Cutting the cord—dropping cable or satellite TV in favor of online streaming—is a popular move. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Cable TV is pricey, which explains why millions are choosing to cancel their monthly subscriptions and switch to various streaming platforms instead. Many people save money this way, and for those comfortable with technology, it’s a strong recommendation.
However, it doesn’t work for everyone. Several factors can make cord cutting a poor fit—here are a few to consider.
Your Internet Service Is Subpar
Streaming video demands a stable broadband connection, yet millions of Americans lack reliable access—an estimated 78 million, according to one report. This is common in rural areas, but surprisingly, many urban and suburban regions also fall short.
It’s frustrating, but if you’re among those affected, cord cutting may not be feasible. Services like Netflix often buffer on slower connections and lower video quality, which is annoying but not always a deal-breaker. However, live streaming events become nearly unwatchable, with frequent stutters and buffering causing you to miss key moments.
And if multiple people in your household want to stream different shows simultaneously, it’s even more challenging.
Your ISP Imposes Low Data Caps
This ties into the previous point but deserves separate attention. Many internet providers set monthly data limits, after which they either throttle your speed or cut off service entirely. If you have a cap, cord cutting might be risky, as heavy TV streaming can quickly eat through your allowance.
Check this before making the switch. Your provider might offer an unlimited data plan for an extra fee, or you could consider switching to an ISP without caps if available.
Antenna Reception Isn’t Feasible Where You Live
Many cord cutters use an antenna to catch local channels or even employ Plex to record free over-the-air broadcasts. This gives you access to ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and PBS affiliates at no cost, but only if you can get a decent signal. In the digital era, it’s all or nothing: no fuzzy images—the picture is either perfect or nonexistent.
If you’re far from the nearest broadcast tower or in an area with heavy interference, getting a signal can be tough. Check out TVFool, which offers a reception-checking tool with antenna recommendations.
There are ways to improve your HDTV reception, so try those before making a final decision.
You’re Getting a Solid Deal from Your Cable Provider
In many parts of the country, your local cable company is the only broadband option, and they often offer discounted internet to cable subscribers. While these “bundles” are frequently overpriced, in some cases they truly are the best deal around.
If you currently have a bundle, find out how much your ISP charges for internet-only service. Compare that cost, plus any streaming subscriptions you’d add after cutting the cord, to see if you’d actually save money.
You Have Many TVs in Constant Use
Streaming Netflix doesn’t consume a huge amount of bandwidth, but if you have eight TVs all streaming content simultaneously, you might face issues. For one, Netflix limits the number of concurrent streams per account, as do most streaming services. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s worth considering. Bandwidth can also become a problem: too many streams might slow your connection and accelerate data cap usage.
Cable TV, on the other hand, works smoothly on multiple TVs, even if renting numerous cable boxes adds up. This won’t affect most people, but it’s something to think about.
You’re a Devoted Fan of Multiple Sports
Avoiding sports costs is a key way cord cutting saves money. Channels like ESPN pay exorbitant fees for broadcast rights and pass those costs to cable companies. These fees significantly inflate cable bundle prices, making them a bad deal if you’re not a sports enthusiast.
However, if you are a sports fan, the bundle might still be worthwhile because you actually want the content others are avoiding. Your sports are still subsidized by non-sports-watching cable subscribers.
Sports doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. For instance, I watch hockey online without cable, and it works well. But if you want to follow multiple sports leagues the same way, the costs of individual league-specific subscriptions can add up quickly. You could offset this with online TV services like Sling TV, which offer sports channels. Yet, there’s a chance the total cost might match what you’re paying for cable now.
Alternatively, it might not! It all depends on your needs. Do your research before cutting the cord.
You Must Watch New Episodes Instantly
The appeal of Netflix and similar services is that there’s always something to watch. They’re less useful if you want to see a specific show the moment it airs.
This isn’t a technical issue but an economic one: cable companies own the rights to most shows and have a vested interest in keeping you subscribed.
Most shows eventually land on streaming platforms, but you might have to wait. There’s more TV than anyone could watch, but for some, patience isn’t an option.
Services like Sling TV offer live TV channels over the web, allowing you to watch new shows right away. However, unlike cable, you can’t record every show from every network because Sling negotiates rights on a per-network basis. This means some shows are only available live, which won’t suit everyone.
Cord Cutting Is Excellent, But Not for Everyone
My colleague Michael believes cord cutting is losing its appeal, a view I personally disagree with. But even I admit it’s not for everyone.
RELATED: Cord-Cutting Is Losing Its Luster
RELATED: Cord Cutting Only Sucks If You’re Trying to Replicate Cable
Cord cutting works for me because my entertainment needs are simple. I’m content recording whatever I can with an antenna, streaming hockey online, and occasionally borrowing movies and TV shows from the library. Cord cutting isn’t a magic trick that lets you save money without giving up anything. It’s a conscious choice to spend less on entertainment, which means accepting trade-offs. That was never going to suit everyone, but it’s still worth considering.
Photo credit: Concept Photo, Antonio Guillem
howtogeek.com
