Focus Broadband, the largest member-owned cooperative in North Carolina, is phasing out its traditional cable TV service, MergeTV. The company has already begun shutting down service in select areas and plans to completely discontinue MergeTV across its entire service area by mid-2025. This move signals a significant shift in the company’s strategy, as it encourages customers to embrace streaming alternatives.
Focus Broadband, which serves southeastern North Carolina, joins a growing number of cable providers across the country who are moving away from traditional cable TV offerings. Instead, it will continue to sell internet and phone services to its customers.
MergeTV Shutdown in Phases:
Focus Broadband is implementing the MergeTV shutdown in phases, with service already discontinued in some areas. The company plans to complete the transition by the middle of 2025, giving customers time to explore alternative options.
Focus on Streaming Alternatives:
Focus Broadband is encouraging its customers to embrace streaming services as a replacement for traditional cable TV. The company highlights the benefits of streaming, such as:
- Greater Flexibility and Choice: Streaming services offer a wide variety of programming options, allowing viewers to customize their entertainment experience.
- Cost Savings: Many streaming services are more affordable than traditional cable TV packages.
- On-Demand Content: Streaming services provide access to on-demand content, allowing viewers to watch their favorite shows and movies whenever they want.
Its website now promotes a wide range of streaming services instead.
Following Industry Trends:
Focus Broadband’s decision to discontinue MergeTV follows a trend seen across the telecommunications industry. Rivers City Networks Communication, another North Carolina-based provider, recently announced a similar shutdown of its cable TV service.
This shift reflects the evolving landscape of television consumption, as streaming continues to disrupt traditional cable TV models. While some customers may lament the loss of their familiar cable service, the transition to streaming offers greater flexibility, choice, and potential cost savings.
As Focus Broadband completes its transition to a streaming-focused future, it remains to be seen how customers will adapt to this change. However, the company’s emphasis on providing high-quality broadband internet service and supporting customers through the transition suggests a commitment to meeting the evolving entertainment needs of its community.