With the end of December fast approaching, it is worth reflecting on some key milestones achieved by cable internet and TV industry. From connecting more Americans to preventing millions of metric tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, below are some of key stats from the industry:
Cable providers double their network capacity every 24-30 months
As new innovations like Wi-Fi 6 and DOCSIS 4.1 rolled out, America’s broadband networks continue to get stronger and faster. In fact, recent data shows that major cable ISPs are already doubling their network capacity every 24-30 months.
One gigabit speeds are available to 88% of U.S. Households
At that pace, it’s no wonder that networks have continued to expand next-generation speeds to more people in more parts of the country. By the end of 2020, 88% of U.S. households had access to broadband service with speeds of at least one gigabit per second.
800 miles
Amount of fiber currently being laid underwater in the Arctic to connect six remote Alaskan communities to high-speed internet
The cable internet industry is committed to continue extending service to all Americans, no matter where they live. In addition to connecting more Americans last year, impressive engineering projects are underway to keep connecting the farthest out communities in our nation. That’s why GCI in Alaska, for instance, is working to lay 800 miles of fiber cables under the Arctic to connect six remote Alaskan communities in the Aleutian Islands to the internet.
$430B
Amount Invested in TV programming over the last 20 years
The cable industry’s investment doesn’t stop at broadband networks. In fact, over the last twenty years the industry has invested over $430 billion in award-winning TV programming. Cable TV programmers continue to develop thought provoking, entertaining, educational, and informative television for all ages and all walks of life, because media should reflect the world we all live in.
2.9 Million
Number of direct and indirect jobs supported by the cable industry
Investment is just one part of the economic equation. From employing engineers to set designers to customer service specialists, the cable industry employs over 2.9 million Americans. Those jobs extend from the Atlantic shores of Maine to the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, and provide employment to at least 300 people in each congressional district.
28.6M
Amount of metric tons of carbon dioxide saved via energy efficiency efforts
Even in a digital world, actions have consequences, which is why the industry has continually worked with device manufacturers and other key stakeholders to voluntarily make home network equipment more energy efficient. According to the most recent study, that voluntary agreement has kept over 28.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. As time goes on, those savings will continue to increase.
As we say farewell to 2021, the cable internet and TV industry is excited for what 2022 holds. Here’s to connecting more Americans, making lives easier, and staying ahead of demand.