Pandemic or Not, 10G is Coming
When the COVID-19 pandemic first forced Americans into their homes beginning in March, millions of people turned to the internet to try to continue any sort of semblance of their lives. America's cable broadband providers were responsible for keeping their networks running at full capacity as internet traffic surged and more people than ever before connected online. Fortunately, the investment in upgrading and building out their networks over the past two decades is paying off during America's time of need, and even as we speak, cable ISPs are focused on the future and bringing 10G to U.S
And the Show Goes On
Some Hollywood movies and TV shows were recently given the green light to resume production, albeit with a series of new guidelines now in place, and it will certainly be interesting to see how America's favorite shows adapt to the COVID-19 environment. As the new TV world order kicks off, it's worth saluting those showrunners and TV production teams for their extraordinary work over the past few months in keeping their shows running. Old and nostalgic TV shows came back to the forefront. Zoom interviews were broadcast with talent to discuss their television shows. Children's programs hosted
How Broadband Enabled Americans to Cope with a Pandemic
The March – April period marked a historic moment in time for the U.S. when the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread fast, and internet usage proved critical to our country's safety and wellbeing. As pointed out last week, NCTA's COVID-19 internet dashboard, which has been tracking cable broadband network performance across the country every week, measured the largest surge in late March when millions of people were working from home at the same time that students began distance learning in lieu of school closures. But with the economy slowly reopening over the past couple of months and students
IBM's Role in Moving Americans Towards Digital Experiences
NCTA welcomed its newest member, IBM, earlier this year, and never has there been a more fitting time to partner with a world leading technology company than the present. From the explosion in technology that the media landscape has experienced over the past decade to the incredible online transformations taking place for businesses and consumers during the current pandemic, IBM has played a huge role in moving Americans towards digital experiences. In our latest '3 Questions' series, NCTA interviewed Chris Lederer, IBM Vice President & Industry Leader for Media & Entertainment, to learn more
How Internet Traffic Changed During the Pandemic
It's been three months since NCTA launched the industry's COVID-19 internet dashboard, which tracks cable broadband network performance every week. As America slowly reopens and many people are returning to work sites, after a huge surge in late March, internet traffic has levelled off in the last several weeks. But the tool continues to provide critical snapshots of how broadband is faring for millions of people across all 50 states during this unprecedented time. With no end in sight yet to the pandemic and as Americans learn to navigate the COVID-19 environment, it's worth looking back at
The People Who Power Our Lives
2020 has brought enormous and profound change to how Americans live their lives, and for many, that includes how much they rely on internet and television to continue working, learning, and communicating. As people become more accustomed to this new way of life in a COVID-19 environment, the cable industry's workforce continues to work innovatively and around the clock to keep Americans connected. But even pre-pandemic, the industry has long boasted a large and diverse workforce filling a wide variety of important roles to deliver technology and content to consumers all over America. From the
This Year, Pride Looks Different
Every June, cities and towns play host to annual pride celebrations commemorating the LGBTQ liberation movement, given that June is LGBTQ pride month. For many, the parades and festivals are a rare opportunity to freely be themselves and gather with a community they otherwise wouldn’t have back home. This year, as COVID-19 cancels large public events and a renewed spirit for racial and social justice has swept the U.S., many are taking this month to reflect and learn about experiences beyond their own. Some are reading books, some are attending virtual town halls, and others are watching TV
Rural ISP Helps Keep Communities Thriving in Northwestern Minnesota
As states continue to reopen and the COVID-19 environment becomes a part of the norm for the foreseeable future, strong internet connectivity has proven to be critical for businesses, schools, and health services to continue. Nowhere does that ring truer than in some of the country's most rural areas. Dick Sjoberg, the president of Sjoberg's, whose family started the internet, TV, and phone business in the 1940s, shared that business has remained stable for many companies across the ISP's footprint in northwestern Minnesota, thanks to reliable broadband access. Given that some of the towns
40 Years of Black Excellence at BET
In January of 1980, Robert L. Johnson left his position at NCTA and, with his wife Sheila Johnson, launched the first TV network “that allowed Black people to see themselves, their stories, and their culture on television,” according to BET President Scott Mills. In the 40 years since its founding, BET has successfully stood as a leader in elevating Black voices and experiences, and inspiring generations of writers, actors, and creatives to tell their own stories. From awards shows like the BET Awards, to community projects, from nationwide campaigns, to its latest initiative, “Content for
NCTA President & CEO Michael Powell on C-SPAN's The Communicators
Earlier this week, NCTA President and CEO Michael Powell was a guest on C-SPAN's The Communicators, where he discussed how the cable industry has adapted to COVID-19. Powell also talked about other issues including government programs for broadband funding, debate over broadband as a utility, potential government action on social media, race and police violence on TV and the media, and more. To listen to the full discussion, stream the interview below or watch it on C-SPAN tomorrow, June 20, at 6:30pm ET.