Topic: Industry Trends & Impact

Protecting Networks: Battling the Rise in Copper Theft and Vandalism

America’s communications networks form the backbone of daily life, supporting everything from public safety to healthcare and economic activity. Yet, a wave of vandalism and theft, fueled largely by rising copper prices, threatens this vital infrastructure—and with it, the essential services and safety that Americans depend on every day. Why it matters: Communications networks are the backbone of public safety and national security, enabling emergency response systems, law enforcement coordination, and critical government operations. When vandals target these networks for copper, they not only

Broadband Not Contributing to Inflation

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced last month’s inflation numbers, revealing that consumer prices rose 2.6% in October compared to the previous year. While overall inflation has significantly decreased in the last two years, consumers are still weary of any uptick. One area they can take solace in, however, continues to be broadband prices. Broadband prices are on consumers’ side New Consumer Price Index (CPI) data shows: Internet prices fell 1.0% in October compared to September. That’s the third month in a row and the fourth out of the last five, that internet prices have fallen

Cable Industry Kicks Off Diversity Week 2024

Panelists speak at NAMIC's Annual Conference in 2023. The cable industry's annual Diversity Week began yesterday in New York City. The nearly week-long event brings together industry leaders and changemakers to champion and advance diversity and inclusion throughout the media, entertainment, and technology landscape. Advancing Diversity Industrywide The WICT Network, which is dedicated to empowering and nurturing women leaders, and NAMIC, an advocate for multi-ethnic diversity throughout the industry, along with the NCTA Education Foundation, form the nexus of programming at Diversity Week

After Hurricanes, Cable ISPs Offer Support

Hurricanes Helene and Milton left widespread devastation in their wake, disrupting lives, communities, and critical infrastructure. In times of disaster, access to communication networks and the internet become essential for coordinating relief, accessing emergency information, and reconnecting families. To help meet these needs, internet service providers (ISPs) like Charter, Comcast, and Cox have taken steps to provide financial support and keep communities connected. These efforts are crucial in supporting recovery and ensuring that people in impacted areas can stay informed and in touch

Spotlighting Native American Representation on TV

In recent years, Indigenous representation in film and television has broken new barriers, with Native American actors and stories gaining critical recognition. Why it matters This growing visibility is more than just entertainment—it’s shifting cultural perspectives and amplifying Indigenous voices across the nation​. This shift is crucial for cultural diversity and inclusion in mainstream media and is shaping the future of television. Research highlights support for native shows A 2022 Nielsen study revealed that Native representation in lead and recurring roles doubled from 2021 to 2022

Broadband Stats: Wi-Fi’s Economic Impact

A new study released last week reveals the significant economic impact of Wi-Fi and its associated technologies. The report also looks at the impact of recent policy decisions, like the FCC’s decision to open the 6 GHz band to unlicensed use, and other policies that support the continued growth of these technologies.

New Study Shows Critical Economic Impact of Wi-Fi Technologies

The annual economic value of Wi-Fi to the American economy will rapidly grow to $2.4 trillion in 2027, according to a new Wi-Fi Forward report released today. The report, conducted by Telecom Advisory Services, reveals the significant economic impact of Wi-Fi and its associated technologies, as well as the impact of policies that support the continued growth of these technologies. Wi-Fi is a U.S. economic powerhouse The report’s projected 2027 economic impact is a 33% increase over the 2024 value of $1.6 trillion. This is due to factors like faster-than-anticipated growth in the speed and

SCTE CEO Maria Popo Previews TechExpo 2024

This week marks the annual SCTE TechExpo, the industry’s largest gathering, where leaders come together to showcase the latest broadband network technologies. SCTE works to advance the industry’s technical workforce by offering its members training, resources, and more. In recent years, SCTE merged with CableLabs to combine the strengths of both organizations, and last year announced its new leadership in CEO Maria Popo, taking over after longtime CEO Mark Dzuban’s retirement. Before her first TechExpo as CEO, NCTA talked with Popo to get a preview of what she envisions for the future of the

Industry Stats: Energy-Efficient TV Devices

Consumers’ have saved more than $18 billion in energy costs since 2012, the result of a voluntary agreement between the pay-TV industry and energy efficiency advocates to improve the efficiency of devices used to access video programming. Recent eco-friendly technology advancements showcase the industry’s commitment to innovation that benefits both the environment and consumers alike.