The best replacement for basic cable is digital cable.

The best alternatives to basic cable are rated as following:
★★★★★  digital cable
★★★★★  antenna
★★★  premium cable
★★  digital starter
★  digital antenna
★  network television
★  standard cable
  network tv

Your alternative for basic cable is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about basic cable, one probably shouldn't forget about hbo.

Other search terms related to basic cable and their ratings are:
★★★★★ hbo
★★ digital box
★ comcast internet
★ internet time warner
★ internet comcast
You have in mind a companion for basic cable and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of basic cable in all years. Click on graph for more.
basic cable
digital cable
antenna