Technology has evolved exponentially over the last two decades, and many people are moving away from traditional cable television and embracing high-speed internet services combined with streaming applications. In fact, it is believed that by the end of 2025, 75% of U.S. households will no longer use a traditional cable or satellite service to watch television. This transition, known as “cutting the cord,” can seem daunting, especially if you’re accustomed to conventional cable or satellite TV. Many people wonder how they will be able to continue to watch local stations with streaming services and high-speed internet. However, it’s simpler than it appears and can provide you with more flexibility, better content options, and often a lower bill. Let’s break down what this change means and how you can continue enjoying your favorite shows and local news.
Understanding High-Speed Internet and Local Stations with Streaming Services
High-Speed Internet: This is the backbone of cord-cutting. High-speed internet allows you to access the web, stream videos, make video calls, and much more, all with quick load times and minimal buffering. If you’re using the internet at home for activities like checking emails or browsing social media, you’re already familiar with it. For streaming TV, you’ll need a reliable and reasonably fast internet connection.
Streaming Apps: These services deliver TV shows, movies, and live broadcasts over the internet. Unlike traditional cable, which comes through a dedicated line, streaming services work over your internet connection. Some popular streaming services include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu. These services often provide a vast library of content you can watch anytime.
Watching Local Television with Streaming Services
A common concern is whether you can still watch local television stations, such as local news and sports, without subscribing to a cable television or satellite service. The good news is that many streaming services now offer local channels. Here’s how:
Broad Streaming Apps: Services like FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV offer packages that include local channels and popular cable networks. These services often provide a similar experience to traditional cable, including live broadcasts of your favorite local stations. If your favorite station isn’t included, you may find a station-centric app to supplement it.
Station-Centric Apps: Some apps focus on content from specific networks. For example, NBC’s Peacock, CBS All Access (now Paramount+), and Fox Nation offer shows and live broadcasts from their respective networks. However, these may not include local news or sports.
Antenna for Local Channels: Another way to watch a local channel is to take a simple, “back to basics” approach. If local channels are not included in your streaming package, an easy and cost-effective solution is to use a digital antenna. Modern antennas can pick up local broadcast signals in high definition for free.
Benefits of Cutting the Cord and Moving to High-Speed Internet
Most people who cut the cord on conventional cable or satellite services would never consider going back because the benefits they experience are far greater than they expected.
1. Cost Savings: One of the most significant advantages of switching to streaming services is potential cost savings. Traditional cable packages often come with numerous channels you might never watch. Streaming services let you choose exactly what you want, often at a lower cost.
2. Flexibility: Streaming services allow you to watch what you want when you want. You no longer need to adhere to the cable company’s broadcasting schedule; instead, you can watch shows on-demand. Many also have options to record live television like you would with a cable box.
3. Variety of Content: Streaming services offer a vast library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more. You can also enjoy exclusive content that isn’t available on cable.
4. No Long-Term Contracts: Many streaming services are available on a month-to-month basis, so you can cancel anytime without penalties.
Getting Started with Streaming Services
Does cutting the cord and moving to high-speed internet with streaming services sound interesting, but not sure where to start? Our team at Hunter Communications can help you make the switch. Here’s our advice for getting started, and you are always welcome to contact us directly for more assistance!
1. Choose the Right Internet Plan: Ensure you have a high-speed internet plan to handle streaming. We have a quick 30-second survey you can use to determine the right plan for your home internet needs. This tool evaluates all your home internet needs, from wireless devices to streaming services.
Discover the best Hunter Communications high-speed internet package to meet your household’s needs.
2. Select Streaming Devices: You’ll need a compatible device to watch streaming services on your TV. Options include Smart TVs (which have built-in apps), streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, or gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. If you’re new to streaming services, the most common solutions are either a Smart TV or a television with an HDMI input and a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV device. Our team can help walk you through this.
3. Subscribe to Streaming Services: Depending on your preferences, subscribe to one or more streaming services. Here’s a quick guide:
FuboTV and YouTube TV: These Offer a wide range of live TV channels, including local stations.
Hulu + Live TV: Combines Hulu’s on-demand library with live TV channels.
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video: Focus on movies, series, and exclusive content. If you like to watch television and movies but aren’t as concerned about getting local news and sports, these may contain most or all of the shows you like to watch.
Peacock, Paramount+, Fox Nation: Provide content from specific networks.
4. Set Up and Start Watching: You can subscribe to any combination of these streaming apps to get the variety of shows you desire. Some viewers only subscribe to Netflix, while others may have YouTube TV, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. The choice is yours! Once you’ve subscribed, download the relevant apps on your streaming device, log in, and start watching.
Addressing Common Concerns
- Will I Miss Out on My Favorite Shows? Most popular shows are available on various streaming services. Many services also offer the ability to watch episodes on-demand shortly after they air live.
- What About Sports? Major streaming services like FuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV include sports channels. Additionally, specific sports leagues have their own apps (e.g., NFL Game Pass, NBA League Pass). In many cases, a sports team may be broadcasted on a different platform weekly because these services buy the rights to broadcast the game. For example, your favorite sports team that has a game on ESPN one week may have their next game broadcast on Amazon Prime Video the next week, or it may be available on multiple platforms.
- How Do I Record Shows? Many streaming services come with cloud DVR capabilities, allowing you to record live TV and watch it later. However, the magic of streaming television is that most shows are available to watch from a menu at your convenience (“on-demand.”)
- Is It Complicated to Use? As with any new system, it may take a little while to get used to watching television in a different way. The good news is that streaming apps are designed to be user-friendly. Navigating the apps is straightforward once you’ve set up your device and subscriptions. You can always contact our team at Hunter Communications if you experience confusion or need additional assistance using this new format for watching television.
A Few More Tips
Here are a few last words of advice to make cutting the cord and moving to high-speed internet and streaming services easier.
- Bundle Services: Some streaming services offer bundles. For example, Disney+ offers a bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ at a discounted rate.
- Trial Periods: Many services offer free trial periods. Use these to explore and see which services you like best before committing.
- Customer Support: Many streaming services offer customer support if you have questions about setup or usage.
By moving to high-speed internet and streaming apps, you’re not only keeping up with technological advancements but also unlocking a new world of entertainment possibilities. With a bit of setup, you’ll soon find that watching TV this way can be just as enjoyable—and often more so—than traditional cable. Enjoy the flexibility, variety, and potential savings of cord-cutting.
Do you have more questions or want to take the next step toward watching your favorite local stations with streaming services?
We know change is hard. We’re committed to helping you make the switch and enjoy all the benefits that high-speed internet will bring you and your family. From supporting smart devices that make your home more comfortable to providing the best, most reliable platform for streaming television shows and movies, Hunter Communication’s internet services will enhance your life in so many ways. Find out if we currently have service in your neighborhood, or give us a call at 541-772-9282 with any questions you may have.