I cut the freakin' cord!!

[Bushwack44]

It took awhile for me to do it and I admit having some anxiety doing so. But I finally the cut the cord (no more cable) and it has been liberating for the past few weeks.

Between basic cable (no HBO, Showtime, etc) and 200Mbps internet access, I was paying $148/month. I came to the realization that most of the TV I was watching (1-2 hrs per evening) was available via antenna (local programming and mostly comedy/drama series that were made from the 50s thru 80s). 90% of all else that interest me was available via Amazon Prime (already a member) or Roku (stick cost $35). The small void I have is some programming from CNBC, AMC and BBC (which should be the least of my worries in life). If I truly missed some programming those channels, I'm assuming I could subscribe on a monthly basis.

For those who have some anxiety as I did, here's the process that worked for me. I disconnected the cable and attached a small TV antenna ($25). I kept cable service until I was comfortable learning how to access various channels (what was available) and realizing what I would be missing. It was about 2 weeks before I called Spectrum and cancelled.

Reception is excellent w/ the antenna (I'm in L.A. and 24 miles from where the broadcast antennas are located on Mount Wilson). Should have done this long ago and somewhat embarrassed that I had anxiety doing so. I trimmed my monthly bill from $148 to $65 (internet only at 200Mbps). I would like to find a way to cut 20% for Internet access, but Spectrum has the monopoly in my neighborhood (AT&T and Verizon do not serve my area).

[TurboChrisB]

Very cool, congrats! I was thinking of doing the same......there are also stand alone dvrs available. And I was thinking of trying a cloud dvr....ala youtube tv.

https://www.cnet.com/news/best-live-tv-streaming-service-for-cord-cutters-for-2020/#listicle-e2b23144-932c-4e3d-acfe-81c4127335f1

[jimmykan]

I haven't subscribed to cable TV or landline telephone service since 2014.

Just internet and mobile phone service since then.

[BOBGBA]

... I trimmed my monthly bill from $148 to $65 (internet only at 200Mbps). I would like to find a way to cut 20% for Internet access, but Spectrum has the monopoly in my neighborhood (AT&T and Verizon do not serve my area).

Do you need 200Mbps or would 100Mbps work for you? It works for me (not sure if it costs less).

Can you cancel the account and put it in a relative's (spouse, son or daughter) name and get the "new subscriber" pricing?
Then in a year, when they raise the price, call and ask for customer retention and argue that if they raise your price, you will cancel. It worked for a year for me.
This year they tried to raise it again and the best I could do was cut the price increase in half.

[rudolfz]

https://www.locast.org

[the86d]

A regular TV stream, seems to be 1.5MBps to 3MBps MAX, EACH, in my testing.

[Dragunov]

I haven't subscribed to cable TV or landline telephone service since 2014.

Just internet and mobile phone service since then.

2010 for me. I don't miss them either.

[sonofeugene]

www.locast.org

Locast sucks.

[Mike512usa]

Check out Pluto. They have on demand and live "channels". They try to mimic cable and even have a channel guide. They carry MTV, CMT, Comedy Central, TBN, Nick, CNN, Spike, etc. They list an NFL channel and lots of other stuff. Not sure if those channels carry the same stuff as on their cable offerings. Crackle, Tubi, Roku and Youtube round out the best offerings via Roku streaming in my opinion. All have commercials. My sister says that her and my brother in law watch Tubi more than Netflix. Good Luck.

[Bushwack44]

I have 200 Mbps but I think 25 is what's recommended for 3 TVs streaming the same time.

As for Pluto, Crackle, Tubi, etc - never new these were available/accessible until I cut the cord. Ironically, there are now more channels that carry content that interest me then when I had cable.

[Surf & Turf]

I despise Spectrum. Just got my bill and THIS month they added premium channels onto our bill to the tune of almost $80 extra. Tried calljng their number but could not get through. Tried online cancellations but they only had option to add extras.....why is it that I have to go through all this!

[nine mil thrill]

Check out Pluto. They have on demand and live "channels". They try to mimic cable and even have a channel guide. They carry MTV, CMT, Comedy Central, TBN, Nick, CNN, Spike, etc. They list an NFL channel and lots of other stuff. Not sure if those channels carry the same stuff as on their cable offerings. Crackle, Tubi, Roku and Youtube round out the best offerings via Roku streaming in my opinion. All have commercials. My sister says that her and my brother in law watch Tubi more than Netflix. Good Luck.

Pluto has been outstanding !! it came preinstalled on my Vizio. i also installed it on my i phone and watch it at work.

[Tanner68]

I did it in 2011. (Humble bragging like a liberal.) Youtube is the most important channel for me. So much to learn about. How else will I tackle all my reloading and gunsmith projects? Netflix and Prime offer more than enough content. How much time in front of the box can one or should one spend? If you really want to watch a special sporting event, the free trial period often suffices. I appreciate the OPs honesty about the emotional difficulty of the establishing the rift.

[igorts]

[SanDiego619]

When I go to someone's house who has cable, I can never believe how many commercials there are. How can anyone stand watching that? It's like 40% commercials. I have Netflix and amazon, enough stuff to watch for sure.