I've been doing a lot of math lately...
I watch a very few shows on channels that will not be part of the skinny basic package, and researched how much it would be to get them through various internet sites.
It is surprising how much free content is on the websites for many channels you have to pay for - HGTV, Discovery, History, etc. have a lot of shows online for free that I watch, eliminating the need to add those as a pick 'n pay option.
However, where it gets expensive is shows not on those websites. I am finding that:
-to buy shows on websites like iTunes, you pay up to $1.99 an episode, and around $20 per full season.
-Sports is really expensive. NFL will most likely be available on CTV in skinny basic, and most NHL games. CFL will be impossible to get without a TSN subscription. MLB will be impossible to get without a Sportsnet subscription. Options exist for full packages of NFL, NHL, and other sports I watch, but are $200 to $300 a year (depending on exchange rates, but are available to Canadian subscribers)
-most of the streaming services are old repeats - the few shows on Netflix, Shomi, or Crave that are exclusives are not of interest to me, but seasons of them are available on DVD or for download at a charge.
There is also the convenience factor of having a "one box" solution for some. I am looking at having a Bell box for the Skinny Basic channels, luckily I have a 9242 with an OTA tuner for U.S. channels near me, but that would be a separate box on other TV's, and then a computer to download all the programs online that I need to be convenient to a TV.
At then end of my calculations, I will save a few bucks to keep watching what I like, but will be using multiple sources instead of one. As well, my internet usage is capped, and may need to increase it.
It's a big debate in my household - and is around $5 a month worth the hassle?