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Exploring the Many Alternatives to Cable TV in Canada For 2023

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Exploring the Many Alternatives to Cable TV in Canada For 2023

Cutting the cord. It refers to saying goodbye to traditional cable TV and hello to the vast array of streaming alternatives available today. This shift is happening in more than just the U.S. or Europe. It’s also happening across Canada, and for good reasons. Consumers are continually seeking more affordable, personalized entertainment options.

Streaming Service

Description

Key Features

Netflix

A global streaming giant with a diverse content library

Massive collection of movies, shows, and original content

Disney+

Provides Disney classics, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar features

Classic and new-age Disney content

Crave

Canadian streaming service featuring local and international content

Broad selection of Canadian programming, HBO, Showtime, and Starz content

Amazon Prime Video

Offers a blend of Hollywood blockbusters, indie films, and Amazon Originals

Diverse content library with growing list of Amazon Originals

Over-the-Air Antennas

Allows access to free local broadcasts

Cost-effective way to watch local news and popular shows

CBC Gem

Online streaming service by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Variety of Canadian series, news, sports broadcasts

iTunes and Google Play Store

Digital stores for renting or purchasing individual titles

One-off access to specific shows or movies

Sports Packages (DAZN, Fubo, Sportsnet NOW, TSN+)

Streaming platforms for sports fans

Coverage varies per platform

So, let’s delve into the many alternatives to cable TV available for Canadians. Shall we?

Streaming Services

One of the most popular alternatives to cable TV is streaming services. The big players in this realm are names you’re likely familiar with.

Netflix

It’s a household name that’s synonymous with streaming. Netflix has a massive library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and even made-for-Netflix content.

You might be asking, “Why Netflix?” Well, Netflix has a one-size-fits-all approach to content. There’s something for everyone. From the crime-thriller lover to the comedy aficionado, Netflix has you covered.

Netflix Canada offers three different plans for Canadians:

  • Standard with ads: $5.99/month
  • Standard: $16.49/month (extra member slots** can be added for $7.99 each / month)
  • Premium: $20.99/month (extra member slots** can be added for $7.99 each / month)

Disney+

The magic of Disney is not just for kids anymore. With the arrival of Disney+, households are experiencing a mix of classic Disney content along with a host of Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar features.

Disney+ offers these plans:

  • Monthly subscription: $11.99/month
  • Annual subscription: $119.99/year (you get two months free with an annual subscription)

Crave

Crave TV is a proudly Canadian streaming service that offers plenty of TV shows, movies, and original content for your pleasure. The platform features a broad selection of Canadian programming, including CBC, CTV, and Global shows, as well as popular international content from HBO, Showtime, and Starz.

Crave has two plans, each fit for different devices:

  • Total Plan: $19.99 for 4 devices and FHD resolution (1080p)
  • Mobile Plan: $9.99  for 1 device and 720p

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is another top-notch service that’s made waves in recent years. With a blend of Hollywood blockbusters, indie darlings, and a growing list of “Amazon Originals”, it’s become a strong contender in the streaming arena.

Here the Current Amazon Prime membership pricing:

  • Prime Video membership: $11.61
  • Amazon Prime Student: $9.67/month or $89.08/year

Local Content: Over-the-Air and Online Platforms

Don’t want to miss out on local news and content? You don’t have to.

Over-the-Air Antennas

You heard that right, Antennas are still a thing. This might sound archaic in today’s digital world, but watching local news and some popular shows is cost-effective. An Over-the-Air (OTA) antenna can pick up free broadcasts from local television stations, providing access to Canadian content, news, and more.

The pricing ranges from as low as $5 to over $200. And the best part? You set it up once, and it’s free HD tv for life! 

TV antenna positioned prominently against a clear blue sky, indicating the possibility of receiving local broadcast signals.

CBC Gem

CBC Gem is a Canadian gem indeed. This online streaming service is a product of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, offering a wide array of Canadian shows (We highly recommend Schitt’s Creek), news, and sports broadcasts. 

It’s a fantastic platform for those who want to stay connected with local content, including popular Canadian series, documentaries, and films. CBC Gem also offers live streaming of CBC Television, including local news from across the country, and access to CBC News Network. 

The service has a free tier, supported by ads, and a premium tier for $4.99 per month, which offers ad-free viewing, live streaming of CBC News Network, and access to additional content. 

RallyTV

RallyTV, brought to you by Galaxy Fibre, is a dynamic live TV streaming service that offers a diverse range of content. The platform allows you to enjoy live sports, news, movies, and entertainment, all in one place. It also provides the flexibility to pause, rewind, and record your favorite shows.

