📺 U.S. operators start disconnecting cable TV
In April, American provider WOW! will take a historic step: the company will completely shut down all TV set-top boxes and cease broadcasting television content.
After three years of preparation, the operator is officially transitioning to data-only status, focusing exclusively on internet services.
This case has become a symbol of a fundamental shift in the U.S. In 2025, a milestone was reached: the number of households without paid TV services surpassed the number of cable subscribers for the first time.
The relentless rise in broadcast rights costs has made the service unprofitable for smaller providers. Ditching TV frees up network capacity and eliminates equipment maintenance expenses.
Providers are becoming streaming aggregators. WOW! is already migrating customers to YouTube TV, positioning internet as the foundation for any digital services.
For the market, this is a clear signal: traditional cable TV is becoming too expensive and inflexible compared to streaming platforms.
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