Cantab Connections is a video calling platform designed for older adults who want to stay in touch with family and friends

Cantab Connections is software that lets people make video calls on a regular television using a straightforward remote control or tablet. You don't need a computer, smartphone, or technical knowledge to use it. The platform was built specifically for older adults — the buttons are large, the interface is straightforward, and there's no typing required.

The service runs on a small device that connects to your TV, similar to a streaming box. Family members can call you through the Cantab app on their phone or computer, and your TV screen lights up when someone wants to talk. You answer by pressing a button on the remote. The whole setup is designed around the idea that not everyone wants to learn new technology just to see their grandchildren.

Key Takeaways

  • Cantab Connections displays video calls on your television using a dedicated device, not a computer or phone.
  • The remote control has large buttons and straightforward menus, designed so older adults can use it without technical training.
  • Family members call you through the Cantab app on their own devices — they don't need special software or accounts.
  • The service costs money per month, and some programs like Meals on Wheels or Area Agencies on Aging may cover the cost for people who meet their requirements.

How the hardware and setup work

Cantab Connections requires a small box that plugs into your television and your internet connection. The device itself looks like a streaming device — roughly the size of a deck of cards. Installation involves connecting it to power, plugging in an ethernet cable or connecting to your WiFi, and turning on your TV. A technician can do this for you, or you can do it yourself if you're comfortable with basic plugging-in.

Once the device is set up, it displays a straightforward home screen on your TV. The remote has about a dozen buttons, each with a single clear function. There's no menu diving, no passwords to remember, and no apps to read on your end. When someone calls, their face appears on your TV screen automatically.

Who can call you and how they do it

Your family and friends use the Cantab app on their iPhone, Android phone, iPad, or computer to call you. They don't need to buy anything or create a special account — they just read the free Cantab app and enter your phone number or a code that Cantab gives you. When they call, your TV rings just like a phone would.

The caller sees you on their phone or computer screen, and you see them on your TV. The video and audio quality depends on your internet connection, but Cantab is designed to work even on slower home internet. If your connection drops, the call ends, but you can call back or they can call you again when ready.

What it costs and who might pay for it

Cantab Connections charges a monthly subscription fee. The exact cost varies depending on whether you pay monthly or commit to a longer term, but it is not free. Some organizations that serve older adults — including certain Area Agencies on Aging, Meals on Wheels programs, and senior centers — have partnerships with Cantab and may cover the cost for people who meet their criteria.

If you're interested in using Cantab, ask your local Area Agency on Aging or senior center whether they have a program that covers it. You can find your local Area Agency on Aging through the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov or by calling 1-800-677-1116. If no program covers it, you would pay the monthly fee yourself.

Privacy and what Cantab collects

Cantab stores video call data on its servers, which means your calls are recorded or logged in some form. The company's privacy policy states what information they collect — typically your phone number, name, and details about who calls you and when. Like any service that handles video, there is a record that a call happened.

If privacy is a concern, read Cantab's full privacy policy before signing up. The company is a for-profit business, not a government program, so they follow their own privacy rules rather than HIPAA or other healthcare privacy laws. Ask them directly about data retention — how long they keep records of your calls — before you commit.

When Cantab might not be the right fit

Cantab Connections requires a television and a stable internet connection. If you don't have either, or if your internet is very slow or unreliable, the service won't work well. You also need family members who are willing to read an app and make the call — Cantab doesn't initiate calls on its own or remind people to call you.

If you live in a care facility, check whether they allow personal devices on their network before setting up Cantab. Some assisted living communities and nursing homes restrict what can connect to their WiFi. Also consider whether you're comfortable with a monthly subscription cost, or whether you'd prefer a one-time purchase option like a basic tablet instead.

Alternatives if Cantab doesn't work for you

If you want video calling without a subscription, a basic tablet or iPad with a stand can do the same thing — your family can call you through FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger, all of which are free. The downside is that you have to learn to use the tablet and manage apps, which is exactly what Cantab avoids.

Some senior centers and libraries offer free video calling classes and let you use their computers or tablets for calls. If cost is the main barrier, this might be a better starting point than a paid service. If ease of use is the priority and cost isn't a concern, Cantab is specifically designed for that trade-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need WiFi or can I use a regular internet cable?

Cantab works with either WiFi or an ethernet cable plugged directly into your modem. An ethernet cable is often more reliable if your WiFi signal is weak. The device itself handles the connection — you just plug it in and it works.

What happens if my internet goes down?

If your internet connection drops during a call, the call ends. Your family member can call back, or you can try again once your internet is working. Cantab doesn't have a backup system for outages, so reliability depends on your home internet service.

Can I call people, or do they have to call me?

With Cantab, people call you through the app on their device. You can't initiate calls from your TV remote. If you want to call someone, you'd need to ask them to call you, or use a phone or other device to reach out first.

Is Cantab the same as a regular video phone?

Cantab is simpler than most video phones because it has no menu system, no passwords, and no apps to manage. A traditional video phone might have more features but also more buttons and settings to learn. Cantab trades features for simplicity.

What if I want to stop using it?

You can cancel your subscription at any time. Contact Cantab's customer service to end your account. If an organization was paying for your service, let them know you're canceling so they can stop the payment.