Module 22

TV and Home Phone — Cut the Costs, Keep What Matters

Reviewed by Aaron Patzalek, Two Birds Innovation · Last reviewed: April 2026

⏱ About 25–35 minutes — go at your own pace

✅ You are in a safe place. This module is about saving money — calmly, clearly, and on your own terms. Nobody is going to pressure you. You decide what to keep and what to change.

What you'll learn in this module

  • What a bundle is and why it often costs more than you need
  • Whether you still need cable TV — and free or low-cost alternatives
  • Whether you still need a home phone — and what to check first
  • How streaming works and how to pick one service
  • What a digital antenna is and how to get free local channels
  • How to read your bundle bill and spot what you are overpaying for
  • How to call your provider and unbundle — step by step
  • Your rights under the CCTS — and what your provider cannot do

1. Margaret's Bundle

Margaret is 76 years old. She pays $220 every month for a bundle from her provider: internet, 300-channel cable TV, and a home phone line. She has been paying this for years.

Here is the thing: Margaret watches four channels. She uses her home phone about once a week. Her granddaughter showed her that the same shows are available free on her iPad — using an antenna and a streaming app. Margaret was upset that nobody had told her sooner.

Margaret's story is incredibly common. Bundles are designed to keep you paying for services you do not use. This module will help you see exactly what you are paying for — and decide what you actually need.

📦 What Is a Bundle?

A bundle is when your provider sells you multiple services together as one package — usually internet, cable TV, and a home phone. Providers call these "triple-play" bundles.

Bundles sound like a deal, but they often include services you do not need. If you only use one or two of the three services, you may be paying $60–$100 per month for things you never touch.

💰 What Each Part Typically Costs

  • Internet on its own: $50–$80/month
  • Cable TV package: $60–$120/month
  • Home phone line: $25–$45/month

When bundled, your provider may advertise a "discount" — but the total is often still $180–$220/month. If you only need internet and one streaming service, you could pay as little as $60–$95/month.

✅ Confidence check: Do you know what you pay each month for your TV, internet, and phone? If not, find your latest bill — we will look at it together in Section 6.

2. Do You Still Need Cable TV?

This is a question only you can answer — and there is no wrong answer. But here is a useful rule of thumb: if you regularly watch fewer than 10 channels, you are probably paying for hundreds of channels you never use.

Many Canadians over 70 watch the same few channels: CBC, CTV, Global, maybe a news channel, and one or two specialty channels. All of those are available without cable.

📝 Try This: Write Down What You Actually Watch

For one week, write down every channel you watch. At the end of the week, count them. If the number is under 10, cable TV may not be worth the cost.

📺 Three Alternatives to Cable TV

  • Digital antenna — plugs into your TV and picks up local channels (CBC, CTV, Global, CityTV) completely free. Costs $25–$40 once. No monthly fee. More details in Section 5.
  • One streaming service — services like CBC Gem (free), Netflix, or others cost $0–$15/month and let you watch shows, movies, and news on your iPad or TV. More details in Section 4.
  • Library streaming — your Ontario public library card gives you free access to streaming services like Kanopy and Hoopla. Ask your local library for details.

✅ Confidence check: You do not have to cancel cable today. The first step is simply knowing what you watch. Once you know that, you can make a calm, informed decision.

3. Do You Still Need a Home Phone?

Home phones were once the centre of every household. But if you already have a mobile phone, you may be paying $25–$45 per month for a phone that barely rings.

Before you decide, there are a few important things to check.

🏥 Check Your Medical Alert System

Some medical alert devices (like Lifeline or similar services) require a traditional home phone line. Before cancelling your home phone, call your medical alert provider and ask: "Does my device work with a mobile phone or VoIP (internet phone)?" Many newer systems do — but check first.

📋 Questions to Ask Yourself

  • Do I have a mobile phone that works reliably at home?
  • When was the last time someone called my home phone — and could they have called my mobile instead?
  • Does my home alarm system or medical alert depend on the home phone line?
  • Am I comfortable giving out my mobile number to everyone who currently calls my home phone?

