1. Monthly archive
  2. January 2024

January 2024

Looking ahead: Next-gen broadband networks aim for speed with DOCSIS 4.0 and PON

The next chapter in cable and fiber networks will see cable operators focus on a new phase of their widely deployed hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) networks as telephone companies – and some cable operators – maintain their pursuit of speedier passive optical network (PON) and Ethernet technologies. DOCSIS 4.0 represents the next generation of HFC, enabling symmetrical multi-gigabit speeds, enhanced security and lower latency.

Missouri Awards More Than $7.9 Million in ARPA Funding to Expand Cellular Service Statewide

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) awarded a total of more than $7.9 million through the second round of the Cell Towers Grant Program. Grants will be awarded to 14 projects to construct new towers that provide quality cellular service and greater 911 connectivity to high-cost areas.

SpaceX Launches Starlink Satellites to Support Service to T-Mobile Cellphones

T-Mobile’s planned satellite-to-cellphone service came a step closer now that SpaceX Starlink has begun launching satellites that will support the service. Field testing is expected to begin soon. When available, the service will enable T-Mobile customers to have cellphone connectivity in areas where traditional service is not available, and may never be, because of land use restrictions or difficult terrain. T-Mobile and SpaceX announced plans for the satellite-to-cellphone service in August of 2022.

FOCUS Broadband Completes USDA ReConnect Grant in Columbus County (NC)

FOCUS Broadband announced the completion of its ReConnect Grant in Columbus County (NC). With the project’s completion, more than 2,750 homes and businesses in rural parts of the county surrounding Tabor City, Hallsboro, Bolton, Lake Waccamaw, and areas north of Whiteville now have access to high-speed fiber optic internet services. This project was made possible through a $7.9 million ReConnect grant awarded to the company by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in December of 2019.

Internet Service Provider Upgrades in Front of BEAD

I’m working with several small cities that were recently notified that the existing cable company plans to upgrade its network. In these cities, the cable company still operates a DOCSIS 3.0 network. The networks have download speeds a little faster than 100 Megabits per second (Mbps), and upload speeds are under 10 Mbps. These cities are currently considered to be underserved and are eligible for BEAD grants. I talked to the State Broadband Offices in several states about the issue of announced upgrades coming just in front of the final BEAD map challenges.

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