Safer Internet Day Reminds Us, 'We Are All in This Together'
Today is Safer Internet Day, a time when communities, schools, organizations, and families come together to learn and share best practices for keeping children safe online. While in-person events are cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ConnectSafely—a nonprofit dedicated to educating and empowering families on internet safety—produced a video series in honor of the day and an asynchronous program consisting of home activities and lesson plans for schools. The video series includes interviews with technology, media, and education experts as they speak about a range of issues, from
Gigabit Speeds Will Power America’s Digital Future
Over the past several decades, millions of miles of fiber-rich broadband networks have been deployed and broadband speeds have dramatically increased. Today, the high-speed internet that made everything from video conferencing to virtual reality possible is available across the United States. In fact, 80% of U.S. homes can now access 1 gigabit speed broadband. Why it matters: Americans rely on connected devices and rich online experiences more than ever before. With smartTVs, smart speakers, smart thermometers and more, who doesn’t have at least one connected device in their home?! While this
How the Industry's Energy Efficiency Program Helps With Network Resiliency
As the pandemic surges on, NCTA continues to report, on a biweekly basis, the network performance data gathered from major cable broadband providers across the country. The NCTA COVID-19 Dashboard was first published last April as the cable industry came together in an effort to be as transparent as possible about network performance during a time when remote work, virtual schooling, and telehealth were at an all-time high and internet traffic patterns were spiking. NCTA has published several posts that explain why cable networks have been more than adequately prepared to handle the surges in
Elevating Black Voices During Black History Month and Beyond
Black History Month is celebrated in February, but the cable industry supports initiatives that are focused on social justice for the Black community all year long. As the country continues to undergo a reckoning on race and inequality, especially in the aftermath of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, cable operators and TV programmers are stepping up their efforts to support the Black community, to combat racism, and to create a more just and equitable society. Last June, Comcast NBCUniversal pledged $100 million towards a multiyear program to fight injustice and
Esports, Already Growing, Enters A New Era
Long before the SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged, esports and online gaming were the budding markets many looked to with excitement. Would streaming gameplay REALLY rival conventional sports like football and baseball? Experts projected that by 2021, the esports audience would grow to 84 million Americans, making it the second most popular sport by viewership after the NFL. Esports had (and has) grown to be such a cultural force that internet service providers (ISPs) like Comcast and Cox sponsor teams around the country, not to mention TV networks like Turner getting in on the action. And in the case
Charter Brings 'Big Internet' to Virginia's Eastern Shore
There was a time when Timothy Smith, the owner of an antique appraisal, restoration and woodworking shop in Onancock, Virginia, struggled in his day-to-day work because of a slow and unreliable internet connection. Not only was it a challenge for Smith to hear customers on the other end of the phone, but he also found himself waiting far too long for internet images to load. Smith's business–Timothy Smith & Sons–specializes in woodworking and antique restoration services for prestigious institutions, historical societies, government agencies, and private clients in the Mid-Atlantic region
How Broadband Networks Enable Telehealth for Patients and Providers
In 2020, millions of Americans adjusted to video conferencing for work, school, socialization and more. But what about for healthcare? Yes, video-visits with doctors peaked in popularity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, nearly 1 in 5 U.S. households still reported that they had at least one member who was unable to get care or was forced to delay care for a serious condition. It should be no surprise, then, that telehealth solutions are gaining traction — and not just for the healthcare industry, but for technologists, developers and broadband providers as well. In fact
New Pipeline Program Aims to Diversify the Industry's Legal Sector
Earlier this month, the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA) launched the inaugural Diversity Pipeline Program, which is designed to support the recruitment and development of diverse law students interested in pursuing careers in technology, media, and telecommunications law and policy. As an anchor employer participant in the program, NCTA takes pride in the active role that the cable industry plays in promoting diversity in the workforce and in the leadership ranks. This new program, which focuses on the legal sector of the industry, is another step forward towards achieving a more
Discovery’s Virtual Field Trip to the Inauguration
Over the past year, countless in-person events have re-imagined themselves as virtual experiences. From the BET Awards to ESPN’s Virtual Draft to one of the largest technology trade shows, there have been countless great examples of how organizers adjust to make the most of an unusual circumstance. And while this year’s Presidential Inauguration might be different from years past, it also provides a new opportunity for Americans to experience and share in the solemn tradition. That’s why Discovery Inc. and Discovery Education together have launched I Do Solemnly Swear: The U.S. Presidential
Advancing Diversity and Racial Equality Remains a Priority for the Cable Industry
On Monday, the cable industry will join millions of Americans in honoring the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. The holiday is a time to celebrate and pay tribute to the minister and activist whose leadership resulted in great strides for civil rights in this country. But as the United States continues to go through a reckoning with racial injustice, this is also an important time to remember that tremendous work remains to be done to ensure that social justice and racial equity are achieved. The cable industry recognizes that its enormous reach and influence in American households can