If you answered yes to the first two questions and no to the third, you are likely ready to cancel your home phone.

✅ Confidence check: There is no rush. If your home phone gives you peace of mind, keep it. This is about knowing you have the choice — not about being pressured.

4. Streaming for Beginners

Streaming is simply watching TV shows and movies through the internet instead of through a cable wire. Think of it like a library of shows that you can browse and watch whenever you want — on your iPad, iPhone, or TV.

You do not need to understand how it works technically. You just need an internet connection and an app.

🎬 How Streaming Works — Step by Step

  1. You download a streaming app from the App Store (like CBC Gem or Netflix).
  2. You open the app and browse the shows and movies available.
  3. You tap on something you want to watch and it starts playing — like pressing play on a DVD.
  4. You can pause, rewind, or stop at any time. The show will remember where you left off.

✅ One Service Is Enough

You do not need five streaming services. One is plenty. Here is how to pick:

  • Want Canadian news and shows? Start with CBC Gem — it is completely free.
  • Want movies and popular series? One paid service (like Netflix at $7–$17/month) gives you thousands of options.
  • Want free movies and documentaries? Ask your local library about Kanopy — it is free with your library card.

📺 Watching on Your TV (Not Just Your iPad)

If your TV was made in the last 10 years, it may already be a "smart TV" with streaming apps built in. Look for apps like CBC Gem or Netflix on your TV's home screen.

If your TV is not a smart TV, you can add a small streaming device (like an Apple TV or Roku) for about $50–$80. A family member can help you set it up.

✅ Confidence check: If you can open an app on your iPad, you can stream a TV show. It really is that simple.

5. The Digital Antenna

A digital antenna is one of the best-kept secrets in Canadian television. It is a small device — about the size of a piece of paper — that plugs into your TV and picks up free local channels over the air.

This is not the old-fashioned "rabbit ears" antenna. Modern digital antennas are flat, can be placed on a wall or window, and produce a picture that is often sharper than cable.

📡 What You Get for Free

With a digital antenna in most parts of Ontario, you can receive:

  • CBC — news, shows, hockey
  • CTV — news, dramas, entertainment
  • Global — news, reality shows
  • CityTV — movies, news, entertainment
  • TVO — educational programming (in some areas)

These channels are broadcast free over the airwaves — you just need an antenna to pick them up. There is no monthly fee. Ever.

🔌 How to Set Up a Digital Antenna

  1. Buy a digital antenna at any electronics store or online. They cost $25–$40.
  2. Plug the antenna's cable into the back of your TV — it goes into the round "coaxial" port (the same port your cable used to use).
  3. On your TV, go to Settings → Channels → Scan for channels (or "Auto-tune"). Your TV will search for available channels.
  4. Place the antenna near a window or on a wall facing the nearest broadcast tower. Higher is better.

A family member or a helpful neighbour can assist with setup if you are unsure. It takes about 10 minutes.

✅ Confidence check: A digital antenna is a one-time purchase with no monthly fees. If the channels you watch are available over the air, this could save you $60–$120 every single month.

6. Reading Your Bundle Bill

Your monthly bill from your provider can look confusing. But once you know what to look for, it tells a very clear story — and often, that story is: you are paying for things you do not use.

🧾 What to Look for on Your Bill

Find your latest bill (paper or online) and look for these line items:

  • Internet service — this is the one you almost certainly need. Note the monthly cost.
  • TV/Cable service — this is your cable TV. Note the monthly cost. This is often the most expensive line.
  • Home phone service — note the monthly cost.
  • Equipment rental — many providers charge $5–$15/month to rent you a modem, cable box, or phone adapter.
  • Extra fees and taxes — HST, 911 fees, broadcast improvement fees, and others.

💡 The Key Question

Look at the TV/Cable line on your bill. Write down the amount. Now ask yourself: "Am I getting this much value from the channels I watch?" If you watch 4 channels and your cable costs $90/month, you are paying about $22 per channel per month — for channels that are available free with an antenna or a streaming app.

