A recent survey conducted by Cord Cutters News has revealed a striking trend in consumer behavior: 89% of cord cutters—those who have ditched traditional cable TV services—say they would not return to providers like Comcast or Spectrum, even if it meant they would save money by going back. The findings underscore a growing dissatisfaction with legacy cable companies and a strong preference for streaming and alternative media platforms, signaling a seismic shift in the entertainment industry.
The survey, which polled thousands of Cord Cutters News readers, highlights the depth of frustration with traditional cable providers. Respondents cited high costs, bloated channel packages, poor customer service, and restrictive contracts as key reasons for abandoning cable. Even when presented with hypothetical discounts, nearly nine out of ten cord cutters said they were unwilling to go back, prioritizing flexibility and control over their viewing experience.
Not only did they not want to go back to their TV service also not go back to their internet services.
The survey results come at a time when cable companies are struggling to retain subscribers. Comcast reported a loss of over 2 million video subscribers in the past two years, while Charter Communications, Spectrum’s parent company, has seen similar declines. Meanwhile, streaming platforms continue to gain traction, with services like Sling TV and FuboTV offering live TV options at a fraction of the cost of traditional cable. Additionally, the proliferation of free ad-supported streaming television services, such as Pluto TV and Tubi, has further eroded cable’s dominance.
Cord cutters also pointed to the convenience of on-demand content and the ability to watch on multiple devices as major advantages.
For now, cord cutters appear resolute. As one respondent put it, “I’d rather pay a little more for streaming than deal with the hassle of cable again.” With 89% of surveyed cord cutters unwilling to return, even for financial incentives, Comcast, Spectrum, and other cable giants may need to rethink their strategies to survive in an increasingly streaming-dominated world.
Please follow us on Facebook and X for more news, tips, and reviews. Need cord cutting tech support? Join our Cord Cutting Tech Support Facebook Group for help. You can find Luke on X HERE.