Why Cut the Cord?

Cable TV bills have climbed steadily for years, often bundling channels you never watch with fees you never asked for. Cord-cutting — cancelling your traditional cable or satellite subscription in favour of internet-based TV — can significantly reduce your monthly entertainment spend while giving you more control over what you watch and when.

This guide walks you through the entire process, from auditing your current setup to getting your new system running smoothly.

Step 1: Audit Your Current TV Habits

Before cancelling anything, spend a week tracking what you actually watch. Ask yourself:

  • Which channels do I watch regularly?
  • Do I watch live sports? Which leagues or teams?
  • Do I need local news or local broadcast channels?
  • How many people in my household watch TV, and on how many devices?

This exercise will shape every decision that follows.

Step 2: Check Your Internet Connection

Streaming TV requires a solid broadband connection. General guidelines:

  • Standard Definition (SD): 5–10 Mbps
  • High Definition (HD): 15–25 Mbps per stream
  • 4K Ultra HD: 25–35 Mbps per stream

If multiple people will be streaming simultaneously, add those requirements together. If your current internet plan doesn't cover it, upgrading your plan before cutting the cord is essential.

Step 3: Get a Digital TV Antenna (For Free Local Channels)

A one-time purchase of a digital HDTV antenna gives you free access to local broadcast channels — ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS — in full HD quality. This is often the most cost-effective step in any cord-cutting setup. Indoor antennas work well in most urban areas; rural locations may need an outdoor model.

Step 4: Choose Your Streaming Services

Replace your cable subscription with a combination of services that cover your needs:

  • For live TV + sports: Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live, or FuboTV
  • For on-demand movies and series: Netflix, Max, Disney+, Prime Video
  • For free content: Pluto TV, Tubi, Peacock (free tier)

You likely don't need all of these. Start with one or two and add more only if you feel a gap.

Step 5: Pick a Streaming Device

If your TV isn't already a smart TV, you'll need a streaming device. Popular options include:

  • Amazon Fire TV Stick — affordable, widely supported
  • Roku Streaming Stick — excellent interface, no ecosystem bias
  • Google Chromecast with Google TV — strong integration with Android/Google
  • Apple TV 4K — premium pick for Apple users

Step 6: Cancel Your Cable Subscription

Contact your cable provider to cancel. Be prepared for retention offers — they may offer you a reduced rate to stay. If you've done your homework on costs, you'll be in a strong negotiating position, or you can simply proceed with the cancellation.

Step 7: Return Equipment and Confirm Final Bills

Return any rented cable boxes, routers, or remote controls promptly. Keep records of what you returned and when, and verify your final bill to avoid surprise charges.

What to Expect After Cutting the Cord

Most cord-cutters report an adjustment period of a few weeks while they settle into new habits. After that, the flexibility of choosing what to watch, on any screen, without a bloated cable bill is genuinely liberating. Many households save a significant amount each month while gaining access to a wider variety of content than cable ever provided.