Here I sit, stuck in the ever-twisting vortex of modern technology, pondering the fate of my digital consumption. My faithful old friend, cable television, had been with me through thick and thin. The Sopranos finale? Comcast was there. Super Bowl victories? Both Comcast AND Verizon held my hand through them. The mind-numbing reruns of Friends, Seinfeld, Spongebob… Verizon didn’t judge. But in recent times, the bills have piled up while the viewing time has slimmed down.
Now let’s be clear, this isn’t about dismissing Verizon. They’ve been good to us, haven’t they? Or maybe it’s Stockholm syndrome; we’ve been with them for so long, it’s hard to imagine life without them. And here’s the crux of my dilemma: should I cut the cord and venture into the wild world of streaming services, or stay tethered to my expensive but reliable cable?
Let’s start with the facts. I’m currently rolling with a 75 Mbps plan from prehistoric ages that feels more like a Datsun than the Jetsons. (Kids today won’t get that reference, I’m sure.)
I know, I know, gigabit speed is out there for the same price. The downside? Well, that requires new equipment, and we all know that new gear means new expenses. It’s like a tax for wanting to keep up with the times.
So here we are, at the crossroads. On one side, there’s the familiar territory of cable TV – a good ol’ friend who asks for a hefty monthly donation. On the other side, there’s the promise of the New Age – fast, sleek, and cost-effective, but not without its own pitfalls. How do we decide? Let’s put our investigative hats on and delve into the pros and cons of cutting the cord.
Traditional Cable – The Pros
Let’s start with what we know. Cable is comprehensive. With Verizon, I can flip between crime dramas and cooking shows with ease. Not that I would, but I could. Want to catch the game live? No problem. Need to entertain the kids with cartoons while you get some work done? Easy peasy. With cable, the world is your oyster, and it’s all in one place.
It’s also easy to use. Turn on the TV, pick up the remote, and you’re good to go. There’s something to be said for simplicity, especially when you have visitors who aren’t tech-savvy or when you yourself can’t be bothered to navigate through multiple apps to find your favorite show.
Traditional Cable – The Cons
Now, for the downsides. It’s expensive, and it feels like it gets pricier every year. With prices hovering around $250/month for most packages, that’s a significant chunk of change.
Additionally, I find myself paying for channels I never watch. I mean, I love Bass Masters fishing as much as the next guy but I’m not watching them on tv. And shopping channels, home buying, home renovation, and DIY channels? Nope, not for me. And of course all the non-English speaking channels… everything I don’t watch is just a reminder of money not well spent.
Finally, the hardware. I have a set-top box, a remote control that’s seen better days, and miles of cables. It’s an eyesore.
Cutting the Cord – The Pros
On the other side, cutting the cord can seem like a breath of fresh air. There are a plethora of streaming services that cater to every whim and fancy. From Netflix to Hulu to Amazon Prime and Disney+, there’s something for everyone. Even sports fans can find dedicated streaming platforms like ESPN+.
The cost can be much lower than cable. With most streaming services priced between $10-20/month, even if you subscribe to three or four, it’s still likely to be cheaper than cable.
Streaming platforms also allow for more flexibility. You can watch anywhere, anytime, on any device. Cable, on the other hand, is confined to your TV.
Cutting the Cord – The Cons
But streaming isn’t perfect. It requires a good internet connection, which is another expense. And don’t forget, you’ll need to upgrade your hardware. Those old routers aren’t going to cut it, and a good one isn’t cheap.
Also, it can be hard to keep track of which shows are on which platform. That means constant switching between apps, which can get annoying.
Lastly, not all content is available on streaming platforms, especially live events. And while some services offer live TV options, they can be pricy, defeating the purpose of cutting the cord.
So where does this leave us? Well, the decision to cut the cord depends on your viewing habits, your budget, and how much you value convenience versus cost. If you love channel surfing and need your cable news or sports live, sticking with cable might be for you. But if you’re open to a more modern, flexible, and potentially cost-saving option, cutting the cord could be your ticket to freedom.
My recommendation? Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. Investigate the streaming services and their offerings. Calculate the costs of both options, including the new router and any additional streaming devices you may need.
I’m still on the fence, gazing at the two paths before me. Wish me luck, and remember, no matter which path you choose, there’s never anything good to watch anyway. 🙂