Comcast is planning to bring its gigabit-speed Internet service to its entire fiber network within a few years, according to an executive. Robert Howald, vice president of network architecture for the cable company, explained in an interview that Comcast will be aiming to roll out the technology to get the high-speed connections across its US network footprint within the next two to three years, with the target being two years.
“We’re testing it this year,” Howald told FierceCable about its DOCSIS 3.1 (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification upgrade. “Our intent is to scale it through our footprint through 2016.”
In theory, DOCSIS 3.1 will allow for speeds of up to 10Gbps down and 1Gbps up, though this is dependent on both the network configuration and the equipment being used, including modems used by customers. Production of compatible modems will commence this year, with customers expected to start receive them in early 2016.
Initially, customers in markets upgraded to DOCSIS 3.1 from version 3 will be able to get connections as high as 1Gbps, when testing begins in the fourth quarter in unspecified markets. These test markets will then be used to “tweak and enhance the technology” before bringing “more advanced features” to its network.
Comcast is already offering some customers higher than gigabit speeds, with its “Gigabit Pro” service providing up to 2Gbps connections. The company is also facing pressure to increase speeds from its competitors, with Google Fiber slowly deploying its gigabit-speed network in various markets across the United States.
