Does America have a free cable alternative to things like comcast like we do in the uk?

We not only don’t have free choices. We don’t even have paid choices (cable). If you’re in a comcast area (as I am), you get what comcast has or you get nothing. It’s called monopoly. And if you want no TV at all, but do want high-speed internet, you get to buy the basic TV package, to give you the right to buy internet service. It sucks.

Non-cable choices are available.

We have to get internet, and a laptop and watch our shows there instead, or pay a small amount for netflix. More people are doing the smart thing and using nextflix on Xbox or attaching their laptop to their TV.

I get ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, WB, and 4 channels of PBS over the antennae without paying a cent.

My antennae is actually a ghettotenna.

I get pretty good reception with some coax and a knife.

Oh man I’m one lucky guy :
Over the air – Big antennae FREE monthly after paying $300 for installation and parts
Satellite – Two choices
Cable- Two choices, one run by city and the other is a national provider (both use fiber-optics )

@Tropical_Willie Just curious how many and which channels do you get for free? Thinking of getting a strong antennae myself, thanks…

I get about 10–15 broadcast channels. I never watch them because there really isn’t anything good on anymore. Cable’s not much better, IMO.

Choices where I live…

Free
Over-the-Air I receive at least two dozen channels, and they often have subchannels

Not Free
Cable
Satellite
AT&T Uverse(the phone company is delivering TV over the phone line in areas where they have installed high-speed fiber backbones)

I should add that in the United States you don’t have TV police making sure you pay the fees to own a TV.

@johnpowell That would probably constitute a violation of the First Amendment.
And people will kill to watch TV.

@johnpowell There’s a fee to own a TV? I just wanted to make sure I read that correctly…..

@Blackberry Italy has one too, the “canone.” It’s sort of a tax. To fund public broadcasting, I think. Since it’s Italy, a lot of people ignore it.
Wikipedia article here.

@mazingerz88 We get 16 or 17 with HD sub stations.

I have some experience of television in the United States and I am glad I live in Britain television licence fee and all.

In Sweden they have to buy a license for the privilege of owning a TV, just like we have to buy a license and insurance to drive a car.

@YARNLADY
It’s the same in the UK, well if you have a TV you have to pay for a tv licence