Comcast recently launched the Chicago area trial of a new Internet service that delivers speeds up to 1 Gigabit-per second (Gbps) to customers. The service will use DOCSIS 3.1 technology to deliver these speeds over the company’s existing network infrastructure.
With a 1 Gbps connection, customers can:
- Download a 5 Gigabyte HD movie in 40 seconds;
- Download a 600 Megabyte TV episode in four seconds;
- Download a 150 Megabyte music album in two seconds; and
- Download 15 Gigabyte video game in two minutes
“We’re delivering gigabit speeds over the network that already passes millions of homes in the Chicago area,” said Comcast Greater Chicago Region senior vice president John Crowley. “Our commitment to providing customers with a great experience is front and center with this announcement, and we’re proud that Comcast’s Chicago area customers will be among the first in the world to have access to this new Gigabit technology.”
The consumer introduction of DOCSIS 3.1 marks a major step forward in the evolution of ultra-high-speed broadband. Once DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Internet service is available in a market, customers with Gigabit-capable devices will be able to sign up for a new plan and then experience the benefits of that speed.
“Comcast’s investments in our technology infrastructure have helped to advance and evolve our economy, and I applaud their commitment to the technology ecosystem,” said Fred Hoch, CEO, Illinois Technology Association. “DOCSIS 3.1 is a significant step forward in Internet Technology.”
In February 2016, Comcast unveiled plans to offer the service in Atlanta and Nashville in the first half of the year, with Chicago, Detroit and Miami to follow in the second half. In December 2015, Comcast announced it had successfully installed its first DOCSIS 3.1 modem in Philadelphia. The modem also was tested in several Chicago area locations to ensure the best possible customer experience before launching the service locally.