✅ Confidence check: Understanding your bill is empowering. You do not need to change anything yet — just knowing the numbers puts you in control.

7. How to Unbundle

If you have decided that you want to drop cable TV, your home phone, or both — here is exactly how to do it. This is a phone call, and you are in charge.

📞 Before You Call

  1. Have your latest bill in front of you.
  2. Write down exactly what you want to keep (usually just internet) and what you want to remove (cable TV, home phone, or both).
  3. Know your current monthly total so you can compare any new offer they give you.
  4. Check whether you are on a contract or month-to-month. If you are month-to-month, there are no cancellation fees.

📋 The Call — Step by Step

  1. Call your provider's customer service number (it is on your bill).
  2. Say: "I would like to remove my cable TV service (and/or home phone) and keep my internet only."
  3. They will likely transfer you to a "retention" department. This person's job is to convince you to stay. Be polite but firm.
  4. If they offer you a lower price, ask: "What is the price for internet only, with no TV and no phone?" Compare that number to your current bill.
  5. Confirm the change and ask for a confirmation number and email.

💰 Expected Savings

If you currently pay $200–$220/month for a triple-play bundle and switch to internet only, you can expect to pay about $50–$80/month — a savings of $120–$150 per month, or $1,440–$1,800 per year.

Even if you add one streaming service at $15/month, your total is still far less than the bundle.

✅ Confidence check: You have the right to change your services at any time. The retention department may try to talk you out of it — but the decision is yours. You are the customer.

8. Your Rights

In Canada, your TV and phone services are regulated, and you have clear rights as a consumer. Knowing these rights gives you confidence when speaking to your provider.

🛡️ The CCTS — Your Consumer Watchdog

The Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS) is a free, independent organisation that handles complaints about phone and TV providers in Canada.

If your provider charges you a fee you were not told about, refuses to let you cancel, or does not honour a promised price — you can file a complaint with the CCTS at no cost.

  • Website: www.ccts-cprst.ca
  • Phone: 1-888-221-1687

📋 Your Key Rights

  • Right to cancel: You can cancel any service at any time. If you are on a month-to-month plan, there are no cancellation fees.
  • No surprise fees: Your provider must clearly explain all charges before you agree to a service. If a fee was not disclosed, you can dispute it.
  • Month-to-month freedom: If your original contract has expired (most do after 1–2 years), you are automatically on month-to-month. You can change or cancel at any time with no penalty.
  • Written confirmation: You have the right to receive written confirmation of any changes to your service — by email or in your next bill.

🗣️ What to Say if They Push Back

If a retention agent pressures you or makes you feel uncomfortable, you can say:

"I appreciate the offer, but I have made my decision. Please process the change I requested."

If they still will not process your request, say: "I would like to file a complaint with the CCTS." This usually resolves the issue immediately.

✅ Confidence check: You are a paying customer with clear legal rights. No provider can force you to keep a service you do not want. The CCTS is there if you need them — free of charge.

Quick Check: Test Your Knowledge

Let us see how much you remember. Tap the answer you think is correct.

1. What is a "bundle"?

2. What is a digital antenna?

3. How much does CBC Gem cost?

4. What should you do before calling to unbundle?

5. Who handles complaints about your TV or phone provider?

👏

You answered those questions like a pro. Every answer you get right proves how much you have already learned.

Even if you missed one, that is perfectly okay. Learning is not about being perfect — it is about getting a little better each time.

What you learned in this module

  • What a bundle is and how it keeps you paying for services you may not use
  • How to decide if you still need cable TV — and three affordable alternatives
  • How to decide if you still need a home phone — and what to check first
  • How streaming works and how to pick just one service
  • What a digital antenna is and how it gives you free local TV
  • How to read your bundle bill and understand exactly what you are paying for
  • How to call your provider and unbundle — step by step
  • Your rights under the CCTS and what to do if your provider pushes back
← Module 21: Your Mobile Plan Final Assessment →