TV Decommissioning

Over-the-Air TV is Ending June 1, 2026

MetRec’s over-the-air (OTA) broadcast television service will be discontinued on June 1, 2026, following an April 2025 Board resolution. Despite significant efforts to stabilize the region’s aging OTA infrastructure, larger industry forces and economic constraints made continued service unsustainable.

For more information on the decision, please refer to the public hearing presentation.

TV Viewership Surveys

2016 Report
2020 Report
2025 Report

Who does this effect?

Anyone who uses an antenna to watch live television in MetRec’s service area. If you tune in to local channels or network programming through an antenna, you’ll need to choose a substitute before June 1, 2026.

If you already get your TV through cable, satellite, or streaming, nothing changes for you.

How can I learn more?

Contact Emily Hatton at emily@gcmetrec.com or 970-641-8725.

What are my options for replacing OTA television?

You have three main paths. Each has tradeoffs in price, channel lineup and equipment.

  1. Cable TV | A provider delivers TV to your home through a wired connection; you pay a monthly subscription for a bundle of channels.

    Pros: familiar experience, live local channels included, no internet required.
    Cons: monthly cost; only available where cable service reaches.

  1. Satellite TV | A dish mounted on your home receives TV signal from a satellite.

    Pros: works in rural areas cable can’t reach; wide channel selection.
    Cons: monthly cost; weather can affect signal; upfront equipment install.

  1. Connected TV (streaming via internet) | You use a home internet connection to watch TV through apps like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo, Paramount+, Peacock, and others on a smart TV, a streaming stick (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast) or a game console.

    Pros: mix and match services; often cheaper than cable or satellite; watch on phone or tablet too.
    Cons: requires reliable home internet; interface differs from traditional TV; some streaming apps require subscriptions

What aid programs are available for people on low or fixed income?

Most TV substitutes rely on home internet, so the most impactful help comes from programs that lower your monthly internet bill.

  • FCC Lifeline | a $9.25/month discount on phone or internet service for qualifying households. Lifeline can often be stacked with your provider’s own need-based discount for additional savings. Learn more at lifelinesupport.org.
  • Provider need-based pricing | Ask your cable, satellite, or internet provider if they offer reduced rates for households on government assistance (Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, SSI, etc.). Many do, but you usually have to ask.
  • Local aid search |  findhelp.org lists internet-affordability programs serving Gunnison County: findhelp.org — help pay for internet (Gunnison, CO)