How Cable ISPs Are Expanding Broadband Access in Rural Virginia, Part 1
Comcast Secures Rural Buildouts Through Different Approaches Last year's $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure package accentuated the national priority of building broadband networks to reach unserved communities. Cable internet service providers (ISPs) understand better than anyone how challenging it can be to connect people who live in these hard-to-reach areas. In fact, cable ISPs invest billions of their own dollars to make that happen every year. But federal programs and state grants dedicated to funding broadband deployment are especially critical to accomplishing the goal of reaching
How the Semiconductor Chip Shortage Could Harm America's Universal Broadband Ambitions
The cable industry's historic and ongoing role in providing robust and reliable broadband for Americans has never been more apparent than during the COVID pandemic. The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provides over $42 billion to fund broadband projects, is a testament to the Biden Administration's recognition of the critical role that connectivity plays in everyday life and in helping America stay productive during this global health crisis. The goal of the legislation is to make high-speed internet available to unserved areas across the country. But the
Broadband Prices Are Trailing Far Behind Inflation
America has an inflation problem. Consumer demand for goods and services is driving an increase in prices (the definition of inflation) to rates not seen since 1982. In December 2021, price increases for used cars jumped 37%, gasoline skyrocketed nearly 50%, and groceries climbed about 7% relative to December of the previous year. These increases are felt by all Americans. But the price of internet service has remained steady and is not mirroring these radical price spikes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI), the cost of internet services increased 2.6% in
Broadband Stats: Americans Are Satisfied With Their Internet Service
Over the past two decades, internet speeds have dramatically increased, with many Americans now having access to gigabit speed networks. That increase is thanks to the over $300 billion invested by cable internet service providers (ISPs) in critical infrastructure, and has meant that capacity and speed have stayed ahead of the curve. A new report from Leichtman Research Group shows that Americans are satisfied with their internet service and experience. America’s internet success is exemplified by the fact that 68% of broadband subscribers say that their service meets the needs of their
CES Highlights Technology Areas to Watch in 2022
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) kicked off its 55th annual Consumer Electronics Show earlier this week, showcasing the latest developments in emerging tech. While COVID-19 might not have prevented the trade show from happening in person this time, the pandemic can be felt in the innovation on display this year. “In these periods of economic downturn and certainly crises like the pandemic, what we typically see … Innovation tends to accelerate and even bunch up,” remarked Steve Koenig, vice president of research at CTA, during his “CES 2022 Tech Trends to Watch” panel session. Data
Latest FCC Report Shows Cable Broadband Speeds Continue to Outperform
The FCC in late December released its latest broadband performance analysis, the "Eleventh Measuring Broadband America Fixed Broadband Report," reflecting testing conducted in September and October of 2020. The MBA program is administered by SamKnows, the world's foremost authority on broadband performance testing. It utilizes a hardware-based measurement methodology that controls for network factors to render the most accurate measurements of the performance of broadband networks. The 11th MBA Report shows, as have past reports, that cable broadband providers deliver speeds that consistently
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