Industry Stats: Cable’s Powerful Workforce
The cable industry is one of innovation, creativity, and impact – a significant contributor to the national economy and America’s workforce, providing essential infrastructure for the millions of consumers that use broadband to stay connected and TV to be informed and entertained. The employees who make this dynamic industry churn day in and day out can be found in nearly every community in both urban and rural areas. It’s a diverse workforce of all skill levels and backgrounds. Those jobs run the gamut from call center professionals to engineers and employ Americans of all experiences. The
What Is Unlicensed Spectrum and How Does It Contribute $95.8B Annually to the Economy?
A new report from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) estimates that Wi-Fi and other unlicensed wireless technologies generate $95.8 billion per year for the American economy in technology sales alone. The study underscores the importance that the FCC has put on opening up more unlicensed spectrum, pointing to the enormous benefits in investment and innovation that this policy produces for the country. CTA’s study expands on previous studies on the importance of unlicensed technologies that have examined indirect economic benefits by focusing on the immediate revenue generated by the
Cable TV Networks Celebrate Black History Month
Black History Month has kicked off and cable TV networks are rolling out programs, specials, and documentaries that celebrate the achievements of Black Americans. The cable industry is deeply committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive America. One important way that it works to achieve this is by airing programming that not only includes diverse actors on the screen and writers behind the scenes, but by showcasing the stories of and by Black Americans that have been overlooked for far too long. And while cable TV networks work year-round to find ways to amplify the voices of Black
Broadband Stats: Internet Prices Are Not Fueling Inflation
For decades, inflation in the United States had remained remarkably stable, spurring economic growth and helping Americans make financial decisions with confidence. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, however, disruptions in the supply chain and labor force, combined with other factors, have resulted in new concerns about rising prices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall inflation rate in the U.S. economy hit 7% from December 2020 to December 2021. But the factors that lead to inflation matter since the price increase of certain goods and services have severely outpaced
Broadband Prices Are Trailing Far Behind Inflation
America has an inflation problem. Consumer demand for goods and services is driving an increase in prices (the definition of inflation) to rates not seen since 1982. In December 2021, price increases for used cars jumped 37%, gasoline skyrocketed nearly 50%, and groceries climbed about 7% relative to December of the previous year. These increases are felt by all Americans. But the price of internet service has remained steady and is not mirroring these radical price spikes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI), the cost of internet services increased 2.6% in
Broadband Stats: Americans Are Satisfied With Their Internet Service
Over the past two decades, internet speeds have dramatically increased, with many Americans now having access to gigabit speed networks. That increase is thanks to the over $300 billion invested by cable internet service providers (ISPs) in critical infrastructure, and has meant that capacity and speed have stayed ahead of the curve. A new report from Leichtman Research Group shows that Americans are satisfied with their internet service and experience. America’s internet success is exemplified by the fact that 68% of broadband subscribers say that their service meets the needs of their
Broadband Stats: Infrastructure Success, Past and Present
With the upcoming implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, cities, states, and local governments in 2022 will begin to make use of the $40+ billion set aside for broadband projects. How successful those funds are at building new networks to unserved and underserved populations depends on which projects receive approval. Given their long track record of success, incumbent cable internet service providers (ISPs) are best suited to utilize federal funds and build reliable networks where they are most needed. Here are a few reasons why: Since the turn of the millennium, cable
What Cable's Broadband Network Performance During COVID Means for America
A new study that examines U.S. broadband network performance during the COVID-19 pandemic finds that America's broadband networks passed their biggest stress test ever with flying colors when the internet experienced unprecedented surges in traffic during the worst phases of the global health crisis. In fact, the study—released by Recon Analytics—asserts that the U.S. network performance change was imperceptible to the average daily user. A few of the key findings include: Internet traffic increased by more than 20% in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wireless download speeds doubled
Cable TV Networks Strive to Create Positive Change Through Giving Back
The giving season is in full swing, and the cable industry has been hard at work not just this month, but every day of the year to help the communities they serve to grow and thrive. On the cable TV side, networks host numerous initiatives and programs aimed at charitable giving and to engage their employees in community service. The causes they support run the gamut to include challenges that America is grappling with, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and social injustice. Cable TV networks use their platforms, resources, and influence to educate, inform, and raise awareness among their viewers
How America's ISPs Strive to Improve Quality of Life in the Communities They Serve
For the second straight year, Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But if the pandemic has revealed anything over the past 20 months, it's that community is more important than ever during these uncertain times. Cable operators and TV networks have continued to foster community and to give back to the people in their footprints in every way they can, not just through the broadband and TV services they provide but also through their charitable arms and foundations. Through grants, scholarships, donations, community building programs, and volunteer efforts, the cable