I told my TV company to stick it!!

[RichMoose]

After several months of $120+ /month TV bills I finally got fed up. Several years ago it started at $65 for high speed internet, basic cable, with three extra channel theme packs. After they jacked the price of theme packs about 1.5 years ago I called to complain, they basically told me there's nothing they can do for me because now my HD channels are free and before that they were extra cost, although I politely pointed out that I intentionally didn't get the HD upgrade to save those extra dollars. At the end of the conversation I cut down to two theme packs which brought my bill down a bit.

Over the past year it's been steadily creeping up again, extra fee here, increase in fee there, eventually ending up at a steady $120. In June, I called them to cancel TV and go to Internet only. They obliged, but pointed out that I wouldn't get the "bundle price" for internet anymore so it would be $65 for Internet only. I told them that if they wouldn't make it $50 I would leave. Both the customer service rep and the manager said that this would be impossible, so I cancelled everything.

I called another cable company (we only have a choice of three big bully companies in my area) and took them up on a $30 / month promotional offer for Internet only going to $55 after that. I now head to my large, well stocked local library once a week and get a few DVD's and books. Maybe I'll splurge for Netflix once winter sets in deep. But for now, I'm throwing an extra $90 - $100 /month in after tax money into my TFSA (equivalent to Roth IRA). And the best part, I'm not missing the shows and endless commercials at all.

Any other recent TV cutting stories out there?

[Lyngi]

I want to, but DH says no.  We also are on a year contract now after a whole house upgrade to the magic genie (pre MMM), but I'll take that year to wean everyone off the electronic pacifier

[Peacefulwarrior]

Good job! It will be healthy for both your bank account and your personal development.

I pretty much never had a TV. Unfortunately where I'm renting cable is part of the rent, but it's only $25 or so, and at least I'm saving on electricity and time wasted.

[NorCal]

Good work!

I haven't had cable for years.  I've been visiting family for the past week, and they watch a ton of cable.  Now that I see what is really on TV, I don't think they could even pay me to take cable back.  My life is so much simpler and happier without that as a background distraction.

My one recomendation is a Roku player.  I get Netflix and Amazon through it.  Netflix covers 90%+ of what I care to watch, and with Amazon, you can splurge and rent a movie for $2-3 now and then.  You still get to watch whatever you want, when you want it.  It also has access to free music through Pandora.

[grettman]

I cut off Dish Network earlier this week.  $110 per month.

Now I have an offset so my kid can take Tae Kwan Do classes.  Before I cut of Dish I thought I was going to have to adjust my savings to pay for the class.  Win, Win by cutting the cord.  My money now goes to something that will help my son be more active and happy vice giving Dish my money so I can sit on my ass and watch TV.  Over the air is working great for us so far!  Congrats!

[EricMA]

We cancelled cable about 3 months ago and haven't looked back. It has been wonderful not only have an extra $100 each month to put towards law school loans but also to never hear commercials. Love it!

Our cable company started calling every single day to win us back with their bundled pricing. One day I decided to have a little fun with the woman on the other end of the line. I figure if she's going to intrude on my daily life, I may as well make the best of it... She asked how life was without cable. I told her it was the most freeing and wonderful experience I'd ever had, and that she really should try it. "But, but, what about your favorite shows?!" I explained that "I don't really watch TV. I don't have any favorite shows. I don't miss it in the least. Seriously, you should try cancelling yourself! She tried a different tack by asking me what I was doing with "my big flat screen TV sitting in my living room." I told her I got rid of it and hung a beautiful piece of artwork in its place that I can admire every day (a lie, I use the TV with my media computer, but she didn't need to know that). She was beside herself that someone simply did not want (much less NEED) the service she was offering. Clearly she was used to people complaining about price, or perhaps picture quality, but never about not actually wanting it.

The plus side is, I don't get calls from them anymore.

Congrats to everyone who has cut the cord. I can't recommend it highly enough!

[RichMoose]

My one recomendation is a Roku player.  I get Netflix and Amazon through it.  Netflix covers 90%+ of what I care to watch, and with Amazon, you can splurge and rent a movie for $2-3 now and then.  You still get to watch whatever you want, when you want it.  It also has access to free music through Pandora.

Thanks for the recommendation! I looked into it for Canada, which of course has limited options vs the U.S., but it's a definitely strong consideration once NHL Gamecenter is available in Canada (Coming Soon according to the site).

[Pooperman]

I feel badass cause I never actually got cable in the first place. No way I was gonna pay $70 for that shit.

[RWD]

I feel badass cause I never actually got cable in the first place. No way I was gonna pay $70 for that shit.

I've never paid for a TV service in my entire life. Once I actually turned down an offer to have it bundled with my internet for no extra cost. I just don't see the appeal, I guess.

[Elderwood17]

We have basic cable, no premium channels.  We have discussed getting rid of it but DW is not quite ready.

[Pooperman]

I feel badass cause I never actually got cable in the first place. No way I was gonna pay $70 for that shit.

I've never paid for a TV service in my entire life. Once I actually turned down an offer to have it bundled with my internet for no extra cost. I just don't see the appeal, I guess.

I quite agree with you on that. Netflix and the internet supply my entertainment pretty cheaply in comparison.

[RWD]

I feel badass cause I never actually got cable in the first place. No way I was gonna pay $70 for that shit.

I've never paid for a TV service in my entire life. Once I actually turned down an offer to have it bundled with my internet for no extra cost. I just don't see the appeal, I guess.

I quite agree with you on that. Netflix and the internet supply my entertainment pretty cheaply in comparison.

Of course, I need to be careful not to fall into the trap of feeling superior to others for this decision: http://xkcd.com/1299/ (I do actually own a TV, I just don't have it plugged into anything other than my computer and some video game consoles).