Accelerating its nationwide multi-gig deployment, on Feb. 9, Comcast announced that its latest Xfinity 10G network upgrade will be launched to 10 million homes and businesses by the end of this month.
The operator said that eligible locations will now have foundational network enhancements in place to begin deploying DOCSIS 4.0 technology, setting the stage for the introduction of new symmetrical multi-gigabit internet options before the end of 2023 that can be delivered across existing networks with less cost.
According to a press release, to date and ahead of schedule, more than 40 markets across Comcast service areas have implemented network improvements, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Miami, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, Seattle, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and others.
The company said full deployment of the new Xfinity technical capabilities will reach more than 50 million homes and businesses by 2025. In addition to fast speeds, DOCSIS 4.0 technologies will deliver even greater reliability and capacity to power multiple data-intensive applications.
The company also unveiled plans to rollout new WiFi features in the coming months that build upon its service reliability with a "WiFi Boost Guarantee" offer that increases support for in-home WiFi, and a new "Storm-Ready WiFi" device with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out.
For applications like gaming, virtual reality, and videoconferencing where lower latency is increasingly important, later this year Comcast said it will also unveil new low latency features that will enable an even better experience.
Recently, Comcast accelerated the transformation of its network to a virtualized, cloud-based architecture that is fully prepared for the emergence of more robust 10G technologies and DOCSIS 4.0. This network architecture enables Comcast to deliver symmetrical, multi-gigabit speeds to both residential and business customers, "which technically limited fixed wireless providers are unable to deliver," contends the operator.
Dave Watson, CEO, Comcast Cable, observed:
“Streaming live sports, 4K gaming, hybrid work, and virtual reality have gone mainstream in just a few years, and gig speeds, capacity, reliability, and low latency are key factors making our connectivity experience superior to the competition. Our definition of reliability has to shift from merely being always-on, to powering multiple data-intensive applications across dozens of devices, and the investments we are making in our network are creating immediate benefits for our customers.”