Bottom line is that yes you need the internet to use Roku. But, she can do it wired or wireless. You can give it to her and she will just change to user info. When I received a newer version, I gave my older one to a friend and she is using it. She only wanted some basic use so it is perfect for her. As far as saving cable moneys, we can not use antenna (nothing is receivable in my area) and cable costs kept climbing. I 'cut the cable' and now have SlingTV with my Roku. I think I actually have more things to choose from now than before and at a very much lower cost. I did add dvr service $5 per month and AcornTV $4.99 per month and get so many British and Australian shows. With all this I am still paying only about 40% of what I used to pay and there are even cheaper options with SlingTV.