The Last Mile, Explained
Cable broadband networks are critical infrastructure that connect the vast majority of the United States. In fact, 99% of homes in cable's footprint have access to gigabit speeds. But what many don't realize is how crucial the "last mile" portion of those networks is to connecting the millions of Americans who benefit from broadband today, and those who will be reached in the near future. Digging deeper: With federal broadband funding efforts on the horizon, and as cable providers continue to build out their networks, it's worth understanding how the "last mile" works and how it serves as a
America’s Expanding Cable Broadband Networks: The Midwest
As America targets efforts towards closing the digital divide and awaits the distribution of federal funds for broadband deployment and adoption, cable providers continue to do what they have always done: build out their networks to reach as many Americans as possible. Here is a small sampling of broadband projects by cable ISPs underway as they prepare to deliver fast internet speeds in Midwest communities. Iowa Mediacom earlier this year announced they had begun transitioning their Iowa gigabit network to the new 10G Platform. Residents in West Des Moines will be among the first to enjoy the
Broadband Stats: Connecting More People in More Places
America is home to next-generation broadband networks that connect millions of people and businesses each day. Cable’s networks connect major cities as well as places like Unalaska in the Aleutian islands. Powered by smart engineering and future-proofed designs, these networks deliver gigabit speeds to a large majority of Americans, with more networks getting built every day.
Three Ways Rural Broadband Is Creating Positive Change
The regions where miles of farmland separate neighbors, harsh terrain makes travel challenging, and important services are many hours away, a high-speed broadband network is a critical conduit to society. The bottom line: Cable broadband providers invest billions of dollars annually to build robust networks throughout the country including some of the most remote regions in the world. And with an upcoming injection of federal infrastructure funding coming soon, public-private partnerships will further expand these important networks to unserved rural communities to connect those Americans who
GCI Transforms Unalaska With Historic AU-Aleutians Fiber Project
Rural residents of Unalaska, one of the most remote regions in the United States also known for being the location of Discovery's "Deadliest Catch," are celebrating a huge milestone—the recent launch of GCI's 2 gigabit per second speed internet service in the region. This marks the completion of phase 1 (of 2) of the AU-Aleutians Fiber Project, which aims to bring next-generation connectivity to 12 Aleutian, Alaska Peninsula, and Kodiak Island communities in the state's efforts to close the digital divide. "This project has been years in the making, as we've learned more about the people who
VIDEO: 5 Questions About Broadband with Ben Dold, COO of Midco
Insights on the infrastructure, investment, and impact behind broadband expansion.
5Qs With Midco's Ben Dold
Over the past 20 years, cable broadband providers have invested over $300 billion into building fast and reliable networks that reach nearly every corner of America. Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Midco is one of the ISPs that has made its mark by wiring much of the Midwest, empowering the hundreds of communities it serves. With a footprint that spans 490,000 homes and businesses across Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, Midco is focused on connecting small towns and rural hubs, giving these communities access to broadband and the opportunities it delivers. NCTA
GCI Gives Esports a Boost in Alaska
GCI is set to host the largest online esports tournament in Alaskan history, and it starts tomorrow. The GCI Northern Lights Invitational will take place over the next three weekends, and every match will be played over GCI's servers. The invitational is a $20,000 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) tournament, one of the most popular games among esports enthusiasts. Esports has been a fast-growing phenomenon over the past decade, and in Alaska, GCI has been a trailblazer for championing esports in the state. The ISP has provided a boost for Alaskan collegiate esports athletes through its
NCTA's Michael Powell on America's Broadband Mission
"It's going to get pretty chaotic." Those comments from NCTA President & CEO Michael Powell aptly captured the tone of this week's Senate subcommittee hearing about the challenge (and historic opportunity) of connecting every American to robust broadband service. In addition to testifying in the Senate hearing, Powell shared his insights with NCTA's State Leadership Conference on the cable industry's role in building out robust and resilient networks, what the federal government is getting right with the latest broadband funding plans, and what will be required to tackle the challenges that
NCTA's Broadband Stories Year in Review
As 2022 is coming to a close, it’s worth taking a look back at the tremendous efforts by America’s cable broadband leaders to reach and connect the people most in need of a high-speed broadband connection. Check out these handful of stories from the past year which represent a small sampling of the many initiatives that cable providers are engaged in across the country. Rural Broadband Expansion Across rural America, cable internet service providers (ISPs) are continually building out broadband networks to connect more unserved Americans. These projects include a combination of private capital