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January 2025 |
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JUST FOR YOU |
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FOCUS Broadband Exiting the Cable TV Business
FOCUS Broadband has made the difficult decision to exit the cable TV business and will be discontinuing our traditional cable TV service by the end of March 2025. This change comes in response to rising programming costs and the growing shift toward more affordable streaming options.
Starting in January, customers will receive notices detailing when MergeTV will be phased out in their area. Once notified, you'll be given a set period of time to transition to a streaming service before your cable service ends.
Switching to streaming offers more flexibility, affordability, and personalization. Popular platforms like DirecTV via Internet, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video let you customize your content choices — often at a lower cost than traditional cable. Plus, you'll enjoy features like on-demand viewing and access to exclusive shows and movies.
For example, the average cable package costs over $100 per month — more than $1,200 annually. Compare that to YouTube TV, a leading streaming service, at just $82.99 per month. That's savings of $17 per month, or more than $200 per year.
To make the transition seamless, we've created helpful resources at www.focusbroadband.com/streaming. Explore our Guide to Streaming videos, compare popular streaming services, and use our tool to find the best option for your needs. With FOCUS Broadband's reliable internet, you can stream effortlessly and enjoy an incredible world of entertainment tailored just for you.
Secure Your Home with a Free Outdoor Camera — Call Today!
Get a crystal-clear view of your property, anytime day or night, with a top-tier outdoor camera — and for a limited time you can get one FREE when you add Home Security by FOCUS Broadband!* This advanced outdoor camera delivers HD video, night vision, two-way audio, and live streaming directly to your smartphone; putting complete control of your home's security in the palm of your hand.
Whether you're monitoring deliveries, checking on pets, or simply enjoying the view, you'll stay connected with instant alerts that keep you informed in real time.
Don't miss out — call Security by FOCUS Broadband today at 877-755-8023!
*Not available in all areas. Free outdoor camera available to new customers subscribing to the HomeLink Security package or higher with 3-year agreement. Floodlight camera excluded. Offer cannot be combined with other offers. Security equipment sold separately & may require separate installation. Other conditions and restrictions may apply. Offer ends February 28, 2025.
New Year, New Savings: Unlimited Wireless for Just $26/Month!
Why pay more to stay connected? Kick off the New Year by saving money with our unbeatable wireless plan. For just $26 a month*, you'll get unlimited talk, text, and data — with no overages, no hidden fees, just reliable coverage at an incredible price!
Stream, text, and share life's moments with ease, all while keeping your budget in check. Make the switch today and visit one of our convenient locations in Shallotte, Leland, Whiteville, Burgaw, or Sunset Beach to discover how you can connect for less.
*$26 is a promotional rate for 12 months; standard rate applies after that. Not valid with other offers. Requires auto draft, paperless billing, and Internet subscription. Other restrictions may apply.
Don't Miss the NTCA's Rural Rumble Online Esports Tournament!
Get ready for the Rural Rumble Online Esports Tournament, hosted by NTCA — The Rural Broadband Association this February! This exciting 3-on-3 Rocket League competition is completely free and open to players aged 13 and up who live in a household served by FOCUS Broadband.
Don't miss out — registration is open now but closes soon on January 15th. The tournament begins with preliminary rounds on February 2nd, leading up to the championship match on February 23rd.
Learn more and register today at ntca.org/ruralrumble!
Business Solutions Tailored for Success!
For over 20 years, The Bar-B-Que House has been an Oak Island favorite, serving authentic North Carolina barbecue with signature flavors and great southern hospitality. Running a successful restaurant like this takes more than just great food — it requires reliable technology and seamless connectivity to keep operations running smoothly.
That's where FOCUS Broadband comes in. With high-speed internet and tailored business solutions, The Bar-B-Que House stays well connected and efficient. From managing online orders and processing payments without an issue to coordinating with suppliers over the phone, our reliable services ensure every detail works flawlessly behind the scenes.
