Two years ago, my family and I took the drastic step of cutting our telecommunications. We made the decision to cut our services for internet, television and landline. We thought we would be having to go without and live a very minimal lifestyle. Or so we thought.
We found a small internet provider who could give us unlimited bandwidth for a fraction of the price we were paying through our mainstream provider. We kept our Netflix account and our mobile phone accounts. Our viewing habits quickly adjusted to our new lifestyle. Plus we discovered the joys of binge watching along with half of Canada.
What we discovered that we weren’t really doing something out of the ordinary. In fact, more and more Canadians were following a similar path. In fact in 2015, Canadians cut the cord six times faster than they did the year before. It is becoming more and more apparent that this isn’t a trend, but is the future.
What I’m hoping to accomplish through this blog is an examination of the Canadian telecom environment. How the Canadian telecom industry is helping or hindering the transition to this new format. What are the best devices to facilitate your television watching. As well as what might the future look like and how is the change already affecting content providers.
It’s going to be an interesting ride. I’m hoping that you’ll enjoy it alongside myself.
Joel MacLeod.ca 
Several years ago when I was first living on my own, I had to cut out my cable and my cell phone. (I kept internet and telephone so that my family could make sure that I was still alive.) These were the days when Netflix was new in Canada and the choices weren’t fantastic (it’s come a long way since then!)… I also spent a lot of time digging through bargain DVD bins at Walmart. I’m surprised that the telecom companies haven’t done more to discourage this from happening as I know that a lot of people are doing the same as you. It was interesting to never be able to contribute to conversations about whatever big show was on the night before.
LikeLike
Looks like you were a pioneer. The reasons you gave though, I think are pretty much everyone’s reasons for cutting the cord. Whats interesting I find though, is that we’re at a time where entrepreneurship and innovation is leading the way and starting to give Canadians more and more options. What I find maddening is that lawmakers and big business in Canada are SLOOOWWWW to adapt and accept the future.
LikeLike
Very slow to adapt for sure! I have family in the US and it’s so frustrating to see the differences in what’s offered there versus here. (and cost differences)
LikeLike
That’s definitely something that I’ll be focusing on in the weeks and months ahead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never had cable as a kid and I still don’t! It’s funny how things are changing…looks like cable is heading down the same path as newspaper!
LikeLike
Perhaps. I agree that things are changing. How you watched entertainment as a kid will not be how you watch entertainment 10 years from now. I’m not sure newspapers are going to disappear altogether. I think they are going through a format struggle. Either way we need newspapers, I’d argue that we no longer need traditional cable companies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true! I guess what I should have said was more along the lines of ‘Cable TV is to entertainment is what Printing presses are to newspaper!’ The content still exists, just in a new medium!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok, now I’m curious. I honestly don’t have time to watch a lot of TV and so typically watch sports channels (i.e., TSN) and kids’ channels (not by choice, mind you). Am curious as to what channels are offered through alternative TV. Looking forward to your discoveries!
LikeLike
I will have a few options for you. It’s not all there yet, but it’s coming. Stay tuned!
LikeLike
I must say that I don’t know what I would do without Cable! I am looking forward to learning how to use new technologies to save money.
LikeLike
What internet provider did you end up using? We use TekSavvy at home (dry-loop), and I’ve been pretty happy with it.
LikeLike
My wife found a small provider Execulink. We like them they are relatively cheap however they run on Bell lines which means that if Bell sometimes does work on them we might suffer slow speeds. And there isn’t really anything Execulink can do about it. We did look at Teksavvy as well. I’ve heard a lot of positive things about them.
LikeLike
I’m a fan. 🙂 We use the dry-loop connection — which uses the Bell lines too. Means we don’t have a landline, but we both have cellphones, so there’s not much need.
LikeLike
I am taking notes on your recommendations. This is a foreign subject to me, but my cable bill is just too much! What suggestions can you offer me to get off cable and still enjoy a large selection of good programs?
LikeLike
Hi Joel,
Just found your blog through LinkedIn. Nice to see that you’re expanding, but I still find the cable cutting conversation interesting! C. and I cut the cable many years ago (10-12 years? can’t remember) and we have never really missed it. We only got Netflix about 4 years ago and we don’t have any of the devices. (In fact, we are proud to not even have a TV in the house.) A. just cannot fathom that “in the old days” people would actually arrange their lives so that they could be sitting by that big ole box at a certain time on a certain day – it seems weird and pathetic to her. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Sarah, my wife and I are in the same boat. We cut the cord and never looked back. We got an android box as a Christmas gift, and I really enjoy it. Especially as it helps us watch live tv events like sports. Actually that’s the only live tv we watch.
The longer I’ve gone without cable the more I’ve found my habits have changed. It’s a small thing with big implications. Especially socially I think. Glad you’re enjoying the blog.
LikeLike