Data
Broadband cable's hybrid fiber-optic coaxial infrastructure offers the ideal medium for transmitting vast amounts of information - data, graphics, text and video - at high speed. "Surfing the net" using cable's superior bandwidth allows faster navigation along with quicker download speeds that are 50 to 100 times faster than telephone-based modem technologies. Additionally, the "always-on" feature (there is no need to "dial up") saves time and does not interfere with normal telephone usage. Cable modems are providing its users with real-time access to video, audio, and interactive game services, thus enhancing both their usefulness and enjoyment.
At the beginning of 2007, the nation's cable industry served 28.9 million high-speed Internet customers. In fact, more than 107 million homes have high-speed Internet service available.
To continue improving its high-speed offerings, the cable industry has developed technical specifications that will enable customers to ramp up service speeds significantly. Also, many broadband cable operators now offer unique broadband content for subscribers, such as streaming video and other personalized applications that take advantage of the speed offered by cable high speed data service. These features also include integrated security suites with anti-virus/anti-spyware and firewall protection; pop-up blocking and spam filtering; video e-mail; and specialized content.
Broadband cable's leadership in creating and developing the market for affordable residential high-speed Internet access has led to a profusion of competitive offerings. Today's consumer enjoys an expanding choice of broadband providers, including cable, wireless, satellite, DSL and alternate broadband suppliers.
© 2008 Broadband Cable Association of Pennsylvania