(Screenshot/beldinternet.com)
BRAINTREE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Braintree's hometown internet provider is cutting cable to focus on high-speed internet—and helping customers learn to stream their favorite TV shows instead.
After nearly 20 years providing a town-run alternative to cable monopolies, Braintree Electric Light Department (BELD) General Manager Bill Bottiggi told WBZ NewsRadio's Chris Fama it's time to change.
That's why the company is dropping cable TV service and helping residents transition to streaming their favorite content through a campaign they're calling "K.O. Cable."
"We're either gonna die by a thousand cuts, or we're just gonna pull the plug, 'cut the cord' as everyone says," Bottiggi said.
They've beefed up their internet options with 1G service to support the streaming effort.
On its website, BELD is making the case that using a service like YouTubeTV, Philo, or Netflix can leave users with a much lighter bill.
"We've come to the conclusion that the best way to move forward is to just let customers stream video," he said. "You can easily save $100 a month ... you don't need cable."
It might seem strange for a utility company to tout a cheaper option, but BELD is "a municipal, not-for-profit electric utility and Internet/phone provider," run by the city exclusively for its residents.
Bottiggi knows the concept of streaming may sound foreign to some customers, but says it's a better way to watch your favorite teams, movies, and shows.
"Streaming sounds scary because they're used to traditional cable TV, but it's extremely simple," he said. "People are doing it in droves, they're saving a lot of money. It's a little different when you first start, but you get used to it real fast."
The company will even teach you how to stream, with daily demonstrations and a new phone app. Customers can find info on how to stream on the BELD website, or schedule an in-home demo.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports
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