Currently I pay $45/mo for crappy 5mbps internet that isnt capable of streaming on a single device without buffering let alone multiple devices in my household of 4.
So, I pay $125/mo to direct TV to get the shows that I desire. So TV + Internet = $175/mo (about $6/day)
Im not to proud to say I enjoy a few TV shows from time to time. Certainly worth the $6/month for ME and my family. I wont judge anyone on their TV preferences or lack of wanting TV. But I personally am not gonna live under a rock with no electronic entertainment.
The wife has a handful of shows she watches, as do the kids. I prefer Science and history channel shows, as well as college sports.
I have explored looking into a streaming service that checks all the boxes and gets the wife and kids the shows they want, as well as the shows and sports channels I want.
Youtube TV is pretty darn close. And at $65/mo seems like a nice savings over $125/mo of direct TV. The problem is internet. All we have ever had is 5mb DSL. My parents that live next door tried the T-mobile home internet ($60/mo) but found it buffers alot with just 2 devices. And with direct TV, my only internet requirement is simply browsing the web (like being on TBN right now), so my current 5mbps is fine. I cannot see spending $20 more per month for internet and still not be able to stream.
However, they just ran fiber this past month. Their lowest 100mbps package is $110/month. Sure, I could switch to that, then get youtube TV for $65....but then I'd be right back at $175/mo. So I see no advantage.
So alot of these comparisons, and hearing friends talk about how much they save with roku, youtube TV, netflix, hulu, disney+, etc etc etc......how much are you really saving by being required to have much more expensive internet.
In fact, I could get by without home internet with how good smart phones are now. Sometimes I just prefer sitting at a desktop with a full monitor though. So when comparing these cheaper TV packages through a streaming service....dont forget to include the cost of your internet. Because without it, you wouldnt have TV. But without internet, I still have my TV.
I can remember 30-40 years ago when satellite was all the rave. 100's of channels instead of the local 6 or so. So many people thought it was crazy to PAY for TV. Like who does that...but the benefit was not having to rent VHS movies, AND no commercials. So you could get free tv and deal with commercials....or pay and get rid of them. But now look at where we are...we are paying for TV and STILL have commercials. Who would have thought this 30 years ago.
At the end of the day though....we are paying for "content". One way of the other, through your provider, internet, subscriptions to streaming services, etc. And these streaming services like youtube TV and hulu that are gaining traction still have a very small piece of the pie compared to dish, direct TV, and cable. And I cant help but think that sooner or later.....the prices are gonna get alot closer. As the big players start loosing market share, they will adapt/adjust. And as companies like youtube TV gain traction....I dont see them staying at $65/month. So I see no reason for ME to hurry up the cycle and start paying $110/month for internet just to be a part of that, when at the end of the day there is no savings in it for me. But each person and circumstances are different
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