10G: Powering Economic Progress and Jobs in the U.S. Economy
New Technology Estimated to Contribute $330 Billion and over 676,000 jobs to the U.S. Economy by 2027 The future is closer than it might seem, especially with 10G just around the corner. As the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, the virtue of a robust, high-speed, and reliable internet connection has never been more evident, and the cable industry has continued its work to stay ahead of consumer demand. Indeed, 2020 has seen major developments on the road to 10G – the cable industry’s initiative to bring broadband speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second to residential households across the U.S
Kaitz Foundation's Michelle Ray Reflects on the Enduring Importance of Diversity
Each year during the fall, key players across the cable industry gather for meetings and critical exchanges that champion diversity and inclusion efforts. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic may have prevented an in-person gathering in NYC, but it could never prevent the continuance of this gathering which will take place virtually. In fact, WICT and NAMIC have both planned robust agendas of virtual sessions packed with thought leaders driving the value of gender and ethnic diversity. The iconic fundraising Kaitz Dinner, which has been hosted by the Walter Kaitz Foundation every year since 1984
Mediacom’s Connect2Compete Keeps Waterloo Students Connected
As the COVID-19 pandemic forced a nationwide shift to distance learning, schools and internet service providers quickly mobilized to close the gaps for students without a home internet connection. In Iowa, a collaboration between Mediacom Communications and Waterloo Community Schools allowed K-12 education to continue. “Waterloo is a very diverse community in terms of both ethnicity and socioeconomic status.” says Matt O’Brien, executive director of technology for Waterloo Community Schools. “With the move to distance learning, we absolutely didn’t want internet access to be a barrier.” By
Cox Doubles Down on Commitment to Connect Students
To check the latest findings on nationwide broadband network performance during the pandemic, go to the NCTA COVID-19 dashboard. The cable industry has long been committed to closing the digital divide through its numerous broadband adoption programs, community initiatives, and school partnerships. But as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, America's broadband leaders have doubled-down on this commitment to address the education crisis that the country is facing right now. With many schools still either closed or in a hybrid learning mode, cable operators have been stepping up since March to
Comcast and Chicago Public Schools Team Up to Enable Distance Learning
As schools across the country dive head-first into distance learning and attempt to resolve digital equity issues, districts can find a great model in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and its unique public-private partnership with Comcast. This past summer, Comcast, along with multiple stakeholders, worked with CPS to launch Chicago Connected, a digital equity initiative whose goal is to provide broadband internet at no cost over the course of four years to as many as 100,000 eligible students. The initiative is part of a nationwide effort, K-12 Bridge to Broadband, which provides a path for
ESPN Prepares for Monday Night Football, COVID Style
Tonight kicks off the 50-year old American tradition of Monday Night Football, and ESPN is ready to launch its 15th season hosting the program. Even during a pandemic, ESPN has been preparing for a live broadcast under new protocols while staying true to its renowned coverage of the sport. During a media call, the new MNF commentator team, production executives, and reporters previewed the NFL season and shared how they have come together to bring football fans the entertainment they've been waiting for. This year, the network has had to scale down the number of people on site at a football
Cable ISPs and Schools Come Together in New Broadband Connectivity Effort
"Back to school" time has looked very different this year as millions of kids started K-12 classes this week virtually instead of in the classroom. With many schools still closed for in-person learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, America's cable internet service providers have been working in their communities, developing partnerships with school districts across the country that are focused on figuring out which students lack a home broadband connection, and getting service to those kids within reach in order to assist in enabling online instruction. As part of this effort to close this gap
A Career of Public Service at C-SPAN
In the early 80s, after visiting the White House, a group of high school students were touring a new TV network called C-SPAN, where they were attending a live broadcast of a call-in show. When the host (C-SPAN Founder, Brian Lamb) answered the phone on air, he was told to hold for the President of the United States. Sure enough, then President Ronald Reagan was on the other end of the phone, praising the students for their engagement in the civic process after he tuned into C-SPAN from the White House’s private residence and recognized the group from earlier that morning. C-SPAN is more than
Comcast and Lone Star College Partner to Connect Students to Digital Learning
Prior to COVID-19, many colleges and schools were already aware of the digital divide among their student populations. This is why Quentin Wright, President of Lone Star College-Houston North in Texas, always took measures to ensure that classes prioritized face-to-face learning. Not to mention, a technology survey had found that many students in his service area did not have a computer at home or access to a broadband connection. But then came the pandemic. "When March hit, it changed our world tremendously," said Wright. Wright and the college administration had to completely shift direction
Samantha Bee Talks on Filming Challenges and How She's Approaching the Election
With both a pandemic and presidential election happening in the same year, 2020 has been quite the year for political satire and for the media pundits covering America's state of affairs. In a rescheduled virtual panel for the Television Critics Association, comedian and political commentator Samantha Bee, who is the host and executive producer of TBS's Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, discussed how her show's production process has changed since COVID-19 hit. Along with the show's executive producer Alison Camillo, she also shared her thoughts on media coverage of the presidential election