Cord cutting can be overwhelming at first, especially if you’re not particularly tech savvy. But it’s really not that difficult to do and anyone can do it. You don’t need to be a tech wiz or have special equipment.
Sure, there’s a ton of service options and a lot of decisions around technology, but you might already have a lot of what you need to finally break up with your cable company. Do you have high speed internet service? Check. A smart TV? Check. You’re already halfway there to being a cord cutter. Here’s five easy to understand steps to become a happy, money saving cord cutter.
Step 1: Choose The Right Internet Plan
Before you dive in the deep end of cord cutting, how is your internet service? Is it going to hold up to high-definition streaming? You may already know the answer to this question. If not, it’s time to upgrade your internet service. It may just take a simple call to your internet provider to choose a plan with faster speeds. If your provider doesn’t have faster speeds, you may need to switch providers.
If you have no idea how your internet service stacks up, to stream in high definition you’ll need internet speeds of at least 25 Mbps. This ensures your video quality will be top notch and you’ll avoid endless buffering.
Step 2: Required Cord Cutting Hardware
Once you’ve ensured your internet service is good enough to handle streaming and all of your normal internet activities, it’s time to get your hardware ready. You might have what you need to get started. To finally cut the word and start streaming you’ll need:
- A modem and Wi-Fi router: It can be a single combo device or two separate devices. If you have internet service already installed, you at least have a modem there. For your Wi-Fi router, you can pick one up at a local electronics store or rent one from your internet provider.
- Wi-Fi nodes or extenders: You may or may not need this, but you’ll only need to invest in nodes or extenders if your home has a weak Wi-Fi signal where you plan on streaming.
- A streaming device: Prices vary, but you may already have a device that you can stream directly from. If you have a smart TV or a gaming console, you don’t need another device. If not, you’ll need to buy a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV.
- An over-the-air antenna: You’ll want one to get your local channels. If you get them through an over-the-air antenna, they’ll be free!
- A TV: You probably already have one!
Step 3: Pick Your Streaming Subscriptions
This is supposed to be the fun part! It’s finally time to pick out your streaming subscriptions. We recommend making a budget beforehand because streaming subscriptions can add up quickly! Think about what really matters to you. Is it a particular original series or sports? Pick one or two services and start there.
Step 4: Test It All Out
You have the right internet plan, all of the cord cutting hardware and your streaming services picked out. It’s time to do a solid test run. It’s important to test everything out before canceling your cable or satellite subscription. If something doesn’t work out like you’re not happy with the streaming services you picked out or your internet service isn’t fast enough, you’re not stuck missing out on your favorite programming by accident.
Step 5: Officially Cut The Cord
If your testing phase went well and you’re happy then it’s time to cut the cord! Call your TV provider and cancel! Just remember any equipment you have, you’ll likely have to return and return it before they say to. They absolutely can and will charge you full price for equipment that hasn’t been returned on time.
