The Asymmetric Nature of Internet Traffic
Since the beginning of the internet, residential broadband traffic has been asymmetric in nature, as users generally receive far more information (streaming for instance) than they send (uploading photos to Facebook for instance). Network engineers early on recognized that residential customers were primarily consumers of information, not producers of information, and designed broadband service to favor this consumer behavior. In fact, over the last decade the average downstream-to-upstream traffic ratio has grown from 3:1 in 2010 to over 14:1 by the beginning of 2019. In 2020, as the pandemic
Boom or Bust: Getting Broadband Infrastructure Programs Right
By Michael Powell NCTA President & CEO Congress is going big on broadband. It has appropriated more than $20 billion to spend on broadband in just the last several months. That is a huge amount compared to past efforts, equating to almost 25% of the annual revenues of the entire fixed broadband industry. And, in the wings is an infrastructure bill that could deliver another whopping $100 billion in spending. These efforts are certainly welcome. The pandemic has amplified the importance of broadband infrastructure and accelerated the urgency of getting all Americans connected. Broadband have
On COVID Anniversary, CTOs from America's Leading ISPs Reflect on Network Performance
One year ago, the entire world practically shut down when the COVID-19 pandemic became widespread. In the United States, lockdown orders went into effect and millions of Americans turned to the internet for telehealth visits, remote work and virtual schooling. It was then that broadband showed its true power to connect people during a time when more people than ever before went online to continue their lives in the only way they knew how. Fortunately, cable internet service providers (ISPs) had planned ahead to ensure that their networks had the capacity to withstand the significant spike in
OWN's New Show, 'Delilah,' Reflects the Realities of Many Black Women
The premiere of the Oprah Winfrey Network's (OWN) show, "Delilah," could not have come at a better time as Americans celebrate Women's History Month and as the country continues to go through a reckoning over racial and social injustice. The first episode of the legal drama aired earlier this week and spotlights a Black female lawyer, Delilah, who seeks justice at every turn while simultaneously juggling family and personal responsibilities. A focus on strong Black female characters has always been a priority for Oprah Winfrey and her network, as Creator & Executive Producer Craig Wright
How the Cable Industry is Educating Americans About COVID-19 Vaccination
In an effort to educate all Americans about the importance of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, NCTA members have joined in a nationwide campaign, "It's Up to You." The campaign, sponsored by the Ad Council and COVID Collaborative initiative, is one of the largest public education efforts in U.S. history with more than 300 major companies and leaders participating. The goal is to provide the latest information about COVID-19 vaccines to the public and to empower and prepare all Americans, especially people of color who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, to get vaccinated
Upcoming Cable TV Shows Spotlight Women in Unique Ways
Women's History Month marks a time to honor those women who fought against gender inequality and opened news paths forward for women. But it is also a time to recognize and celebrate the projects currently underway that continue to challenge gender roles and stereotypes in unique ways, and that highlight real women paving the way for other women around them. TV and media can be huge drivers in this arena, and cable TV networks are busy producing programs and shows that feature strong female characters and that focus on female empowerment. At the Television Critics Association press tour last
As Internet Speeds Surge, Cable Broadband Delivers Increasing Consumer Value
Internet speeds have surged over the past two decades. In 2007, it could take up to 45 minutes to download an HD movie. Now, Americans can start streaming their favorite shows in seconds and high-speed internet powers the services that are keeping the country afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. These speeds provide a tremendous increase in value to consumers at a time when the quality-adjusted cost of cable’s broadband services has declined by 98%. Why it matters: Faster speeds means consumers can quickly and seamlessly use data-intensive services in the safety of their homes. During the
How TV Production Crews Made the Best Out of an Unprecedented Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic has had and continues to have a profound effect on TV productions. Productions were halted, premieres were delayed and obstacles were planted. Despite this, cable TV networks have shown that they have the ability to not only adapt to the new environment and overcome these challenges, but to continue to create and produce the rich and compelling stories that audiences have come to expect. During the virtual Television Critics Association press tour held earlier this month, executives, producers and talent from various shows expressed their awe and amazement of their teams
Every Day is Digital Learning Day
Today, schools and communities nationwide are sharing best practices on distance learning in honor of Digital Learning Day. Launched 10 years ago by the Alliance for Excellent Education, Digital Learning Day is a time to not only celebrate the innovative instruction happening online, but to advocate for closing the digital divide so that every child can experience digital learning. Never has this issue been more pronounced than during the COVID-19 pandemic, and cable operators have been doing their part to ensure that students have the tools they need to continue their schooling online. The
BET's Specials Educate Viewers on the History of Injustice and What Can Be Done
Black History Month in 2021 has looked different from previous years, understandably. With COVID-19 still forcing millions of Americans to stay home, TV networks are airing special themed programming so viewers can continue to learn about Black History and celebrate Black achievement while social distancing. Notably, on February 21, Black Entertainment Television (known as BET) began airing two ground-breaking unscripted series for Black History Month: “Boiling Point,” which explores Black America’s long-standing struggle for racial justice and equality, and “Disrupt & Dismantle,” an