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
Cable Broadband Providers Have Connected Millions of Americans In Need
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, NCTA members have worked hard to ensure all Americans remain connected to fast and reliable internet service. In rising to the challenge, cable broadband providers expanded and enhanced their low-income broadband programs and launched new programs to qualifying customers. To date, NCTA members have connected over 10 million consumers to broadband internet through these programs. Why it matters: In a world where an internet connection is a must-have for everything from education and healthcare to job searching, the low-income broadband programs like the
VIDEO: America’s Cable Industry
Building the infrastructure and content that power America’s digital future.
Hallmark Channel Executives Share How the Evolving Brand is Focusing on Inclusive Movies
Valentine's Day fast approaches, and more so than other years, many couples will likely celebrate in their homes and enjoy romantic movies throughout the weekend. There is also a good chance that their TV browsing will lead to the Hallmark Channel. As anyone who has ever scanned the cards section in a store or walked into a Christmas shop knows, Hallmark, owned by Crown Media Family Networks, is much more than a TV network. Hallmark is a brand known for its holiday franchise and for its association with love and connection, and in this way, the TV network has become an integral part of this
Safer Internet Day Reminds Us, 'We Are All in This Together'
Today is Safer Internet Day, a time when communities, schools, organizations, and families come together to learn and share best practices for keeping children safe online. While in-person events are cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ConnectSafely—a nonprofit dedicated to educating and empowering families on internet safety—produced a video series in honor of the day and an asynchronous program consisting of home activities and lesson plans for schools. The video series includes interviews with technology, media, and education experts as they speak about a range of issues, from
How the Industry's Energy Efficiency Program Helps With Network Resiliency
As the pandemic surges on, NCTA continues to report, on a biweekly basis, the network performance data gathered from major cable broadband providers across the country. The NCTA COVID-19 Dashboard was first published last April as the cable industry came together in an effort to be as transparent as possible about network performance during a time when remote work, virtual schooling, and telehealth were at an all-time high and internet traffic patterns were spiking. NCTA has published several posts that explain why cable networks have been more than adequately prepared to handle the surges in
Elevating Black Voices During Black History Month and Beyond
Black History Month is celebrated in February, but the cable industry supports initiatives that are focused on social justice for the Black community all year long. As the country continues to undergo a reckoning on race and inequality, especially in the aftermath of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, cable operators and TV programmers are stepping up their efforts to support the Black community, to combat racism, and to create a more just and equitable society. Last June, Comcast NBCUniversal pledged $100 million towards a multiyear program to fight injustice and
Esports, Already Growing, Enters A New Era
Long before the SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged, esports and online gaming were the budding markets many looked to with excitement. Would streaming gameplay REALLY rival conventional sports like football and baseball? Experts projected that by 2021, the esports audience would grow to 84 million Americans, making it the second most popular sport by viewership after the NFL. Esports had (and has) grown to be such a cultural force that internet service providers (ISPs) like Comcast and Cox sponsor teams around the country, not to mention TV networks like Turner getting in on the action. And in the case
How Broadband Networks Enable Telehealth for Patients and Providers
In 2020, millions of Americans adjusted to video conferencing for work, school, socialization and more. But what about for healthcare? Yes, video-visits with doctors peaked in popularity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, nearly 1 in 5 U.S. households still reported that they had at least one member who was unable to get care or was forced to delay care for a serious condition. It should be no surprise, then, that telehealth solutions are gaining traction — and not just for the healthcare industry, but for technologists, developers and broadband providers as well. In fact