How much have satellite companies hurt cable companies? (1 Viewer)

[todd s]

I was driving home the other day and noticed how many people have satellite dishes on their roofs. On my street alone. Over half the houses have dishes. I have to wonder how much this is hurting the cable companies?

 

[BrianAe]

I think it's the other way around. The improvement in cable with more channels, digital cable, and now HD TV, along with broadband through cable, have stopped the success of the satellites. In my town house complex there are 44 homes and I'd say 80% have cable, some people have nothing, and only 1 guy has a dish.

I guess it depends on how good your local cable is but I think its an uphill battle for the satellite services.

 

[Philip_T]

2 years ago I switched from cable to satellite. 2 months ago I switched back to cable because of the better HD package they offered, so I would agree with BrianAe. However, as soon as the satellite providers get a better HD package, that includes local channels, I will be switching back. Satellite does have a much nicer picture on non HD channels than cable in my area.