The beginning of the end for cable? How one utility is leading the shift to streaming

When your cable company starts recommending you cancel your service, you know the TV landscape has truly changed. That's exactly what's happening, as a local utility company is essentially telling customers to cut the cord and save money while they do it.

A local utility provider plans to end its cable and TV service in October 2026, marking a dramatic shift for a company that once served nearly 10,000 subscribers.

But here's the twist that makes this story particularly interesting—they're not just abandoning customers, they're actively helping them find better, cheaper alternatives.

A municipal utility makes a business decision

Cedar Falls Utilities (CFU) is a municipally owned public utility serving Cedar Falls, Iowa, which means it operates quite differently from a typical for-profit cable company.

CFU serves approximately 19,000 Cedar Falls residents and businesses with over 14,900 broadband customers.

The company provides everything from electricity and water to internet and cable TV.

At its peak in July 2013, CFU had 9,992 cable subscribers, but like cable companies across the nation, those numbers have been steadily declining.

Content fees and network agreements are becoming more expensive, and starting January 1, 2026, Basic TV rates will rise by $17 per month for remaining subscribers.

The writing was on the wall.

Rather than continue bleeding money on a declining service, CFU made the practical decision to redirect resources toward what customers actually want: high-speed internet for streaming.

Also read: How to lower your cable bill and save up to $240 a year

This isn't just an Iowa story

While Cedar Falls might seem like an isolated case, it's actually part of a much larger trend reshaping how Americans watch television.

Cable TV subscriptions in the United States have shrunk from 105 million in 2010 to 55 million in 2025—that's nearly a 50% drop in just 15 years.

The reasons are clear: streaming offers more flexibility, often better content selection, and in many cases, significant cost savings.

You can watch what you want, when you want, without being tied to a cable box in your living room.

The dollars and cents of switching

Here's where the math gets interesting for anyone looking at their monthly bills.

CFU's cable service was costing significantly more than popular streaming alternatives.

The company noted that YouTube TV offers the same basic service for about $40 less per month.

For many seniors on fixed incomes, that $40 monthly savings adds up to nearly $500 per year—money that could go toward groceries, medications, or grandchildren's birthday gifts instead of a cable bill.

CFU is sweetening the transition by offering customers who cancel cable but keep internet service a discount of $27.50 per month for three months.

That's additional savings on top of what they'll save by switching to streaming.

Also read: Are your favorite channels coming back? Major streamer merger promises more value and restored cable classics!

Streaming options that make sense for seniors

The good news is that today's streaming services are designed to be user-friendly, though the transition can feel overwhelming at first.

YouTube TV, which CFU specifically recommends, includes features that many seniors appreciate.

• Over 100 channels including local news and broadcast networks
  
• Unlimited cloud DVR storage (record as many shows as you want)
  
• Access to live sports and news
  
• Works on regular TVs with simple streaming devices
  
• Up to six individual logins per household

For those wanting to dip their toes in slowly, there are also completely free streaming options available.

Services like Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel offer thousands of movies and TV shows without any monthly fees—they're supported by occasional advertisements instead.

Also read: Warning: Your cable bill could skyrocket soon—see which major TV operator is bumping up prices!

What about local programming?

One concern many seniors have about cutting the cord involves losing access to local programming and community news.

This is a legitimate worry, and it's playing out in Cedar Falls right now.

The change will affect Channel 15, which depends on franchise fees from Cedar Falls Utilities' service and offers local government and educational programming.

Mayor Danny Laudick acknowledged that "Channel 15 programming is a mainstay of local news and connection for residents in Cedar Falls" and promised to explore alternatives.

This highlights an important consideration for anyone thinking about cutting cable: make sure you'll still have access to local news and emergency information.

Many streaming services do include local channels, and you can always supplement with a simple digital antenna for local broadcast stations.

Also read: Streaming prices just jumped—should you keep your subscription?

The learning curve is real

Let's be honest—switching from cable to streaming isn't always seamless, especially if you're not particularly tech-savvy.

Common challenges include:

• Learning to navigate new interfaces and menus
  
• Understanding which device to use (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick)
  
• Managing multiple streaming service subscriptions
  
• Troubleshooting internet connectivity issues

The good news is that most streaming services offer customer support, and many have simplified their interfaces specifically to accommodate users who aren't digital natives.

Additionally, most devices come with setup guides, and many electronics stores offer installation services.

Also read: Did your favorite show just disappear? Food Network quietly cancels 3 fan-favorite series

Looking ahead: the new normal

Cedar Falls Utilities' decision represents something we're likely to see more of in the coming years.

Traditional cable infrastructure is expensive to maintain, especially when fewer people are using it.

Municipal utilities, in particular, may find it makes more financial sense to focus on providing excellent internet service and let customers choose their own streaming solutions.

For seniors, this shift toward streaming represents both opportunity and challenge. The opportunity lies in significant cost savings and access to more content than ever before. The challenge is navigating the transition and learning new systems.

The key is not to rush the process. Take time to research options, ask for help when needed, and remember that it's okay to start small.

Many people find that once they make the switch, they wonder why they waited so long.

Read next:

• Don't cancel your YouTube TV subscription just yet—here's how you can claim a $10 credit!
• Think twice before putting these bills on autopay
• These 20 everyday items could disappear by 2030—are any of your favorites on the list?

Key Takeaways

• Cedar Falls Utilities’ plan to discontinue its cable and TV service reflects a nationwide trend as millions of Americans shift from traditional cable to streaming for lower costs and greater flexibility.
• For many seniors on fixed incomes, switching to streaming can mean saving hundreds of dollars annually while still accessing live news, sports, and entertainment through platforms like YouTube TV or free services such as Tubi and Pluto TV.
• Local programming remains a key concern, but options like digital antennas and certain streaming packages can help maintain access to community news and emergency broadcasts.
• While the transition may feel daunting at first, user-friendly devices, online tutorials, and support from family or service providers make the switch easier and more rewarding in the long run.

What's your experience been with streaming services? Have you made the switch from cable, or are you still considering it? Share your thoughts and any tips you've discovered in the comments below—your insights could help other readers navigate this changing television landscape.