With the 40th annual SCTE Cable-Tec Expo currently underway in Denver, NCTA recently caught up with SCTE President and CEO Mark Dzuban, who shared valuable insights into the cable industry's ongoing transformation and the role of the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo in helping to shape its future.
An Evolving Industry and Expo
The collaboration throughout the industry is very unique, noted Dzuban, who started his career in cable back in 1968. "To survive, we’ve had to be agile, because technology moves so fast. So if you look at what Expo was in the very beginning 40 years ago, it was all of the technical folks at the time," said Dzuban.
But over the years, Expo has evolved and played a vital role in navigating the legal and regulatory aspects of the industry, which Dzuban hopes will only continue to grow: “It's almost like a Mozart event in that there are a lot of different keys that make up the psychology of music ... This is not a show just on the optical network or a show on wireless. This is bringing all the pieces together to include human factors and policy. It's very comprehensive.”
A Unique Approach
Dzuban emphasized that the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo aims to address industry changes by bringing together various technology fields and integrating them into a single network solution. This convergence aims to optimize the consumer experience and capital investments, setting the stage for significant industry impact through collaboration with CableLabs, NCTA, cable broadband providers and other industry leaders.
In fact, this year several NCTA leaders will be spearheading and engaging in panels focused on cybersecurity, spectrum policy, 10G and emerging technologies, digital equity, broadband deployment, and more.
Hot Topics at Expo 2023
Dzuban also pointed to a few of the critical themes and discussions that will be woven throughout Expo this year:
- The One Network Concept: One of the most significant developments in the cable industry, according to Dzuban, is the transition toward a unified network experience that seamlessly connects users across various platforms, from 5G to Wi-Fi and hardwired connections. This concept, known as "one network," is crucial for providing consumers with the best possible experience. In fact, a Mobility Pavilion makes its debut on the show floor this year, where attendees can connect with some of the leaders who are shaping the future of mobile technology and integration of mobile and cable networks.
- The Road to 10G: Dzuban emphasized that 10G is a significant milestone, but it is by no means the limit. The industry is poised to potentially achieve speeds of 40 gigabits or even 400 gigabits in the future. The goal is to promote and implement 10G networks that can support advancements like 4K and 8K programming and holographic imaging, revolutionizing entertainment and applications such as telemedicine.
- Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: The Energy 20/20 initiative continues to play a vital role in reducing the cable industry's carbon footprint and finding innovative solutions for energy conservation in fleet vehicles and carbon footprint management, remarked Dzuban. And the new Sustainability & Circularity Pavilion will proudly showcase some of the most innovative companies who are leading the way.
- Technical Papers: Dzuban underscored the importance of the spotlight on technical papers at the Expo, which are instrumental in sharing industry knowledge and advancements. The cable industry has always encouraged professionals to submit these papers, which are peer-reviewed and archived by NCTA to protect the industry from licensing fees related to patents.
- The International SCTE Cable-Tec Games: Another crucial aspect of the industry, these games showcase the skills of field operations professionals who compete in various technical challenges, promoting the expertise needed for cable network installation, maintenance, and optimization. The Games will take place in another venue new to Expo this year, the Technical Training Theater, or T3 , which stands for the three pillars of technical excellence: training, teamwork, and talent.
As the industry continues to evolve and embrace new technologies, the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo remains at the forefront, driving innovation and collaboration that shapes the industry's trajectory for years to come.
Stayed tuned for more news from the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo on ncta.com.