Holyoke to join the masses in ‘cutting the cord’
According to UBS analyst John Hodulik, the pay TV industry lost an estimated one million subscribers in the third quarter of this year, and Holyoke locals will soon be cutting the cord, too.
It’s nearly the end of a year-long process for PC Telcom to transition away from their Basic Cable TV package. Customers, on the other hand, haven’t had quite as much time to digest the big news, and some are, understandably, apprehensive about the thought of losing their cable TV.
If there’s one message PC Telcom could give to nervous patrons, it’s this: Don’t panic. Staff at PC Telcom are ready and waiting to help customers find and set up a new TV plan that works for them.
To date, PC Telcom has offered two different cable TV packages: Local Plus and Basic Cable TV. At the first of the year there will be changes. Local Plus will be largely unchanged. The cost will be slightly lower, and just two of the 19 channels will be removed: Altitude Sports and AT&T SportsNet (Root).
The big change is that the 61-channel Basic Cable TV package will be eliminated. CEO/GM Vince Kropp explained that the cost of content has risen so much in recent years that it is no longer sustainable. Instead, PC Telcom is helping customers get set up with the channels and shows they love for a lower cost as over-the-top content.
OTT is video content viewed online through apps and media players without traditional cable. While many are already familiar with on-demand OTT providers such as Netflix and Hulu, there are also options for watching live TV via the internet.
Of course, another local alternative to cable is satellite TV, such as that provided by Dish Network or DirecTV.
Get ready for Jan. 1
On Jan. 1, customers who subscribe to the Basic Cable TV package will automatically be shifted to Local Plus. While the remaining Local Plus package will work on any ordinary TV set, OTT solutions require either a smart TV or a streaming device, such as a Roku or Apple TV.
The cornerstone of streaming TV is a dependable internet connection. Marketing manager Michael Cline noted that many rural areas across the country do not have the reliable internet that makes OTT possible. Fortunately, the fiber internet in Holyoke means that is a nonissue for local residents. However, some households that intend to start streaming live TV on multiple devices at once may need to upgrade to a faster internet package.
In order to transition seamlessly in the new year, customers will need to make sure they have a smart TV or a streaming device ahead of time. They do not, however, need to make a decision sight unseen about which one. PC Telcom has devices set up in their office for customers to try out firsthand and decide which is right for them.
Likewise, customers will need to set up an account to stream live TV. This is not a service through PC Telcom, but they are happy to help customers find a provider and get an account set up. Some options include Sony PlayStation Vue, Sling TV and DirecTV Now. PC Telcom has demonstrations set up for each, so a simple trip to their office will allow for a test-drive of some of the more popular live TV streaming services.
Once one of the live streaming service is set up, it functions the same as cable TV. It might take familiarizing oneself with a new remote control, but PC Telcom will be available throughout the process to get people up to speed. Additionally, customers will find more flexibility with OTT, choosing which channels they want — including a number of Spanish options — and paying month to month for just as much TV as they need. Different packages are available to emphasize such things as sports or children’s channels.
For questions about OTT and streaming TV, call PC Telcom at 970-854-2201.