Nearly a third of Anglophone households in Canada, and a quarter of French-speaking households are now “streaming only” homes, according to the latest Media Technology Monitor (MTM) report.

The Signal Out of the Static is a deep dive into paid TV subscriptions, the growing influence of streaming services, and how different demographics are navigating their entertainment options.

While traditional TV remains a staple for many, MTM says the rise of “streaming only” households that rely solely on subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services, YouTube, and free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels, alongside the stability of fiber optic services, are reshaping the industry.

While overall paid TV penetration has declined since 2015, the report says fiber optic has emerged as the most common subscription type, used by one in three English-speaking households and nearly half of Francophone homes. Its growth continues to be bolstered by service providers bundling TV with residential high-speed home internet.

MTM’s research also highlights the generational divide in consumer behaviour, with nine in 10 households owning at least one TV set, while younger audiences (18-34) are least likely to own one. According to the report, the younger demographic more heavily relies on smartphones and computers for their viewing, often waiting until they are more settled before investing in a large screen.