As in past studies, the vast majority of cable modem subscribers are consumers, the survey found. In addition to broadband Internet, MSOs are ramping up digital video and cable telephony as they continue to upgrade their infrastructures. Cable MSOs are moving aggressively to add digital TV channels to their lineups. But MSOs still need to deploy the digital cable set top boxes that subscribers need to access most digital services in many more homes. In order to support these new services, survey respondents indicated strong, continuing investments in deploying fiber optics in their cable plant.
Fiber boosts bandwidth and reduces costs.
While coaxial cable requires a line amplifier for every 1,500 feet of line, fiber signals can run about 10 miles from one amplifier. When a cable system decides to offer digital services, it must choose a modulation method that provides digital services over primarily an analog infrastructure. This is a good sign for the industry because it shows awareness that broadband is the key to its future, he says. Cahners Business Information Copyright 2000. All rights reserved.