Will getting cable Internet lose my free cable tv?

[Jeremy M]

I have time warner for my tv provider. Just basic and free somehow. No Dvr or anything. I use a separate internet service provider called DslExtreme. They are garbage and I want to use someone else but in my area time warner is the only other option. Will they find out I get free cable from them if I use them as my new ISP since it runs through the same cable? I'd like to keep my tv. Thanks!

[Bill C]

Many CableCos send local channels over their wire without encryption. Eventually they'll force everyone to get a box so they can encrypt even the "free" channels. But for now it's a little secret they don't want you to know about. Getting an Internet connection from them will ensure you continue to get your free channels. Otherwise they may discover you are still connected and disconnect you since you are not a customer.