Most people who want to cut the cord don't actually want to cancel everything. They want to keep their home internet and just stop paying for the TV part. That's completely possible — but the call to your provider can be confusing, and it's easy to end up with a higher internet price or a surprise fee.
This guide walks you through it, one step at a time.
Step 1: Find your current bill and contract
Log in to your provider's website or grab a recent bill and note:
- What you pay for TV, internet and any phone line
- Equipment fees — cable boxes, DVRs, modem or router rental
- Promotional prices and when they end
- Contract end date and any early termination fee
If you're still under contract, compare the termination fee with what you'll save each month. Sometimes waiting a month or two is cheaper.
Step 2: Check the internet-only price
Bundles often hide the real price of internet. Look up the provider's current internet-only plans for your address — online, in a chat, or by calling. Write down the plan name and speed you want.
How much speed do you need? For most homes:
- 1–2 people streaming: 100 Mbps is plenty
- A family streaming several shows in 4K: 200–300 Mbps
Step 3: Set up your replacement TV first
Don't cancel until your new setup works. For most homes that means:
- An HD antenna for free local channels — see how to watch local channels without cable.
- A streaming device if your TV is old or slow.
- One or two services — a live TV service if you need cable channels, or on-demand apps if you mostly binge. Our YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV vs Sling comparison helps you choose.
Use free trials to test everything for a week.
Step 4: Consider buying your own modem and router
Renting a modem or router adds a fee every single month. Buying your own compatible equipment often pays for itself within a year. Check your provider's list of approved modems before buying.
Step 5: Make the call (what to say)
Call the number on your bill and ask for account changes or cancellations. Keep it simple:
"Hi, I'd like to remove the TV service from my account and keep internet only. I'd like the [plan name] internet plan at [price you found]. Can you confirm the new monthly total, including all fees and taxes?"
You'll likely be transferred to a retention team who may offer a cheaper TV deal. If you're sure, politely repeat:
"Thanks, but I'm only interested in internet. Please remove the TV service today."
Before you hang up, ask:
- What will my exact new monthly total be?
- Will any promotion or discount disappear?
- How do I return the cable boxes, and by when?
- Can you email me a confirmation of the change?
Write down the representative's name, the date and a confirmation number.
Step 6: Return equipment the right way
Return every box and remote as instructed — usually at a store or with a prepaid shipping label. Keep the receipt. Unreturned equipment is the most common reason for surprise charges on the final bill.
Step 7: Check your next two bills
Compare your next bills with what you were promised. If anything's wrong, contact support with your confirmation number. Mistakes are common and usually fixed quickly when you have the details written down.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Canceling before your new setup works — test first.
- Losing a bundle discount without checking the internet-only price.
- Forgetting the modem/router rental — it keeps charging you.
- Not returning equipment — keep proof of return.
- Signing up for every streaming service at once — start with one or two and rotate.
How much can you save?
It depends on your old bill, but dropping the TV package, box rentals and fees often cuts the monthly total a lot — especially if an antenna covers your local channels and you choose one streaming service instead of five.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel cable TV but keep my internet?
Yes. Ask your provider to remove the TV service and move you to an internet-only plan. Confirm the new monthly price, including fees, before you finish the call.
Will my internet price go up if I drop cable?
It can, because bundle discounts may disappear. Check the internet-only price first and ask the representative to confirm your new total.
Do I have to pay a fee to cancel cable?
Only if you're still under contract. Check your contract end date and early termination fee before calling.
What should I do with my cable box?
Return it using the method your provider gives you, and keep the receipt or tracking number as proof.
