STREAM TV AND SAVE MONEY

AN OPEN MESSAGE FOR F&B COMMUNICATIONS CABLE TV CUSTOMERS

Traditional cable TV service is expensive, and we know it. Last week we announced the Absolute Cable TV rates for 2024 and the increase is the largest in our 40-year history as a video provider. The cost of programming – especially for local broadcast channels and the most popular national channels – has increased far beyond inflation and is driving up subscriber prices. Every penny of the new year’s rate increases will go to the programmers; not F&B nor Absolute Cable.

Streaming has changed the landscape

With the cost of traditional TV service spiraling out of control, we understand that our customers are looking for more affordable options. That’s why last year we launched our F&B StreamNow website to help customers learn more about and select a streaming TV service provider. Streaming is becoming the preferred method for consuming television and movies. After all, streaming eliminates the need for a cable box or satellite dish and offers a wide variety of content. Viewers can save hundreds of dollars each year by switching to streaming.

When F&B first launched cable TV service in 1983, a whole new world of news, sports and movies became available to our communities. We eventually followed with an upgrade to IPTV services in the 2000s allowing us to expand our video service footprint beyond the city limits and also deliver more channels, HD quality and DVR. This was a win-win offering for both our local company and the local communities we serve. Over time, the cost of programming has made the price of cable TV service far too expensive for many households in our area. Cable TV has never been a profit center for our company and the escalating costs make it very difficult for most of our customers to feel they are getting a fair value. We are here to tell you that it is okay to cut the cable TV cord and switch to streaming TV. We believe that when you couple our reliable unlimited fiber Internet service and Smart Hub Managed Wi-Fi with a streaming TV service you have a very robust and viable video service alternative that will save you money.

How to get started with streaming

Sorting through the list of streaming TV service providers and choosing a smart TV or device can be a daunting task. The good news is we’re to help with our F&B StreamNow website. We’ve invested in this resource to help you get started with streaming by following four steps. The F&B StreamNow site also includes a tool to help you choose the right streaming package. Just enter the top few channels you like to watch, and you’ll quickly be able to see which streaming service is right for you. F&B StreamNow also includes a robust tutorial and FAQ section.

Like all new technologies, streaming TV comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. We are all about giving our customers choices, so even if streaming is not right for you, know that you can still get a traditional, hassle-free TV experience with our Absolute Cable TV offering. While the service is at a premium price, customers receive a large channel selection, free RestartTV and the first-class service and support they have come to rely on and expect from F&B.

More help to make the switch

To give our customers an excellent streaming experience and make the switch easier, we are launching new fiber Internet plans with faster speeds in January. Most of our residential plans are now bundled with our SmartHub Wi-Fi to deliver super-fast wireless Internet throughout your home using our carrier-grade router. Come January, all existing customers, including those on legacy plans, will see an Internet speed boost. Specific details regarding the automatic speed upgrade for current Internet customers can be found on December billing statements. The added speed will facilitate streaming and improve the performance of all devices on your home network. If you need help connecting a streaming service to your smart TV or streaming device, our expert technicians are available to assist.

F&B Communications’ mission is to operate a superior fiber broadband network in our rural communities, and our commitment to our communities and customers is stronger than ever. If you need help choosing the right Internet package or picking a streaming service provider, give us a call at (563) 374-1236 or stop by our office. We’ll show you how easy it is to save money with our fiber Internet and SmartHub Managed Wi-Fi along with a streaming TV service.

Posted 12/7/2023