Getting it Right on 3.5 GHz
While predicting the future is always a tricky proposition, one area that we can foresee with absolute certainty is that consumers will continue to demand seamless connectivity to all of their devices no matter where they are. But ensuring that a wide range of providers can meet this escalating demand requires creative solutions to put underutilized spectrum to work. That is why we commend the FCC, and appreciate Commissioner O'Rielly's leadership, in nearing completion of the framework for bringing to market 150 megahertz of underutilized spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band. Given the challenges in
How Broadband is Strengthening the Marketplace
It's easy to see that the internet has never been more powerful as it is today. America's broadband providers are delivering the fastest and most reliable speeds yet, making it possible for people all over the country to stream their favorite TV shows, post Instagram stories, or play a VR video game with their friend across the ocean. This steady uphill progress in network speed and capacity has unleashed a myriad of opportunities in the past two decades and allowed innovation to flourish. One of the most consistent improvements that Americans have experienced in internet connectivity is speed
Cartoon Network Speaks Up on Bullying Prevention
Bullying affects people at every stage of their lives, but those most vulnerable to it are the ones who experience it in America's school yards. Last year, Cartoon Network commissioned a survey and found that two thirds of kids experience bullying once or twice throughout their youth. In support of National Bullying Prevention Month in October, NCTA talked with Cartoon Network Senior Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships Jill King to find out how the network makes this issue a vital part of its mission to serve America's children. It's been eight years since Cartoon Network launched its
Measuring the Impact of Cable's Energy-Saving Innovation
On National Energy Efficiency Day, it's important to take measure of the benefits to consumers and the environment that are being delivered by the cable industry's energy-saving initiatives. Earlier this year, an audit conducted by D+R International found tremendous energy and cost savings thanks to two Voluntary Agreements signed by major service operators, pay-TV providers, manufacturers and energy efficiency advocates. Since the award-winning Voluntary Agreement for Ongoing Improvement to the Energy Efficiency of Set-Top Boxes was implemented in 2013, consumers have saved more than $3.5
America's ISPs Are Bringing Rural America Up to Speed
Tomorrow, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing to explore the opportunities and challenges of deploying broadband in rural America. This is an issue that America's cable broadband providers are currently tackling, and a critical discussion that will explore creative ways to continue connecting every community. The conversation is also a timely one in light of recent discussions concerning the Farm Bill reauthorization and how broadband funds should be administered by the USDA Rural Utilities Service in order to be most effective in helping to bring
Cox Pledges $20 Million Annually Towards Broadband Adoption
Internet adoption programs are reaching more Americans than ever and helping them lead their best lives while giving them the skills and tools they need to compete in the global marketplace. And they got another boost yesterday when Cox Communications announced that the company is increasing its commitment to $20 million annually for Connect2Compete. Cox's CEO Pat Esser made the announcement yesterday along with the release of survey results that measured the impact of the program and how Cox will continue to expand it to more Americans. The survey of 1,700 families revealed that 91 percent
New TV Shows Aim to Connect With Hispanic Audiences
Hispanic Heritage Month is underway, and there's no better time to turn attention to the portrayal of Hispanic-Americans in media and entertainment. Previous studies and polls have shown that America's viewers need and want more diversity in the characters and stories that they see on the screen. And while there is still a long ways to go, there have been a few breakthrough shows in the past couple of years where Latino culture is recognized, celebrated, and embraced. Newer shows have also focused on the complex issues of Latino identity in the U.S., and the stereotypes, struggles and
Sit Back and Enjoy the Show: TV is More Competitive Than Ever Before
The choices for TV today are virtually endless. As America's demographics and technology have evolved over the past two decades, so have the number of ways that TV is delivered to consumers, and the diversity of programming that audiences have available to them. Where cable television used to stand alone, technology advancements along with fast broadband networks have ushered in a myriad of new online TV distributors—and with it, an ever-growing menu of choices. Since 1997, cable networks have invested more than $410 billion in award-winning content. At the same time, new and emerging
Charter's Trials in Wireless Technologies Will Bring More Coverage to Unserved Areas
Over the past two decades, cable broadband providers have invested over $275 billion in building robust high-speed broadband networks that power the online experiences for millions of Americans every day. As a result, more than 90 percent of U.S. homes now have hyper-fast connectivity, but there are still areas where there is not sufficient access to high-speed broadband. To continue closing this gap, ISPs are hard at work looking for innovative ways to bring fast and reliable internet to such communities. Charter Communications—which spans 41 states and has invested more than $27 billion
TV Time is the Best Time
Thanks to brilliant innovations in technology over the past few decades, video is everywhere. Gone are the days of crowds forming in front of electronics stores to watch breaking news; now there is a near-ubiquity of screens and connectivity. Creators have new formats to explore, the video marketplace is more competitive than it’s ever been, and some of the highest-quality programming ever is now being produced as a result. With all the changes we’ve seen, it might be surprising to learn that, according to the latest Nielsen Total Audience Report, the average American adult spends four hours