More and more Americans are cutting their cable TV subscriptions each year. They are tired of high prices, long-term contracts, and poor customer service.
The number of cord-cutting US households is expected to reach 80 million by 2026. It includes classic cord-cutters and “cord-nevers,” a group that grew up with streaming services and has never had traditional pay TV.
Why More People Are Choosing to Cut Cable
1. Cost
Many cable cutters complain about the lack of channels cable packages offer, but the cost is also a significant factor. The prices of cable packages continue to rise as inflation spikes, which can be a turnoff for consumers looking to save money.
More and more families are choosing to cut cable subscriptions to reduce their bills and transition to streaming services. The good news for cable companies is that those currently missing the cord do not regret their decision.
One study found that only about six percent of those who cancel their cable subscriptions return to pay TV. This is especially true for people in the 18–29 age group.
2. Variety
Cable services offer many different channels, but you can always cancel your subscription if you want something else. Those who choose to cut the cord will instead turn to streaming platforms that provide a broader range of content.Â
Even though these digital cable offerings are less comprehensive than traditional cable, they can be an excellent alternative to the hefty cable bill you would have otherwise signed up for.
That’s why you may see more people ditching their cable subscriptions to favor these alternatives. And this can be beneficial for both you and the companies that are offering them.
3. Time-Sensitive Programming
With the rise of streaming services and their investment in original content programming, more and more people are turning to these platforms for their TV needs instead of cable subscriptions. This content can also be bundled with other providers, allowing consumers to access everything in one place.
Streaming services also offer live sports and local programming, making them appealing to younger generations starting to move out independently. Millions of people are cutting their cable subscriptions each year, causing the number of cable TV subscribers to steadily decline.
As a result, many cable companies are losing their most loyal customer base. However, this does not mean that the cord-cutting movement is dead.
4. Long-Term Contracts
The cord-cutting movement is accelerating, and it’s not just young adults. Adults ages 65 and older also cancel their cable subscriptions in favor of streaming services.
This is good news for the streaming services above, but it could not be suitable for the providers that have long been providing TV and internet services. It’s not uncommon for these companies to bundle their services together to discourage customers from cutting the cord.
Even if these services aren’t as cheap as their cable counterparts, they can offer content many people miss. In addition, the original series that these platforms are producing is starting to gain notice from critics and awards organizations.
5. Customer Service
Although cutting cable may be challenging for those relying on live events and local programming, several less expensive options offer various shows. A new TV experience might be just what the doctor ordered for these people. By 2026, cord-cutting households are expected to outnumber cable TV homes. And that’s not a good thing for cable companies.
