Cord Cutting 2.0: Are Cable Companies Repeating History with Our Internet?

We cord-cutters know the drill. Years ago, many of us joyfully pulled the plug on expensive cable television, embracing the freedom and affordability of streaming. For me, that journey started way back in 2011, and I haven't looked back. But the landscape is shifting again, and it looks like the cable companies might be making the same old mistakes, this time with our internet.

Luke Bouma over at Cord Cutters News recently published a piece that really hit home, titled "Cable TV Executives Are Repeating Their Cord-Cutting Mistakes As Customers Ditch Cable Internet In Cord-Cutting 2.0." He argues, and I wholeheartedly agree, that the frustrations that drove us away from cable TV -- things like restrictive data caps, the constant pressure to upgrade to pricier plans, and just plain high costs -- are now fueling a new wave of cutting the cord: this time, on cable internet.

My own journey illustrates this evolving landscape. While I happily bid farewell to Xfinity's cable TV service long ago, I remained a customer for their internet. Just a few months ago, I made a switch -- not to fiber or 5G (though those are increasingly appealing options), but to NOW Internet. Interestingly, NOW Internet is still under the Xfinity umbrella and utilizes the same cable infrastructure. My move wasn't a complete severing of ties with "big cable," but rather a strategic shift within it, hoping for a more streamlined and cost-effective service.

However, even with this change, the underlying annoyances that plague many cable internet users still linger. The awareness of potential data caps and the occasional nudge towards "faster" (and more expensive) plans are still there. For many, truly escaping the potential limitations of cable internet requires access to alternatives that aren't yet universally available.

But the story doesn't end with just switching internet providers. Like many cord-cutters, I've discovered the growing appeal of Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services. The content library and quality on these platforms have improved dramatically, offering a wealth of viewing options without adding another subscription fee.

Furthermore, my trusty antenna continues to be a cornerstone of my home entertainment. Living within range of the Savannah broadcast towers means I have access to the major networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC) and a variety of other channels like MeTV, Antenna TV, and the ION channels -- all in glorious, free over-the-air HD, thanks to my AirTV Anywhere setup.

The rise of compelling FAST content and the reliable, free access of OTA programming highlight a critical point: we have more and more ways to entertain ourselves without being beholden to expensive cable TV packages or even the highest-tier internet plans.

This brings me back to Luke Bouma's analysis. If cable companies were to address the very real frustrations of internet users -- by eliminating those dreaded data caps, focusing on providing truly affordable plans that meet everyday needs (rather than pushing gigabit speeds on everyone), and ceasing the relentless upselling -- they might actually retain more customers. Instead, these restrictive practices are inadvertently pushing us further towards exploring and embracing these alternative content sources and truly considering options like 5G and fiber where available.

"Cord Cutting 2.0" isn't just about finding a different pipe for our internet; it's about a broader shift in how we consume media. The growth of FAST services and the continued relevance of OTA broadcasts are testaments to our desire for affordable and accessible entertainment. Cable companies would be wise to learn from their past mistakes with television and adapt their internet strategies before they find themselves facing an even larger exodus.

What are your thoughts on "Cord Cutting 2.0"? Have you explored FAST services or dusted off your antenna? Share your experiences in the comments below!

My Streaming Life often involves enjoying a mix of live news, classic television, and on-demand movies through the various streaming services and my antenna. The ability to curate my own entertainment without the constraints of a traditional cable package is a significant benefit.