America’s Expanding Broadband Networks Continue to Grow: The Midwest Pt. 2
As America targets efforts towards connecting every community to robust broadband – including the distribution of more than $40 billion in federal funds for building new networks – cable providers continue to do what they have always done: build out their networks to reach as many Americans as possible. With network expansions continuing to happen nationwide, here are a few more examples of projects that work towards the national goal of connecting every American. To learn about other projects highlighted in previous blogs, be sure to check out NCTA.com. Wisconsin Midco is building a state-of
Cox Continues Online Safety Efforts for Cox Mobile
As a longtime leader in internet safety, Cox Communications is bringing that commitment to their expanding mobile service. Earlier this year, the broadband provider released the results of “Generation Screen: Parenting and Mobile Safety, a Cox Mobile Survey,” which focused on parents’ safety habits for their kids’ cell phone use. “While providing kids with greater access to technology enables many positive connections and benefits, the reality is that real dangers can exist just one tap or swipe away,” Mark Greatrex, president of Cox Communications, said. “As our customers’ trusted
Broadband Stats: Shared Spectrum Powers America’s Future
As federal stakeholders allocate future wireless spectrum, the importance of unlicensed technologies must be a paramount factor. Mobile services from cable are saving consumers billions of dollars monthly because they are largely relying on Wi-Fi. For the U.S. to maintain its standing as a global technology leader, a dynamic spectrum approach is critical.
Takeaways From Mobile World Congress: Trends Cable Is Watching
Last month, thought leaders, technologists, and policymakers from around the world converged in Barcelona for the annual Mobile World Congress (MWC), an event that sets the tone for the coming year’s developments in mobile connectivity. Trends from MWC2024 With all the activity in the mobile marketplace, here are a few themes that dominated this year’s MWC. The rise of private networks With connectivity at the core of daily life, there’s a growing desire to bring the latest networking innovations to enterprise use cases, regardless of size or location. While private 5G has taken some time to
Wi-Fi Supports National Security
As the U.S. continues to address how to allocate spectrum among competing uses, policymakers must devise a coordinated and comprehensive approach to domestic spectrum policy to ensure U.S. national security and to allow the U.S. to lead on the global stage. That’s why the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is holding a hearing this Thursday to discuss this critical issue. Wi-Fi enables the U.S. to be a leader in technology and innovation, as well as fosters a stronger economy and counters Chinese companies’ push for their own exclusive licensed technologies. Furthermore
Industry Stats: Women Advancing in the Workforce
March is Women’s History Month, and while the cable industry celebrates and supports women year-round, the month provides an opportunity to check in on how well the workforce actually stacks up. Every few years, WICT commissions the PAR Survey, an analysis of representation in the cable industry workforce across all levels and all segments. While the 2024 report has yet to be released, the most recent report shows gains for women in the cable workforce, notably during a time (2019-2021) when employment was upended for millions as the coronavirus pandemic brought unprecedented uncertainty into
ACP Has Been Transformational for America
Unless Congress acts, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is set to run out of funds by May. When that happens, millions of Americans could lose their internet access and access to critical services like healthcare, education, and job opportunities. Why it matters: To date, the program has helped connect over 23 million Americans, a significant step forward in the nation’s mission to close the digital divide. Recently, the FCC surveyed program participants to understand the program’s impact. The full report can be found here. ACP connects those who need it the most Before ACP, 68% of
Lower Prices, More Choices: How American Consumers Benefit From the Competitive and Innovative Broadband Marketplace
In his State of the Union address to the nation tonight, President Biden will acknowledge that Americans are facing inflationary pressures when it comes to groceries, energy bills, and rent costs. One household staple, however, has notably bucked this trend: home internet service. Adjusted for inflation, consumers paid 7.8% less for broadband services in January than three years ago. Meanwhile, average broadband speeds have surged more than 40%. In fact, controlling for the exponential increase in speeds, the real cost-per-megabit for broadband service offerings has declined by roughly 80%
Time To Share the Road: Building A Spectrum Policy for All
Federal policymakers at NTIA are poised to release a plan to implement the National Spectrum Strategy to open certain spectrum bands for commercial use while balancing national security and other important federal operations. The task before NTIA is challenging, but certain things are clear: innovative uses of spectrum have unlocked new opportunities for consumers and are disrupting the wireless marketplace. Cable providers are part of that new ecosystem of innovation and competition. Building on widely deployed next-generation broadband networks, cable providers are increasingly delivering
Here’s What It Will Take to Achieve “Internet for All”
While details of President Biden’s State of the Union address are being closely guarded, we can expect infrastructure, including our nation’s broadband networks, to play a starring role. There’s no doubt that we have already made, and continue to make, significant strides to close the country’s digital divide. Forty million new U.S. homes subscribed to broadband between 2016 and 2021. 89% of American homes and businesses now have access to gigabit-speed service and 95% of U.S. customers have multiple choices for wired or wireless broadband. Why it matters: 2024 will prove especially pivotal to