Owner Scott Randolph trusts FOCUS Broadband to handle the technology so he and his team can focus on what they do best: serving incredible barbecue and creating memorable dining experiences.
Are you ready to do the same with your business? FOCUS Broadband's custom solutions are designed to help businesses like The Bar-B-Que House thrive. Call us at 910-755-8118 or visit www.focusbroadband.com/business to see how we can support your success. |
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ORIGINAL FILMS |
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Back in Action PG-13 — Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz play Matt and Emily, seemingly average parents with a big secret. They used to be elite secret agents, but 15 years prior, they vanished from the CIA to start a new life and raise a family. When their cover is blown, the couple is dragged back into the espionage career they left behind — with explosive results. Glenn Close also stars. (Netflix, January 17th Premiere)
Unstoppable PG-13 — Jennifer Lopez and Jharrel Jerome get in the ring for this inspiring wrestling film. It tells the true story of Anthony Robles (Jerome), who was born with one leg but managed to defy the odds and pursue his dreams. Helped by the unwavering love and support of his mother Judy (Lopez), and the encouragement of his coaches, he fights through adversity to earn a spot on the Arizona State Wrestling team. (Prime Video, January 16th Premiere)
Star Trek: Section 31 PG-13 — Academy Award® winner Michelle Yeoh reprises her role as Emperor Philippa Georgiou, the former ruler of the Mirror Universe's Terran Empire who joined Starfleet's mysterious Section 31 in Star Trek: Discovery Season 2. Tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets, she also must face the sins of her past. (Paramount+, January 24th Premiere) |
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LIVE STREAMING EVENTS |
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WWE RAW TV-PG — This live weekly event makes a groundbreaking transition in 2025 from traditional television to Netflix. WWE has promised an action-packed debut episode, featuring top Superstars including John Cena, Roman Reigns, Bianca Belair, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins. Also planned is a special appearance from rapper Travis Scott, adding a star-studded flair to the event. (Netflix, January 6th Premiere) |
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DOCUMENTARIES AND DOCUSERIES |
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SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night TV-14 — This revealing four-part docuseries celebrates 50 years of the iconic late night series. It features rare behind-the-scenes footage, celebrity interviews, and more than 60 contributors — including former cast members and writers — reflecting on the experience of working on the show. Each episode takes a deep dive into a different aspect of SNL, including the writing room and auditions. (Peacock, January 16th Premiere)
Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever TV-MA — In this documentary, tech millionaire Bryan Johnson puts his body and fortune on the line to defy aging and extend his life beyond all known limits. It dives deep into his psyche, revealing the drastic shifts that took the entrepreneur from his own personal struggles to dedicating his time and energy — and a considerable amount of his fortune — to living long beyond even the most ambitious human life expectancy. (Netflix, January 1st Premiere) |
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FRESH FROM THE THEATER |
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YouTube TV Raises Monthly Subscription Prices
Google's popular live TV streaming service, YouTube TV, recently announced a $10 hike to its base plan, raising the monthly price from $72.99 to $82.99. The increase, attributed to "the rising cost of content," has already gone into effect for new subscribers, while most existing members will see the updated pricing on or after January 13th, 2025. According to Google, YouTube TV subscribers on existing trials and promotional rates "will not be affected."
