With a show of hands…. How many of you use all of the channels you are paying for on cable television?
Didn’t raise your hand, did you?
If not, you’re probably just like most people who pay for about 500 channels and only watch 3... to maybe 10 of them regularly. So why are you paying upwards of $100 per month for a clunky channel bundle, when you can replace it with streaming TV and movie services- and perhaps a TV antenna- at a fraction of the cost?
If you’re not sure how to get the cord-cutting process started, our simple checklist will help guide you to successful streaming and a happy wallet.
Cord Cutting Checklist
1. Internet service
You will most certainly need high-speed internet to start the process of cord-cutting. Many internet service providers offer plans that will make streaming a breeze. Let your service provider know your plan. Ranch WiFi provides high-speed internet service for rural areas for the Central Coast of California. For more information on coverage area and high-speed internet service plans, contact Ranch WiFi directly at (805) 995-4181 or visit the Ranch WiFi website at ranchwifi.com for more information.
Tip: If you plan on having multiple TV’s streaming at the same time it is important to take advantage of Ranch WiFi’s Stampede or Silver Bullet plan.
2. Streaming Services
So you called Ranch WiFi and you now have lightning-fast internet. Good. The next step to take before you start going the cord-cutting route, you want to make sure you know what options are out there. The good news is, there are TONS of them nowadays. You just need to make sure you cover all of your bases and get the services that suit your needs. Here is a list of some of the online TV & movie streaming services. Pick your poison:
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV+
- Disney+
- CBS All Access
- AT&T TV Now
- HBO Now
- fuboTV
- Sling TV
- YouTube TV
- AT&T WatchTV
- Xumo
- ESPN+
- Vudu
… The list goes on and on and this is just a fraction of the current streaming services. Whether you like dramas, comedies, horror movies, classic TV shows like Seinfeld, Friends or The Office, sitcoms from the ’80s and ’90s, childhood cartoons, new cartoons or all the sports in the world- there’s a service out there just for you. Take a look at all of your options. A good starting point is to at least have Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ and some sort of sports option if there’s a sports lover in the home. That set up will keep everyone occupied for a while.
3. Streaming devices
So you’ve subscribed to some of your favorites. Good job! Now it’s time to look at streaming devices. We want to be clear- although most smart TV’s today have the ability to access the streaming services app straight from your television set, you do not need a smart TV to utilize online streaming options. If you don’t have a smart TV, or your smart TV is a later model, you will most likely need to download the streaming services app on a device like Roku’s Streaming Stick or Amazon’s Fire TV Stick- both of which you should be able to find on amazon.com at a decent price. These devices just plug straight into your HDMI port and connect to the internet over your home WiFi network.
Keep in mind that if you have multiple television sets that you wish to stream with, you will most likely need a way to stream for each television set.
4. Antenna (optional)
If you love staying current on the news, an over-the-air antenna is a way to go. You will be able to cut the cord but still have the option to view channels like ABC, NBC, FOX, PBS and more- for free (except the cost of the antenna).
Conclusion
By now you have a good idea of how to switch from cable to streaming. Now it's just a matter of getting it all set up and running smoothly. Luckily, in today's modern age, you can find almost anything on YouTube.
Need more information?
If you live on the Central Coast of California and need more information about cord-cutting, give Ranch WiFi a call. We would be happy to help you get started on your cord-cutting journey!
Call now!
(805) 995-4181
ranchwifi.com