Cable TV is fading away in Iowa
Cedar Falls Utilities (CFU), a big utilities provider that serves nearly 15,000 subscribers in central Iowa, has officially announced it will be discontinuing its cable TV service in October 2026. The company says the decision comes after years of change in watching TV, as individuals have begun focusing on streaming more.
In its announcement, CFU admitted that traditional cable is becoming too costly to do and too limiting in what it can offer. The company indicated that “many of the most popular shows and games are not available on cable TV,” making it more challenging to offer the kind of content consumers want.
Why CFU thinks streaming is the better deal
CFU called on all its clients to cut back on their cable subscriptions and join streaming services, noting they can save up to $40 per month. They mentioned YouTube TV among the best options for them to do so, noting its Base Plan costs $82.99 monthly and is worth more than cable.
The company also added that it has become too expensive to maintain its own cable service. “We can no longer provide a TV service at an affordable price or provide value for our customers,” CFU admitted.
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Many users in Cedar Falls have already turned to streaming, joining the growing number of Americans who have dropped the cord for internet options.
What YouTube TV has to offer
YouTube TV provides subscribers with more than 100 live channels, unlimited DVR space, and on-demand movies and shows. Sports enthusiasts can continue to view locally and nationally broadcast events, although viewing all NFL games will necessitate an additional subscription.
Six individual accounts per household are allowed, as well as three simultaneous streamers—another plus for families.
Free streaming options for budget watchers
For those on a tight budget, CFU also reminded viewers that many streaming options are completely free. The apps do have features that may be beneficial. commercials but still provide an immense collection of entertainment. Some of the crowd-pleasers are:
- Tubi
- Pluto TV
- The Roku Channel
- Amazon Freevee
- Sling Freestream
- PBS and PBS Kids Video
- FilmRise
- Plex TV
- NewsON
These websites offer movies, shows, news, and even live channels for free, making them great options for users who don’t want to pay monthly bills whatsoever.
Internet discounts are still available
Even as cable is being cut off, CFU has guaranteed that it will continue offering all its internet services forever. In an effort to keep customers, the company is offering a three-month $27.50 reduction in monthly service for anyone who cancels cable but maintains or upgrades an internet plan.
The customers who choose to keep their cable subscriptions, however, will enjoy a price increase of $17 from January 1, 2026.
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The big picture
CFU’s decision is national in trend. Various cable companies are facing higher programming costs as well as subscriber losses to over-the-top platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube TV. The shift indicates the phasing out but eventual demise of traditional cable TV, as more and more Americans opt for internet-based services offering flexibility, diversity, and lower prices.
As the countdown to October 2026 continues, Cedar Falls residents have ample time remaining to decide how they will be viewing their favourite shows—but CFU’s message is clear: streaming, not cable, is the future of television.
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