Cablevision Lures Cord Cutters By Pairing Broadband With Free Antennas And Optional HBO Now

Rather than the fight the movement towards streaming content, Cablevision has instead opted to help TV viewers cut the cord. How so? Cablevision was the first pay-TV provider to offer HBO Now to its broadband customers, and now the Internet Service Provider is offering a couple of Internet-focused Optimum product offerings, including a special "Cord Cutter" package that comes with a complimentary digital antenna for local channels.

The Cord Cutter package starts at $44.90 per month (for the first year) and includes the company's Optimum Online Ultra 50 Internet service (up to 50Mbps for downloads and up to 25Mbps for uploads), unlimited Wi-Fi at 1.1 million Optimum hotspots, and a free Mohu Leaf digital antenna to view local channels such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. On top of that, they can add HBO Now for an additional fee to enjoy everything HBO has to offer, such as movies and original TV shows like Game of Thrones.

Cablevision Remote
Image Source: Flickr (El Gran Dee)

For those who can get by with slower Internet speeds, Cablevision's "Everyday Low Price" package offers the same amenities, but with Internet service topping out at up to 5Mbps for $34.90 per month (standard price). It also includes Freewheel, Cablevision's all Wi-Fi voice service.

"As a connectivity company, Cablevision is reimagining its relationship with its customers," said Kristin Dolan, chief operating officer, Cablevision. "Our new ‘cord cutter’ packages take a modern approach to traditional triple-product bundles and provide real alternatives that fit new consumer lifestyles."

Mohu Leaf Antenna

There's a mad rush right now to attract younger viewers with alternative packages like the one Cablevision is offering. It's not just cable companies getting in on the action, either. Satellite TV provider Dish Network recently rolled out its Sling TV streaming service that runs $20 per month for a collection of channels that include ESPN, ESPN2, AMC, Food Network, HGTV, Disney Channel, TNT, El Rey Network, Travel Channel, TBS, Maker, Adult Swim, CNN, IFC, Cartoon Network, ABC Family, and Golovision, along with four optional themed add-on packages at $5 apiece.

Look for even more options as the traditional pay TV model moves ever closer to obsolescence in the Internet era.