The Future of Cable TV: What is Next?

Cable television, as well as satellite television, are getting obsolete. According to statistics, AT&T lost 1,16 million customers in the last quarter of 2021. People cut the cord due to many reasons. It is expected that there will be more than 55 million cord cutters by the end of 2022.

The number of them is growing year after year. In 2021, there were 50,2 million cord cutters. In 2020, 45 million people stopped using TV services.

What is next? There is no surprise that OTT/IPTV services are taking over cable television. Let’s observe why it happens and why more viewers and businesses switch to OTT or IPTV platforms.

Why is an OTT/IPTV service the future of cable television?

Why do people cut the cable TV cord? Why do they decide to do that? There are the following reasons:

#1 Price

According to Statista’s survey, the most common reason to cut the cord is the cable TV price. People responded that it is too expensive.

It is true. A monthly cable television subscription can come for $50, while an OTT/IPTV platform charges around $10. For example, Netflix plans range from $9,99 to $19,99 a month, TVALB streams Albanian TV for $5,99. The final cost depends on the number of screens on which you can watch videos simultaneously, the number of devices to download a video on, and the availability of HD and Ultra HD.

#2 Availability on different devices

Video streaming platforms can be available on multiple devices and platforms if a provider goes for this. They can decide that their users will be able to access their content only from a Smart TV or a tablet. Or they can allow service access on multiple devices, including smartphones, Smart TVs, tablets, and laptops.

Providers will need OTT/IPTV apps for that. These applications are usually offered by IPTV/OTT solution development companies. IPTV companies, for example Setplex, offer its clients applications so that they can cover as many devices as possible.

Viewers, in their turn, don’t have to buy additional devices to access a service. They can watch videos on any device they have. Additionally, they save more money.

#3 Absence of schedule

It is the essential reason people start using video streaming services. These internet-based platforms allow them to watch videos whenever they want and how they want. Such services even let people binge-watch.

OTT/IPTV content is usually available on demand. It means that whenever a person has a wish to watch a video, they can do that by accessing a video streaming platform. 

If it is a subscription-based service, viewers will be able to watch as many videos as they want. If it is a transactional-based platform, people will be able to watch only those videos they paid for.

Anyway, unlike cable television, video streaming platforms don’t make their viewers wait for a video to air. People enter a service and choose what they want to enjoy.

#4 Accessibility

Usually, video streaming platforms are available from many locations. People can be sure that if they are going abroad, they still will be able to use their favorite services and enjoy movies, series, or educational videos.

It should be noted that a service will be available from different countries if a provider goes for it. They can allow access only from one territory, for example, Great Britain. Or they can go worldwide and let viewers from around the world watch videos.

Conclusion

IPTV/OTT video streaming platforms are popular among businesses and viewers. The convenience and flexibility they offer are highly appreciated. That’s why we can say for sure that they are the future of cable television.