Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) is expanding its DOCSIS 3.1 footprint, with gigabit Internet services based on the spec deploying in Detroit and plans for its deployment in some of its California markets early next year.
In Detroit, Comcast is launching an advanced consumer trial of DOCSIS 3.1-based 1 Gbps Internet service to residential customers throughout the entire city of Detroit. The MSO says the service is the first citywide gigabit service offered in Detroit.
"We're delivering gigabit speeds over a network that already passes thousands of homes across all neighborhoods within the city of Detroit," said Tim Collins, senior vice president of Comcast's Heartland region, which includes Michigan. "As consumers continue to rely even more heavily on the Internet, we have the advanced technology in place to meet this growing demand. We know our customers who live outside of Detroit are also eager for faster speeds, and we plan to roll out this new service into surrounding metro areas and across Michigan in 2017."
The base price of the new service with no contract is $139.95 per month. Comcast will also test promotional base pricing for $70 per month with a three-year service agreement and plans to introduce bundled packaging in the future.
In California, Comcast plans to start offering residential gigabit Internet based on DOCSIS 3.1 in select cities within its California footprint in early 2017. Comcast currently offers Gigabit Pro in California, a symmetrical 2 Gbps fiber-based product that requires a professional installation and equipment.
"The introduction of a new 1 Gig service in California is yet another reflection of our commitment to deliver the fastest speeds to the most homes," said Hank Fore, regional senior vice president of Comcast's California Region. "We continue to bring the latest in technology to customers and soon, these new, ultra-fast speeds will be available to early adopters without our having to tear up streets or rewire a customer's home."
To date, Comcast has rolled out DOCSIS 3.1 in Atlanta, Nashville and Chicago. The company also plans to launch in Miami before the end of the year. The MSO installed its first DOCSIS 3.1 modem in Philadelphia in December 2015. The modem also was tested in several Detroit locations. The fiber-based Gigabit Pro service is now available to 18 million homes across the country, including more than 1.5 million homes in Michigan.
