I pay for cable television, but I don’t watch it.
Why am I paying for cable television? Because I moved in with a roommate eight months ago and agreed to pay half for cable television, even though I knew I wouldn’t watch it. Not only am I paying for it, but I am paying for an extended package so that my roommate can watch his favorite shows which are classified as specialty shows (ex: Military Channel, MTV2, etc.).
Why did I agree to pay for something I won’t benefit from? Because my roommate still subscribes to the idea that it’s more convenient to pay for cable television, and when you live with a roommate, you split utilities 50/50. At least that is my moral practice of sharing space. I could have made my roommate pay for the extra channels himself, but after the convenience of his name being on the bill and me only having to write him a check once a month, I agreed to share the expense.
I watch four television shows weekly. Private Practice, Modern Family, Community, and Survivor. The first three shows reside on Hulu (free service), and the last is shown on CBS.com (free again). If I only watch four shows, and I can view them for free online, why would I normally pay to watch them otherwise (if I didn’t have a roommate)? My answer, ideally, is that I would only pay for Internet access. My opinion is that since I am paying for Internet access, then I am also indirectly paying for television service since I can watch shows for free online.
With the recent ability to watch television for free online, it is understandable and not surprising that cable companies have reacted to this. As consumers start to follow the same movement away from cable television to online television as I have (and I know plenty of people who have done the same), higher rates for Internet could be implemented. I foresee a few different options, all of which I would be glad to pay for under the right circumstances:
- A cable television package that comes with cable tv and Internet.
- An Internet only package (for a higher price, assuming customers are watching online television).
- An Internet only package that allows customers to only watch affiliate online television websites (comes with your subscription).
A tactic that is already being discussed and provided as options for customers is the “TV Everywhere” package, which was released in 2009. This service is an any service, anywhere, any time, on any device initiative that is free, with a pay wall. This will ultimately provide more premium content on the channels/platforms desired by customers. The following is a list of rules, regulations, and skepticisms concerning “TV Everywhere”:
- Only available for those with cable subscriptions (specific guidelines and content depending on cable provider)
- Downloadable client, up to 3 devices, access to nearly 30 major content providers
- Is it really free? Public advocacy groups say that TV Everywhere will kill off alternative outlets…is it anti competitive?
- Will advertising alone pay for this? Cover costs?
- Gives more people more access to premium content, and it increases activity online for subscribers, building the market and bringing new business at the same time
- Mobile Devices, available to all subscribers, parental control features resulting in more adult related content available
As customers begin to demand more variety in cable television and Internet packages, cable companies will need to provide these changes for their customers. As long as I am single, only watching a select number of television shows, and trying to save money by limiting monthly expenses, I would be happy to pay for an online only service. I’m looking forward to the changes made by cable companies in the coming years. My fear, however, is that I could also be limited by affiliate contacts on which sites I am allowed to access.
