Ragland Telephone Co discontinuing cable service

Published 2:13 pm Wednesday, October 21, 2020

The Ragland Telephone Company will no longer provide cable television services to its customers, effective at the end of October, due to changes in the industry. The company said the rise in popularity of getting cable through streaming services, combined with the low number of residents who subscribe to Ragland’s cable services, led to the decision. However, Ragland Telephone Company will still offer telephone and internet services.

Streaming services such as Youtube TV and Hulu Live TV have risen in popularity year after year, making the market for cable television more competitive. Combined with the competition provided by companies offering satellite services for television, and the market for cable television services becomes tough.

According to a 2019 Deloitte survey, 69 percent of U.S. households subscribe to a streaming service, overtaking cable users which account for 65 percent of households.

Ragland Telephone Company said it has 150 cable customers, making their impact on the market “minimal,” said Tim Ford of Ragland Telephone. He added that streaming services have made the market competitive in a way that forces them to adjust their services.

“This is because of the evolution of the video market with streaming services,” Ford said.

However, for those losing their cable services, all hope is not lost. Ford thinks that satellite services provide a satisfactory alternative for those looking for new television services.

“Everyone can get satellite services,” Ford said.

In addition to the satellite services such as Dish Network, anyone with access to internet also has access to streaming services as an alternative to cable television. The standard rate for television through Dish is $59.99 per month, while Youtube TV is $64.99 per month and Hulu Live costing $54.99 per month.

While some residents of Ragland now have to switch to a new service in order to receive their television services, some are already making the adjustment. According to Brenda Franklin, a cable customer of Ragland Telephone Company, her apartment manager has already approved the usage of Dish Network for tenants.