Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) has taken the first step as it moves to take Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) head on, when it comes to providing customers fast internet speeds. The Gigabit broadband war should heat up in the coming days the cable giant having unveiled a new protocol it calls DOCSIS 3.1. With the new protocol, the company should be able to increase broadband speeds tenfold, as the technology promises speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second.
Qualcomm’s DOCSIS 3.1
The service has gone live in Philadelphia and will work with all Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA)’s network and cables. The 3.1 spec Data over Cable Service Interface Specification sets itself apart from earlier versions of the fact that it is able to boost internet speeds from 11Mbps to 1 gigabit per second. Delivering gigabit internet speed is not a new concept but something that will allow the cable giant to compete better against Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL)’s Google Fiber.
While Google Fiber relies on the installation of new fiber-optic cables, Comcast’s new protocol works with all the physical equipment already in place. All the broadband giant did to activate DOCSIS 3.1 in Philadelphia was installing a new modem, router and then upgrade the local neighborhood software. That is way easy and cost effective to Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL)’s plan that involves installation of fiber lines in new areas of target.
Unanswered Questions with DOCSIS 3.1
Even though the process might appear a bit complicated in the background, Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) remains focused on expanding the program to other cities. With everything shifting online from watching content to shopping patterns, the broadband giant could have uncovered a new way of attracting people to its network.
Having successfully tested the program in Philadelphia, Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) is looking to test it in other cities with the next stop being Pennsylvania. Northern California and Atlanta should follow soon. The company is, however, remaining silent on whether it will move to make DOCSIS 3.1 equipment available to all consumers in future. It is also unclear how much it will cost, considering internet speeds of up to 1Gigabit per second will be on offer.
