Technology is dynamic. It keeps improving and changing at a rapid pace. You have probably seen older versions going out of the trend and newer ones taking their place. Due to the impressive advancements in different areas of technology and facilities provided to the users, the trend of cable TV has certainly started dying as streaming services like Netflix have become popular names in every household. However, does that mean cable television no longer has any advantages? Certainly not.
Pros and Cons of Cable Television
If you have also been conflicted about whether to choose a streaming service over cable TV, then keep reading this article because we are going to address all the pros and cons of having access to the traditional source of entertainment.
Pros of Cable Television
Cable TV might have been taking a hit in recent years, yet the stats show that still, 56% of Americans get their television services from cable and satellite. Moreover, 65% of United States citizens are still investing in cable services, which is quite astonishing, considering that people assumed the figure would be way less than that.
Probably the reason is that cable TV still offers you tons of advantages and if you are not entirely aware of them, then let us enlighten you.
1. Wider Options of Channels
When you weigh streaming services with cable TV in terms of channels you get, you realize that cable TV offers an impressive and extensive channel lineup than streaming services. Take Mediacom for instance. This provider offers more than 165 channels, including; premium, family, international, local, and Latin networks. You can double-check it by visiting Mediacom canales and taking a look at its massive channel lineup.
In fact, you will find that only a handful of streaming sites house around a hundred channels, whereas, with your subscription to cable television, you can get up to 200 or even more than that, depending on the provider you choose for the services.
2. Cheaper Plans
Here is the thing, if you ditch cable TV entirely, then you will have to completely rely on streaming services for your entertainment needs. This means, that what used to be your sole source of entertainment, news, and educational content will now divide into multiple streams. Hence, to get access to all those various types of content, you will be needing a subscription to different over-the-top (OTT) platforms, all at once.
Now, when you calculate the amount and make a total, it will probably surpass the original payment of your cable bill.
Therefore, cable TV plans are cheaper than getting a subscription to multiple services to fulfill your craving for content.
3. Access to Sports and News Channels
One of the biggest challenges faced by people while switching from cable to streaming service is that they pretty much lose all access to real-time sports events and news. We cannot deny that there are numerous apps and services that let you have access to sports content, however, some of them only show the highlights or recorded footage of the event.
Even if you happen to get access to a streaming service that offers live coverage of sports events, still the quality will be compromised due to poor internet connection, and the fact that most of them are only available in 720p clearly ruins the whole fun of it.
Cons of Cable Television
People who used to prefer television are now increasingly becoming dissatisfied with the rapid increase in cost. As a matter of fact, from 2019 to 2021, cable TV providers lost around six million subscribers, largely because of the sudden increase in bills.
Although traditional television has its numerous perks, we cannot deny that every coin has two sides to it and the other side here shows that there are certain cons as well. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at them.
1. Poor Services
Several areas around the country only have one or two cable TV providers. And this sort of gives complete power to one company over the viewing habits of all the subscribers. In a way, it creates a monopoly and the subscribers end up receiving poor services.
This includes customer service, which is either non-existent or extremely dissatisfactory. People, especially those residing in the countryside often raise the issue that cable companies around the country are not really famous for their services in rural areas.
2. Cost
Inarguably, the cost is one of the biggest disadvantages of getting a cable TV subscription. There is a pretty good chance that your bill will continue to increase each month after getting a subscription to any plan. Prices exceed too high and this puts off any user who is looking for an economical way of fulfilling their entertainment needs.
For the first year, the deals might look lucrative, but over time, your bill may exceed way beyond your already set budget.
3. Reliance on Weather
Cable television highly relies on weather conditions. When the stormy weather hits, it can end up disrupting your services. The outdoor cable wires get messed up and you are left with a grainy screen and poor video quality.
Therefore, if you reside in an area where extreme weather conditions are typically the norm, then getting a cable television subscription might end up becoming a headache for you.
Final Verdict
Cord cutting trend is on the rise now more than ever. Various factors contribute to this decision of people to switch toward alternative options. However, we still cannot turn our backs away from the fact that just like the disadvantages, cable television also has its appealing perks. Therefore, if you have been contemplating whether to cut the cord or stick with your cable TV, then we hope this article helped you in making a decision.
