From a broad point of view, next-generation access network activity slowed for many cable operators in 2020 as they focused on splitting nodes and adding capacity to existing network gear to keep up with the traffic surge fueled by the pandemic. However, Comcast said its work around network virtualization and the use of new AI and machine learning techniques that optimize and enhance the performance of the access network accelerated over the past year. We have not slowed down anything We have not stopped and not blinked, Elad Nafshi, senior vice president of next-generation access networks, at Comcast Cable, said. Everything I ve asked for from an access network standpoint, the company has stood behind and provided investment.
News Analysis Robert Clark 3/3/2021
Asia-Pacific operators are leading the world in the transition to next-generation PON, analysts say.
They are being driven by their huge installed base and the growing demands on existing networks, but are also attracted by widening PON use cases and long-term strategic planning, experts told the Light Reading Next-Gen Broadband APAC event conference. What we re seeing now in the region is a very strong shift and a very clear shift toward 10G, said Jeff Heynen, Dell Oro VP for broadband access and home networking.
There was a clear trend line of new 10G ports of all kinds as operators look to expand their gigabit offerings, he said.
News Analysis Robert Clark 3/2/2021
Broadband operators can expect higher upstream traffic post-COVID, even as downstream returns to previous levels.
That s one of the lessons from Australia and New Zealand, where the pandemic is mostly contained and lockdowns have been lifted.
Look up: If Australia and New Zealand are anything to go by broadband operators can expect upstream to stay up post-pandemic.
Ray Owen, CTO of NBN Co., said while downstream traffic was returning to where we expected it to be, upstream data volumes were still significantly higher.
There was a residual in the upstream which will remain for quite some time as people are still working from home. there s been a structural change there.
News Wire Feed Light Reading 3/1/2021
DENVER CSG today announced the appointment of Patricia Elias as the company s new Chief People and Places Officer. A people-oriented, global business leader, she brings a proven track-record of driving innovation, integrity and impact that will help CSG harness the power and collective talents of its more than 4,800 global employees.
As CSG continues to evolve, we are thrilled to have Patricia s rich experience developing people strategies to help drive our growth and industry leadership, CSG CEO Brian Shepherd said. She is an impressive leader who has proven she can excite, inspire, develop and lead a global team.
News Wire Feed Light Reading 2/26/2021
OAKLAND, Calif. – As part of its ongoing commitment to help connect lowincome students and families to the Internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy, Comcast today announced plans to equip 20 Oakland community centers and parks and recreation facilities with free WiFi for the next three years. As part of its Lift Zones initiative, the company will provide robust WiFi coverage in these safe spaces, to help ensure thousands of low-income students can remain online during the school year and continue to participate in distance learning. The announcement was made today during a special event with 2x Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Simone Manuel, who spoke virtually with Oakland students about perseverance and the importance of following their dreams.