Internet advocates have long stated that as average internet speeds rise around the United States, people would begin to phase out their paid cable and satellite television in favor of streaming programs online.
It just never seemed to happen. As the years rolled by, only pornography saw a large shit of dollars from the telly to the internet. According to a new study, that is finally changing. In the United States one in eight people will consider cutting back or canceling their cable or satellite packages this year.
Some 90% of American households pay for premium television, the vast majority. At an average cost of some $71 dollars a month, it is hardly inexpensive. As many consumers now have at least moderate speed broadband connections and Hulu, the need for expensive premium television seems to be fading.
There are other factors at play, including a sluggish economy and sticky unemployment rates both giving rise to consumers squeezing pennies from their budgets. It seems now that internet and cell phones outrank television in the mind of the consumer.
The <3 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
It is a new trend, but one that has to be respected. 2010 just might be the year that the cable and satellite companies lost the mind war with the internet.
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.