RallyTV offers two main packages, each designed to cater to different viewing preferences:

  • PEAK TV: For $59.95/month, this package offers a comprehensive lineup of general-interest networks and popular specialty channels. 
  • BASE TV: Priced at $24.95/month, this package is for those who just need the basics. It offers a minimum package of required CRTC mandated local news, information, entertainment, and Canadian content.

Rent or Purchase: Pay-per-View and Digital Stores

Last but not least, there are pay-per-view options and digital stores for one-time rentals or purchases.

iTunes and Google Play Store

If you’re just interested in that one show or movie, iTunes and Google Play Store offer options to rent or purchase individual titles.

Sports Packages

For Canadian sports fans, there’s a wealth of streaming platforms to choose from. The top four are DAZN, Fubo, Sportsnet NOW, and TSN+. Each platform has unique partnerships with individual leagues, meaning the availability of sports or leagues can vary from one platform to another.

Prices for these sports streaming services range from $14.99 to $34.99 per month, with some offering annual prices for added convenience. Interestingly, some cable providers offer free access to these sports streaming platforms as part of their packages.

Fibre Optic Internet: Your Best Companion for Streaming

So how can you make the most of many of these alternatives to cable tv? A reliable and high-speed internet connection. That’s where fibre optic internet comes in. It offers superior speed and reliability, perfect for high-definition streaming, gaming, and more.

Buffering and lag? Things of the past! Our fibre optic internet ensures you enjoy your chosen streaming platforms to the maximum. If you’re in Brooks, Canada, we can get you connected. 

A couple comfortably seated on a sofa, enjoying a show on their iPad via a streaming service.

It’s Time to Cut That Cord

Who needs cable when you have all these alternatives? With virtually endless options, Canadians are now spoilt for choice. You can enjoy the content available on streaming services to local gems provided by OTA antennas and online platforms.

Remember, the best choice ultimately depends on your viewing preferences and budget. So, take your time, evaluate the options, and go for what suits you best.

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Fibre Network Access Agreement Terms & Conditions

1) Grant of permission

You grant Community Network Partners Inc., together with its affiliates, contractors, and utility partners (“CNPI”), a non-exclusive, revocable permission to enter the property with personnel, tools, and machinery to:

  1. a) complete a site assessment and submit statutory utility locate requests, where required; b) install underground fibre-optic facilities from the road allowance or public right-of-way to a demarcation point at the premises, and install any required indoor and/or outdoor demarcation equipment; c) test, operate, access, maintain, repair, replace, relocate, or remove CNPI facilities on reasonable notice; and d) restore disturbed areas following construction.

2) Scope & Installation Methods

Work may include trenching, boring, directional drilling, and/or placement through existing conduit or pathways, where feasible, and may occur over multiple visits. Final route and installation method may change due to utility locates, field conditions, permitting, municipal requirements, or safety considerations. CNPI will follow industry best practices and use existing pathways where reasonably possible.

3) Facilities Ownership

All fibre, conduit, drop cables, and demarcation equipment installed by or for CNPI remain the property of CNPI or its partners, and do not become fixtures.

4) Restoration

CNPI will restore disturbed areas to a substantially similar condition, season and weather permitting. Temporary restoration may be completed first, with final restoration performed when conditions allow. Certain surfaces, including sod, asphalt, concrete, interlock, or landscaping, may require temporary patching before final restoration is completed.

5) Landscaping & Surface Features (Private Property)

You acknowledge that underground installation may require limited disturbance to lawns, gardens, driveways, walkways, or other surface features in order to complete the work safely and efficiently. CNPI will make reasonable efforts to minimize disruption and restore affected areas in accordance with Section 4.

6) Utility Locates & Private Lines

CNPI will obtain statutory utility locates where required. You must identify and clearly mark any private or unregistered lines, systems, or structures on the property, including but not limited to sprinklers, landscape lighting, private hydro lines, invisible fencing, irrigation, septic systems, private drains, shallow utility lines, or similar features. CNPI is not responsible for damage to unmarked or incorrectly marked private facilities.

7) Third-Party Infrastructure & Permissions

This permission does not grant rights over third-party lands, infrastructure, or municipal assets outside the property boundary. Any required permissions, permits, or approvals relating to the public right-of-way or third-party infrastructure will be obtained by CNPI as required. You authorize work and equipment placement on your property only.

8) No Service Commitment

This consent does not obligate you to purchase services. It authorizes construction so that service may be made available to the premises.

