Stat Roundup: The Best of 2021
With the end of December fast approaching, it is worth reflecting on some key milestones achieved by cable internet and TV industry. From connecting more Americans to preventing millions of metric tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, below are some of key stats from the industry: As new innovations like Wi-Fi 6 and DOCSIS 4.1 rolled out, America’s broadband networks continue to get stronger and faster. In fact, recent data shows that major cable ISPs are already doubling their network capacity every 24-30 months. At that pace, it’s no wonder that networks have continued to expand next
It's Holiday Movie Time
The popular saying, "It's the most wonderful time of the year," spreads to television once again as cable TV networks bring on the holiday cheer with an abundance of heartwarming movies, shows, and holiday specials to choose from. While many channels started their rollouts as early as October, undoubtedly December is the month when those joyful and cozy storylines beckon viewers to the screen (and with their cup of hot cocoa in hand). Cable TV networks prepare year-round to bring Americans their beloved holiday programming, with many even filming in the heat of the summer. Here are a few of
10G Gains Ground in Bringing Americans the Home of the Future
The word "home" has been redefined over the past 21 months during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For millions of people, the home has become and continues to be a virtual workplace, school, doctor's office, and entertainment space all at the same time. And as technologies advance and even more of society's needs move online, American homes will transform into smart homes that hold a limitless number of connected devices which communicate seamlessly with one another. Fortunately, the cable industry has long prepared its broadband networks to support multi-person households and the myriad of
Broadband Stats: Infrastructure Success, Past and Present
With the upcoming implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, cities, states, and local governments in 2022 will begin to make use of the $40+ billion set aside for broadband projects. How successful those funds are at building new networks to unserved and underserved populations depends on which projects receive approval. Given their long track record of success, incumbent cable internet service providers (ISPs) are best suited to utilize federal funds and build reliable networks where they are most needed. Here are a few reasons why: Since the turn of the millennium, cable
What Cable's Broadband Network Performance During COVID Means for America
A new study that examines U.S. broadband network performance during the COVID-19 pandemic finds that America's broadband networks passed their biggest stress test ever with flying colors when the internet experienced unprecedented surges in traffic during the worst phases of the global health crisis. In fact, the study—released by Recon Analytics—asserts that the U.S. network performance change was imperceptible to the average daily user. A few of the key findings include: Internet traffic increased by more than 20% in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wireless download speeds doubled
Cable TV Networks Strive to Create Positive Change Through Giving Back
The giving season is in full swing, and the cable industry has been hard at work not just this month, but every day of the year to help the communities they serve to grow and thrive. On the cable TV side, networks host numerous initiatives and programs aimed at charitable giving and to engage their employees in community service. The causes they support run the gamut to include challenges that America is grappling with, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and social injustice. Cable TV networks use their platforms, resources, and influence to educate, inform, and raise awareness among their viewers
GCI Brings Modern Connectivity to Unalaska and Aleutian Islands
Since 2017, GCI—Alaska's largest internet service provider—has been planning and preparing to execute an 860-mile subsea fiber system to six remote communities in Alaska, including Unalaska and the Aleutian Islands. This past fall, the ISP took a big step forward when it broke ground with trenching conduit in Unalaska after finalizing the project design and planning phase and obtaining the necessary environmental permitting. With the GCI Alaska United (AU) Aleutians Fiber Project, GCI aims to help close the digital divide for rural Alaskans. "Our mission is to bring modern connectivity to the
How America's ISPs Strive to Improve Quality of Life in the Communities They Serve
For the second straight year, Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But if the pandemic has revealed anything over the past 20 months, it's that community is more important than ever during these uncertain times. Cable operators and TV networks have continued to foster community and to give back to the people in their footprints in every way they can, not just through the broadband and TV services they provide but also through their charitable arms and foundations. Through grants, scholarships, donations, community building programs, and volunteer efforts, the cable
Cable TV Celebrates Trans Week of Visibility
In 2018, FX premiered its newest show from acclaimed showrunner Ryan Murphy. “Pose” made headlines, after all it told the story of transgender and queer people building community in 1980s New York, which was a major breakthrough for queer storytelling on TV. But it also made history for the fact that record numbers of trans identifying people were the writers, producers, and stars of the program. Until that point, most projects cast cisgender (a person who identifies with the gender assigned to them at birth) actors to play trans roles, and often focused on tragedy. “Pose,” by comparison, told
TV Stats: How Cable TV Powers the Economy
Since before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have turned to TV for comfort, information, and entertainment. In fact, when the pandemic hit, comfort viewing reached a whole new level, but there were questions about how TV production could forge ahead during a health crisis. Thanks to clever thinking, increased safety protocols, and patience, TV production has continued throughout thanks to those hard-working men and women, both in front of and behind the camera, who make up cable’s workforce and who are helping to deliver the high-quality news, entertainment, and