Last November, Comcast announced plans to launch its next-generation internet service- which brings a huge boost to both upload and download speeds- in select neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Atlanta. Now DOCSIS 4.0 is starting to roll out to a growing number of markets in 2024.
DOCSIS 4.0, the latest standard in cable internet technology, is the industry’s answer to fiber optics, which continues to be the most reliable and speedy form of broadband connectivity. But fiber often requires you to dig up streets and front yards to install the lines, which can be a costly and inconvenient endeavor. DOCSIS 4.0 uses existing coaxial cable lines and technical tricks to boost the speeds, making for a near-comparable offering.
“The ubiquity of our network, which is already accessible to tens of millions of homes, provides us with an incredible opportunity to bring multi-gigabit upload and download speeds to communities across the country with the scale and efficiency that no other provider can replicate,” said Dave Watson, president and CEO of Comcast Cable said when the service was announced. “Our connectivity experience, powered by the Xfinity 10G Network, will allow us to deliver speeds up to 10 Gbps over our traditional network to virtually all our customers, plus even better reliability, lower latency, and the best in-home WiFi coverage.”
The technology has been in the works for years, with Comcast debuting it in late 2023 and now rolling out to a growing number of markets. In Michigan these new 2 Gbps plans offer a promotional price with autopay of $100 a month. To find out if the new 2 Gbps plans are available in your area you can visit Comcast’s website HERE.
Beyond the use of existing infrastructure, the highlight feature is its ability to deliver equal upload and download speeds. Comcast plans to offer plans of up to 2 Gbps. A DOCSIS 4.0 network can deliver up to 10 Gbps of download speed and 6 Gbps of upload speed at some point in the future.
While Comcast already offers multi-gig service, that requires the more extensive fiber optic route, which isn’t always feasible based on your location. DOCSIS 4.0 can potentially widen the market for higher-speed internet.