Cable TV companies have also been Internet service providers for over 20 years. Next Generation over-the-air TV, IP-based ATSC 3.0, will give many more cable customers a reason to drop TV from their service.
In 2009, when ATSC 1.0 was finally mandated by the FCC, TV’s with compatible tuners, or converter boxes for older TV’s, were required. The same will be true of ATSC 3.0, but 1.0 should be around for at least another five years after the switch is ubiquitous. Boston doesn’t even have any stations yet transmitting a 3.0 signal.
Tyler, the Antenna Man on YouTube, has a clear explanation of what’s going to happen. Note that the flat antenna Tyler holds up is not a Mohu model. My experience with a Mohu Leaf has been very good, and Tyler gives Mohu a good review in another video.