When YouTube TV launched in 2017, the price of its streaming package was $35 per month. By 2019, it had risen to $50, and has continued to climb since. The last time YouTube TV raised its base price, then to $72.99, was in March 2023. With this latest adjustment, YouTube TV's pricing aligns closely with Hulu + Live TV, which raised its rates in 2024. |
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POPCORN NIGHT |
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Bruce Almighty PG-13 — In this 2003 comedy, TV news reporter Bruce Nolan (Jim Carrey) complains to God (Morgan Freeman) when he's passed over for a coveted anchorman position and is discontented with almost everything in life. God offers him divine powers for a week if he thinks he can do a better job. Bruce accepts, using his new-found abilities for selfish, personal gain until he realizes the prayers of the world are going unanswered. The supporting cast includes Jennifer Aniston, Philip Baker Hall, Catherine Bell, Lisa Ann Walter, and Steve Carell. If you're looking for a funny movie with positive messages, this is a heaven-sent option. (Netflix, January 1st Premiere) |
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ORIGINAL SERIES |
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The Pitt TV-MA — Noah Wyle, known for his role in ER (1994-2009), stars in this new hospital drama from John Wells, Executive Producer of ER and The West Wing. The entire 15-episode season covers one 15-hour emergency room shift, with each episode representing an hour in real time. It looks at the lives of health care professionals as they juggle personal challenges, workplace politics, and the emotional toll of treating critically ill patients. (Max, January 9th Premiere)
Prime Target TV-14 — A brilliant post-graduate mathematics student (Leo Woodall) is on the verge of a major breakthrough when he discovers an unseen enemy is trying to destroy his work — finding a pattern in prime numbers that would allow him to access every computer in the world. Together with a government agent who's been tracking him, he begins to unravel a troubling conspiracy. (Apple TV+, January 22nd Premiere)
Paradise TV-MA — This is set in a serene, wealthy community inhabited by some of the world's most prominent individuals. But the tranquility explodes when a shocking murder occurs, and a high stakes investigation unfolds. The drama stars Sterling K. Brown, whose character is tasked with looking after the President, and was created by This is Us mastermind Dan Fogelman. (Hulu, January 28th Premiere)
Missing You TV-MA — Detective Kat Donovan's estranged fiancé disappears without a trace. After 11 years, her world unravels when she finds him on a dating app, leading her to reopen her father's unsolved murder. She learns that some secrets are best left in the past. (Netflix, January 1st Premiere) |
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FAMILY-FRIENDLY FARE |
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Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl PG — In this series, Gromit's concern that Wallace is becoming too dependent on his inventions proves justified, when Wallace invents a "smart" gnome that seems to develop a mind of its own. When it emerges that a vengeful figure from the past might be masterminding things, it falls to Gromit to battle sinister forces and save his master ... or Wallace may never be able to invent again! (Netflix, January 3rd Premiere)
Henry Danger The Movie TV-G — After meeting Kid Danger superfan Missy Martin and being pulled into a portal that opens alternate realities, Henry and his inexperienced new sidekick must find their way back to Dystopia ... or be trapped forever. (Paramount+, January 17th Premiere) |
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NEW STREAMING RELEASES |
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Please note: Streaming services sometimes make last-minute changes to the premiere dates of films and series. This calendar was prepared on December 27th, 2024, but changes may have been made since then. Remember, while the dates below indicate the first day you're able to stream the featured film or series, streaming enables you to enjoy them whenever you'd like!
January 2nd
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Isadora Moon — TV-G, Series. Based on the beloved book series by Harriet Muncaster, this follows the delightful adventures of a girl who's half-vampire and half-fairy, her friends at human school, and her wider magical family. (Max)
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The Rig — PG-13, Season 2. After being rescued following the tsunami, the crew is once again put on a collision course with the mysterious lifeforce called the Ancestor. Something is bubbling underneath the surface, and it isn't happy. (Prime Video)
January 3rd
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Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl — PG, Series. Top dog Gromit springs into action to save his master when Wallace's high-tech invention goes rogue, and he's framed for a series of suspicious crimes. (Netflix)
January 5th
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82nd Annual Golden Globes® — NR, Live Event. Don't miss the party atmosphere of the largest awards show in the world to celebrate the best of both film and television. (Paramount+)
January 6th
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WWE RAW — TV-PG, Weekly Live Event. WWE has promised an action-packed debut episode with a star-studded flair. (Netflix)
Click here for more January releases... |
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FOCUS Broadband
640 Whiteville Rd NW · Shallotte, NC 28470
(888) 367-2862
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© 2025 Cornerstone Publishing Group Inc.
Trademarks: All brand names and product names used in this eNewsletter are trade names, service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. |
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