Streaming Season Is Here
Thinking about cutting the cord but worried about losing access to your favorite local news, sports or morning shows?
Millions of Americans are ditching expensive cable packages in favor of cheaper, more flexible streaming options thanks to fast, reliable internet from Mercury Fiber. Explore how to break free from cable and keep your local channels.
Why Are People Cutting Cable?
The trend is no secret. Many people are cutting cable due to rising costs and limited customization. Customers save an average of $500 per year by cutting cable and streaming live TV.
Smart TVs are making it seamless to stream must-watch shows, movies and sports. With flexible pricing, content packages and access to live entertainment, cable is rapidly losing its appeal.
Currently, the only things stopping many people from making the switch are the fear that they will lose their local channels and slow internet connectivity
Best Ways To Watch Local Channels Without Cable
Let’s say that you decide to make the switch from cable and you find that you can’t access your local channels anymore. Here are some easy and convenient ways to fix the problem:
- Live TV Streaming Services
If you want a full cable experience, there are live TV streaming services out there. Options include YouTube TV, the Hulu + Live bundle, Sling TV, Fubo TV, and DirecTV Stream. All of these services work on most smart TVs.
Mercury partners with MyBundle to help you stream all your favorite shows for less. MyBundle makes it easy to explore top streaming platforms, build your perfect lineup and cut the cable cord for good.
- Network Apps
Many local stations offer free apps or websites where you can stream live or on-demand shows. Check your smart TV’s library and see if you can log into your TV provider.
- Free Streaming Platforms
If you are looking for absolutely free options, look no further than Pluto TV, Tubi or the Roku Channel. These have access to live news, local weather updates and some regional programming. These services are ad-supported, but perfect for casual viewing.
Choosing the Right Streaming Device
Now that you are ready to break out of cable, you’ll need a device that can support streaming and connect to your TV. Here are some options we recommend:
- Roku
- Amazon Fire Stick
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast
Network Support and Streaming Quality
Before you have your new smart TV set up and fully break away from cable, we recommend checking your network. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have fiber or high-speed wireless internet service?
- Is my wireless router in an optimal location?
- Does my TV have access to Ethernet to support high-speed data transfer?
- For 4k and HD streaming, can my network support 100 Mbps?
If you find your network falls short in any of these departments, consider upgrading with Mercury. Our ultra-fast speeds and low latency help you unlock every streaming feature of your TV, without causing bottlenecks in your network..
Cutting the cord doesn’t mean cutting out your favorite channels. From digital antennas to live TV apps and free streaming services, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to your local stations.
We’re proud to service homes across Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio.
