Cutting the cord part II: Cable TV strikes back

By Katherine

Just after watching the season finale of “Damages” on FX and setting up our new  TV Antenna and digital converter box, we discovered two surprises about cutting our cable: (1) we could, in fact, still use our TiVo to record shows on the major broadcast stations over the free airwaves and (2) it would be cheaper for us if we didn’t cut cable. The first was a pleasant surprise; the second, mind-blowing. 

Here’s the deal. Our local cable company provides both TV and Internet cable, which had been bundled for us in one bill. When we called to cancel the TV cable, of course we learned they’d be bumping up the individual fee for the Internet. Fine. That part was not surprising. What was shocking was that the customer service representative then offered us a new package of cable TV with local channels plus the Internet that would be cheaper than just getting the Internet itself. 

I’ll write that again: Cable TV plus the Internet would be cheaper than just the Internet. It’s like that scene from The Godfather: Part III where Michael Corleone laments, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” 

After mulling over whether we were being incredibly stupid about the money, Husband and I decided to stick to our cable TV-free plan. Anything that sounds too good to be true, probably is. The only thing we can figure is that the cable companies are so desperate to maintain customers increasingly being lost to satellite services and other alternatives to cable, such as Hulu.com and, you know, just having a life, that they’re offering these sweetheart deals. But cable fees will only go up, and we’re ready to get out from under The Man and his sneaky ways. 

Plus, money was not the biggest motivator here. We want to spend less time being boobs in front of the tube and more time enjoying much more fulfilling activities, such as actually sharing meals at the table and getting to bed earlier. Sixty-some fewer channels to surf will help us stay on track. 

I’ll have to admit, though, I’m more than relieved that I can continue to record “Curious George” on PBS now that my daughter has been programmed to believe it comes on when mommy or daddy pushes buttons on the remote and not only at 8am when she’s at preschool.