by Comcast announced in a press release that it has successfully tested a symmetric multi-gigabit DOCSIS 4.0 connection on its live network and has taken a major step towards “delivering 10G-enabled services” in the second half of 2023.
It connected to the service at an undisclosed workplace in Philadelphia, where Comcast is headquartered, using multiple cable modems and a DOCSIS 4.0-capable 10G node. If you’re wondering what 10G means, the answer is—more than 5G. As we noted in 2019, the cable industry coined the marketing term just in time to have twice as many Gs as 5G wireless.
DOCSIS 4.0 technology should enable download speeds of up to 10Gbps with 6Gbps uploads, and Comcast said a lab test in January achieved speeds of more than 4Gbps in both directions.
It also potentially gives Comcast another way to monetize existing subscribers; this will align with Comcast’s new plan to increase revenue despite stagnating customer growth in recent quarters. Comcast announced to customers that it is raising its cable and internet prices this month, up 3.8 percent on average nationwide. A boundary The author’s bill shows an increase of $3 for internet service and a TV subscription that will cost more than $7 next month.
Earlier this year, Comcast announced that it is working to deliver multi-gig Internet speeds to more than 50 million homes and businesses in the United States by the end of 2025. The company planned to deploy 2Gbps speeds to 34 cities by the end of this month. and also a slight increase in download speed for internet service in many areas.
The advantage of 10G technology is that it provides multi-gig speeds for both downloads and uploads, just like fiber optic internet connections (currently, Comcast’s gigabit plans only include upload speeds of 200 Mbps). However, for anyone considering an upgrade, we should remember that you will probably need another new cable modem.
Ideally, this will increase speeds where fiber is not available, especially in non-metropolitan areas. And where there is competition, Verizon, which already offers symmetric multi-gigabit connections to some customers, is measuring closer against rivals that offer fiber services such as AT&T, Google, and Frontier Communications.
“We started this year with the announcement of our test of the world’s first 10G modem technology capable of delivering multi-gig speeds to homes, and as of today, 10G is a reality that has the potential to transform and enhance the Internet as we know it. Elad Nafshi, EVP and Chief Network Officer, Comcast Cable.” . “It’s been an incredible year in terms of progress, and we look forward to continuing to refine and solidify our 10G technology as we strive to bring this service – and all its incredible benefits – available to all customers in the years to come.”
Disclosure: Comcast is an investor in Vox Media, the parent company of The Verge.
