The basic, or standard, networks available through a cable television service agreement.

Basic Cable channels or networks make their money both through advertising on the network and through a piece of the fee paid to the cable provider by the viewer.

ex: Cartoon Network, MTV

Basic cable differs from a broadcast signal in that it can carry a higher bandwith, thus more content, and because it is subscription based does not have to conform to all FCC regulations (inapproprate content for children, in particular).

Basic cable differs from Premium or Pay Cable Pay Cable stations as Pay Stations come at an additional cost to the viewer agreement and usually do not carry advertising.