Is It Worth Switching from Cable TV to Sports Streaming
Services?
For so many years, cable TV has been the primary home entertainment option of households worldwide.
Unfortunately, with the rise of streaming services, many people have decided to cut the cord and go for
other alternatives instead. But for most sports fans, many are still torn in deciding whether to give up
their cable TV subscription and opt for a sports-dedicated streaming platform instead. Since you’re here,
you probably have the same dilemma.
Don’t worry, as we’re here to help you assess if sports streaming services are a better fit for you or if
you’re better off with your current cable TV subscription. Just a friendly reminder though that when you
opt for streaming services, you need to have a reliable internet connection like Dish Network Internet
unlike cable TV where you don’t need any additional services. Let’s start!
What Is Cable TV?
Cable television is a subscription-based broadcast service that delivers television programming to
subscriber residences. The signal is transmitted through a physical cable infrastructure, traditionally via
coaxial cables and through fiber optic cables. Cable television operators maintain this network and
provide access to a bundled package of comprehensive channels, including sports, lifestyle, news, etc.,
for a monthly fee.
What Are Sports Streaming Services?
Sports streaming services are a digital alternative to traditional cable television for consuming sports
content. These services deliver live and on-demand sports programming over the internet (meaning you
need to have reliable wireless providers for you to enjoy this service) so viewers to access live and ondemand content on their devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs). Subscribers pay a
monthly fee, often directly to the streaming service provider rather than a cable company, and they
usually don’t come with contract terms. Some services may even offer limited free tiers with restricted
content.
How to Choose Between Cable TV vs. Sports Streaming Services
As much as we want to give you a straight yes or no answer, the only way to find out if it’s worth
switching to sports streaming services is to assess your specific needs. To help you with that, here are
some questions that you can ask yourself before deciding which service to choose:
1. How much of my viewing focuses on sports compared to other channels (lifestyle, news,
entertainment, etc.)?
This is the first question you need to ask yourself because you’ll be able to weigh which option
may suit you better. If you only watch sports channels on your current cable subscription, then
switching to a sports-dedicated streaming service may be a better idea. However, if you also
watch other channels apart from sports, ditching cable TV might not be a good idea.
2. Do I have a fast and stable internet connection at home?
As we’ve been mentioning earlier, if you’re planning to switch to sports streaming services, you
need to have a capable internet plan that can handle the demand of video streaming. If not, you
need to look for better plans like the ones found on HughesNet deals so you can enjoy and
really maximize your streaming subscription.
3. Do I prefer watching live games or prefer the flexibility of replays/recaps/on-demand
content?
Cable offers real-time broadcasts, while some streaming services might require additional
subscriptions for specific live events. Although some sports streaming services already include
live games. On-demand content, like replays and documentaries, is readily available on most
streaming services.
4. Am I the only one who’s going to be affected by the switch?
This question is for those living with other people, may it be their family, roommates, or friends,
and how they might be affected by your decision. If they watch other channels than sports, it’s
not a good idea to switch without telling them. But if you’re just by yourself, you can do
whatever you want.
Final Thoughts
There’s no definite answer when it comes to choosing which is better between cable TV or sports
streaming services, so it’s very important to take your time and assess which option suits your needs
and budget better. Don’t rush in making a decision and make sure you check all the factors before
making a final decision. Good luck!