which is what Verizon, AT&T and the like would love for you to do.

Once cable has similar caps, all streaming media is dead on arrival. And I don't have a problem with that at all.

NormanS
I gave her time to steal my mind away
MVM
join:2001-02-14
San Jose, CA
TP-Link TD-8616
Asus RT-AC66U B1
Netgear FR114P

NormanS

MVM

Re: Cord Cutters Think They're Smart

said by Os:

Once cable has similar caps, all streaming media is dead on arrival. And I don't have a problem with that at all.

When streaming media dies, I go back to the way things were four years ago. When streaming media dies, I won't need HSI. If your income is derived from exorbitant fees for crap media, you won't make a solitary red cent off of me. (And, no, I am not a pirate. I stopped that when anime became readily available by legal venues.)
millerja01a
join:2005-10-03
Durham, NC

millerja01a to Os

Member

to Os
Ummm... I don't watch sports. I get my news from twitter before the media does. I can wait for movies/tv to arrive on streaming sources.

We save over $1000 a year.

NormanS
I gave her time to steal my mind away
MVM
join:2001-02-14
San Jose, CA
TP-Link TD-8616
Asus RT-AC66U B1
Netgear FR114P

NormanS to Os

MVM

to Os
said by Os:

But the reality is they're cheating the system now and will pay later for it.

I have "cheated" "the System" all of my life; I am what some call a, "Cord Never". If Netflix price exceeds my perception of value, I will drop them.
existenz
join:2014-02-12

existenz

Member

Wait until Popcorn Time hits mainstream like Napster

It may take another year but PopcornTime now has Chromecast support and may eventually be as mainstream as Napster. This would force the content industry to change their model, may boost Netflix/Amazon and also ad-based like Hulu/Crackle.

It's still in beta but I imagine once it's at 1.0, it could change the industry. No matter how you slice it, the bundled broadcast cable TV model is so last century and is about to get buried.

••••••••••••••
brianiscool
join:2000-08-16
Tampa, FL

brianiscool

Member

Explain

Why would I watch the News all day. When I can decided which
news topics to watchon Roku.
Also instead of paying $60 - $80 a month for TV. I can pay $10 - $20 for a couple
of channels over the internet.
ncbill
Premium Member
join:2007-01-23
Winston Salem, NC

ncbill

Premium Member

Started cutting the cord in 2006

When I dropped standard ($70/month) for broadcast-only cable ($7/month).

Bought whatever 'cable' shows I wanted, commercial-free, from Amazon, downloaded to my Tivo.

Then dropped cable altogether when I bought my first HDTV a couple of years later.

As for broadband, there are choices, at least in my area.

I'm getting ready to dump DSL for cable internet @ promo price.

I can always switch back to DSL @ a promo rate when my cable broadband bill increases.
amungus
Premium Member
join:2004-11-26
America

amungus

Premium Member

It's painfully obvious

The simple truth is that "standard" packages have increased too much in price.

It used to be that cable TV was generally affordable for a "middle class" family. The average bill was under $50/mo. Along comes (dial up) internet, at $10-20/mo. Then came "high speed" internet at various prices. Bills became about $100/mo. for both. Along came receiver fees, then digital gateway fees, then DVR fees.
Add phones, add cell phones. Things have gotten out of hand. Prices have gone nowhere but up. Incomes have been all over the map, but the average working family has far less "disposable" income.
At the end of the month, when you realize that your "cable bill" is as much as your electric, or gas bill (in winter), you wonder what the actual f*ck you're paying for. Football? Much of that is still OTA, free to view for the vast majority of people. The games that are not, are they really worth ESPN's ever increasing fees?

We're looking at dropping Dish in the very near future. Need to be sure the contract is up. After that, it's a matter of whether or not we want to spend the money on a cable card tuner and Cox's "economy" package (most channels, sans the ESPNs). I don't ever want to rent a cable box again, and it pains me to even think about the rental of a stupid card. Those should be available to purchase for $20 or so.

In short, the "standard" TV packages are insanely priced. The "but it's a good value over the course of a month compared to other entertainment" argument is crap, I'm sorry. It is not a good value, when part of what you pay for is the likes of "reality" TV, across a growing number of channels, including the Weather Channel, "History," "The Learning Channel," "SyFy," and so many others that used to be at least halfway worth the monthly costs.

