When Was Cable Television Introduced?

While most people in modern society could not imagine living in a world without cable TV, it wasn't very long ago that most people did not have access to this now-common service. While cable TV was originally invented to help out-of-range customers enjoy their favorite shows, cable TV companies have evolved to offer a wide range of services including digital channels, telephone lines and broadband internet service.

History

Cable TV first appeared in England in 1932 and was introduced by the Rediffusion corporation. Originally, cable TV was designed to provide clearer television reception in areas that could not properly receive television channels through their antennae.

Significance

Cable TV allowed people living in rural areas access to the same television service as those living in larger cities, greatly expanding the influence of TV on modern life.

Function

Cable companies offer digital television channels, high-speed internet service and telephone access all through subscriptions.

Geography

Cable TV is popular in North America, Europe, East Asia and Australia, and can be found in South America and the Middle East.

Benefits

Cable TV subscribers can have access to hundreds of specialized channels being broadcast 24 hours a day.

Fun Fact

The average American household watches eight hours of TV per day, as compared to its neighbor Canada, which only averages three hours per day.

Resources

• Television History Site