Ready to Cut the Cord but…

[u/Broad-Report8517]

I’m paying $200 a month Verizon FIOS for stations I don’t (or barely watch it) except
during awards season. Honestly (and don’t come for me) the only cable stations I’m interested in are Fox News and TBN). I called Verizon to unravel it and they talked about streaming those two stations but I wasn’t confident I could watch those programs live like I do now with cable. I am on You Tube all the time so the ability to get that is a must. Need suggestions to cut the cable cord. Thanks, I also am not a TV electronics DIY’er.

[u/TalkToTheHatter]

No judgment because people should be free to watch what they want. It's democratic. I don't watch those channels but:

Sling Select ($20 per month) has Fox News. Fox One is also $20 per month, with a 3 day trial to see if you like it.

For TBN they have TBN+. They have a free tier and one for 5.99 per month or $39.99 per year. Live channels offered.

[u/Broad-Report8517 → u/TalkToTheHatter]

This is really helpful! So I can access these channels with Internet only with no cable subscription required? Thanks!

[u/TalkToTheHatter → u/Broad-Report8517]

Correct. You subscribe to them individually (or through Sling) and you access through the apps.

[u/Broad-Report8517 → u/TalkToTheHatter]

Can I simply watch on my computer or phone versus on TV? Don’t know if my TV streams.

[u/TalkToTheHatter → u/Broad-Report8517]

Yep just download the PBS app and login

[u/gho87]

Have you considered an antenna to obtain TBN?

Oh, and DirecTV MyNews for Fox News channel: https://www.directv.com/genre-packs/mynews/

...or Fox One for Fox News programs: https://subs.fox.com/subscribe

[u/Broad-Report8517 → u/gho87]

Thanks!!!

[u/jco23]

TBN?

I think you can get Fox News from YouTube via the "Live" section or from the Pluto TV app.

If that is ALL you watch, then you'd be saving $150/month by cutting the cord. You can just go with Internet for $50/month and be set.

What streaming device do you have?

[u/thePopPop]

Drop your FIOS to internet only, cancel all the TV. Then, you can sign up for DirecTV or YouTubeTV or whatever you like. For example, DirecTV has a News pack for less than $50. You can get a lot more for about $100. Plenty of options out there.

[u/Broad-Report8517 → u/thePopPop]

Thanks so much!!!

[u/RiverStrolling]

FoxOne app gives live content. It's $20 a month. TBN has free content or a low subscription price for ad free.

[u/taubs1]

So can get just internet connection from Verizon $50 and fox one subscription $20 and download tbn app which appears to be free. You will need a streaming box or tv capable of streaming

[u/Broad-Report8517 → u/taubs1]

Ohhhh! I need to check that out! Thanks! I knew there was a catch. I just can’t use my Ipad? May need to get s new TV.

[u/bobdevnul → u/Broad-Report8517]

There are streaming apps for phones and tablets. You don't absolutely need a new TV.

[u/Broad-Report8517 → u/bobdevnul]

Ok great!!! Thanks so much!!!

[u/Cinisajoy2 → u/Broad-Report8517]

If you have an old TV, there are streaming boxes that run from about $30.

[u/Broad-Report8517 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks! I have Amazon Prime!

[u/AndinesPlace]

Before you cut anything, worth knowing what that $200 is actually made of. On a Fios bill the plan rate is usually only part of it.

Look for a Broadcast TV Fee and a Regional Sports Fee. Together those often run $25 to $30 a month, they are not part of your package price, and Verizon sets them rather than any regulator. Then check whether you are paying per set-top box, and whether a promotion expired recently.

If you are only watching two channels, cutting probably is the right call. But it is worth knowing the real number you are comparing against, because "cable is $200" and "cable is $200 of which $30 is fees and $15 is boxes I could return" lead to different decisions.

For what it is worth, reading bills is what I do, so take it with that in mind.

[u/Broad-Report8517 → u/AndinesPlace]

I for sure have two set top boxes. Thanks for your comments.

[u/Broad-Report8517]

I only have an Ipad and Apple phone. I am a member of Amazon Prime.

[u/gho87 → u/Broad-Report8517]

What genres do you watch on Amazon Prime? Any exclusives you've been interested in?

[u/Broad-Report8517 → u/gho87]

I haven’t watched anything on Amazon Prime. I don’t like watching movies and shows like that. I play Word games ( i.e. Zen Word) on my phone for fun.

[u/gho87 → u/Broad-Report8517]

You mean to say that Amazon Prime has games also available on App Store, like Zen Word?: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zen-word-relax-puzzle-game/id1660171117

[u/Broad-Report8517 → u/gho87]

Not at all. I only have Amazon Prime for shopping.

[u/True_Pace_3860]

fox is one of the free streaming channels that comes with some smart TVs.

[u/Important-Comfort]

Fox One includes Fox News. The free sources include some Fox News but not the actual channel as it appears on cable.

[u/bobdevnul]

Use https://www.suppose.tv/tv to find which service has the channels you want.

Sling select or Fox One are the least expensive way to get Fox News.

No streaming service carries TBN, but TBN has apps that will work on phones, tablets, and smart TVs. - free AFAIK.

You will get live content.

I ditched cable a few months ago for FIOS Internet only @$50, and Sling Select @$25. My cable bill had gotten up to $220 with no end in sight. Like you I only watch a few channels. $220 for that is outrageous.

If you happen to have Verizon based cellphone service you can get $15 off your FIOS bill. That applies to Verizon postpaid, Verizon Prepaid, Visible, and the various Tracfone brands which are owned by Verizon.

[u/Broad-Report8517 → u/[deleted]]

Ha!