9) Access Windows

Work will occur during reasonable hours. CNPI may access the property at any time in the event of an emergency involving safety, service continuity, or network integrity. CNPI will provide reasonable notice for non-emergency visits where practical.

10) Indemnity & Liability

CNPI is responsible for direct, provable physical damage caused by CNPI’s negligence. CNPI is not liable for indirect, consequential, incidental, or special damages, and is not liable for damage to unmarked or incorrectly marked private facilities. Nothing in these Terms limits liability for gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

11) Term; Revocation

This permission remains in effect through installation and while CNPI facilities serve the premises. You may revoke this permission on 30 days’ written notice, except where access is required to maintain, repair, or safely remove facilities. This permission is not an easement or other interest in land.

12) Assignment / Subcontractors

CNPI may assign this permission to its affiliates and may use authorized contractors or subcontractors to perform the work.

13) Privacy & Contact

Information is collected to plan locates, schedule, and perform installation and maintenance, and may be shared with contractors, utility owners, municipalities, and infrastructure partners for those purposes. A copy of your submission will be emailed to you.

14) Governing Law

Province of Ontario.

Fibre Network Access Agreement - Terms & Conditions

1) Grant of Licence
You grant Community Network Partners Inc., together with its affiliates, contractors, and utility partners (“CNPI”), a non-exclusive, revocable licence to enter the property with personnel, tools, and machinery to:
a) complete site assessment and submit statutory utility locate requests (as required);
b) install fibre-optic facilities from the road allowance/public right-of-way and/or utility pole to a demarcation point at the premises and install any required indoor/outdoor demarcation equipment;
c) test, operate, access, maintain, repair, replace, relocate, or remove CNPI facilities on reasonable notice; and
d) restore disturbed areas following construction.

2) Scope & Installation Methods (Underground and Aerial)
Underground: Work may include trenching and/or directional drilling/boring and may occur over multiple visits. Final route and method may change due to utility locates, field conditions, permitting, or safety. CNPI will follow industry best practices and use existing paths or conduit where feasible.
Aerial: Where available/appropriate, CNPI may install an aerial drop from a utility pole to the premises and attach approved hardware (anchors/brackets) to the exterior to support the drop and demarcation equipment. If a temporary surface drop is used before final placement/burial, it will be positioned to minimize disruption and replaced/relocated as soon as practicable.

3) Facilities Ownership
All fibre, conduit, drop cables, and demarcation equipment installed by or for CNPI remain the property of CNPI (or its partners) and do not become fixtures.

4) Restoration
CNPI will restore disturbed areas to a substantially similar condition (season/weather permitting). Temporary restoration may be completed first, with final restoration performed when conditions allow.

5) Vegetation & Pruning (Private Property)
You authorize CNPI to perform minimal trimming/pruning of private vegetation that interferes with safe placement of aerial or buried facilities on the property. Public right-of-way vegetation work follows applicable municipal/utility rules.

6) Utility Locates & Private Lines
CNPI will obtain statutory utility locates where required. You must identify and mark any private/unregistered lines or structures (e.g., sprinklers, private hydro to sheds, invisible fence, septic, private water/gas lines, drains, irrigation, etc.). CNPI is not responsible for damage to unmarked or incorrectly marked private facilities.

7) Poles & Third-Party Infrastructure
This licence does not grant rights on third-party poles/structures. Any required pole/strand permissions will be obtained by CNPI from the infrastructure owner. You authorize attachment to your premises only.

8) No Service Commitment
This consent does not obligate you to purchase services. It enables construction so service may be made available.

9) Access Windows
Work will occur during reasonable hours. CNPI may access the property at any time for emergencies involving safety, service continuity, or network integrity. CNPI will provide reasonable notice for non-emergency visits where practical.

10) Indemnity & Liability
CNPI is responsible for direct, provable physical damage caused by CNPI’s negligence. CNPI is not liable for indirect, consequential, or special damages, and is not liable for damage to unmarked/incorrectly marked private facilities. Nothing in these Terms limits liability for gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

11) Term; Revocation
This licence remains in effect through installation and while CNPI facilities serve the premises. You may revoke this licence on 30 days’ written notice, except where access is required to maintain, repair, or safely remove facilities. This licence is not an easement or other interest in land.

12) Assignment / Subcontractors
CNPI may assign this licence to its affiliates and use authorized contractors to perform the work.

13) Privacy & Contact
Information is collected to plan locates, schedule, and perform installation/maintenance and may be shared with contractors and utility/infrastructure owners for those purposes. A copy of your submission will be emailed to you.

14) Governing Law
 Province of Ontario.