Sorry, but hanging out in a pawn shop, talking to hicks, wrestling on what used to be a science fiction channel are not even close to worth the prices anymore. Don't even get me started on the horrors of the "learning" channel's latest idiocracy.

Cox's "standard" Advanced TV package is $71/mo, plus fees, plus "digital gateway" fees, plus box rental fees, plus receiver fees, plus a DVR fee (if you go for that). Dish is no better. DirecTV is no better. They all end up right around $100/mo. for these packages. It's just too costly for a lot of people, as is evidenced in these continual "cord cutting" trends. Even for those who *can afford it,* it becomes a question of "why am I spending this kind of money every month for this?" A perfectly reasonable question. The choices are: Continue paying. Ditch the packages with ESPN, or, to drop the service entirely. A lot of folks seem to opt for the "to hell with this" package, and either go with pure internet video, and/or go with an antenna.

Personally, I don't ever want the "learning" channel to ever see another dime of my money. ESPN is so overrated it's pathetic. Most of all, I can't believe "MTV" is even a channel anymore, let alone that ANYONE watches it.

Zenit_IIfx
The system is the solution
Premium Member
join:2012-05-07
Purcellville, VA
·Comcast XFINITY

Zenit_IIfx

Premium Member

Cord Cutting is happening

I have seen cord cutting in my own family. Got the more stubborn members to try Netflix (they love movies put paid rent per movie to Comcast or Apple) and now they are hooked - an $8.99 all you can eat buffet.

All of the older people I know are getting tired of the constant commercials and lack of quality programming provided by content providers. The end is near for CATV/Satellite. I know people who went to OTA, Basic Cable + Streaming, etc.

Things need to change, otherwise Cord Cutting will become very common beyond the young. (I wont sign up for a TV service...I dont see the point. Then again I am of the generation that gets entertainment through the Internet or through Video Games...)

my thoughts
@24.209.161.x

my thoughts

Anon

numbers....

Cord cutters increased by 44% over 4 years, from 5.3 million households to 7.6 million.

During that same 4 year period (2009-2013) the number of US households increased from 117,538,000 to 122,459,000 or 4,900,000 households..

If cord cutters subtracted from number of increased households (4.9-2.3).... 2,600,000 more households were available to increase telco, cable subscribers without noticing cord cutting.

Just my thoughts....
tabernak4
join:2013-08-10

tabernak4

Member

Re: numbers....

Interesting argument and valid up to a certain point. Doing a quick and very rough excel simulation using linear growth rates of 10% for cord cutting and 1% for population growth, about 7 years from now cord cutters will be growing faster than the population and 14 years they'll be growing twice as fast.

Who knows how that'll hold up and could easily become more exponential, but to me it should be clear that the writing is on the wall already. Serious cord cutting has probably existed a decade or less and it's already significant. Borders, Blockbuster, Circuit City missed the writing on the wall too.
grabacon9
join:2013-08-21
Newark, OH

grabacon9

Member

If internet turns into cable, we will drop the internet too.

I am not paying for something that's not worth it. I am sure that Many internet subscribers will do the same.

nunya
LXI 483
MVM
join:2000-12-23
O Fallon, MO
·Charter

nunya

MVM

Cord Cutters Grew 44% Last Four Years

Cord Cutters Grew 44% Last Four Years - Actually, I lost about 10 lbs.

I told the cable company to pound sand almost 2 years ago (still have their overpriced internet service though). I wasn't a popular guy around my household.
Lo and behold, everyone lived. The kids have mastered Netflix, Amazon, and Youtube.
Not only that, but they've also mastered such things as "swingset", "trampoline", "baseball", and "soccer". There's a lot more playing instead of loafing.

If you want to cut the cord, I suggest 2 things:
#1 There is still "free" TV. Put up an antenna. It may not be much, but it's free. Picture quality is 2X better than cable too.
#2 Buy a Roku (or 5).

The reality is, I'm saving $90 / month - even when you consider the cost of Amazon and Netflix. Now that Charter went forced STB, I would have been paying for 8 converter boxes @ $7.00 / month ON TOP OF the base price of cable. No Thanks.