Comcast's gigabit Internet service will officially launch by the end of next year, but the company recently gave a sneak preview via the world's first public-facing Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 3.1 cable modem. The tech was provided to a lucky customer in Philadelphia (the company's home city), and previously required a partial fiber optic connection. Comcast is also running tests in parts of northern California, Pennsylvania, and Atlanta.
The cable company's Internet connection is impressive in that it does not require fiber optic cables that use pulses of light to transmit data, according to GeekWire. Instead, it can be installed over the existing coaxial cable infrastructure, eliminating the need to add brand new cables.
The majority of modem Internet users have DOCSIS 3.0. It has a top speed of 100 megabits per second, or about one-tenth of version 3.1.
Tony Werner is Comcast's chief technology officer. He explained that to upgrade to the DOCSIS 3.1 system, customers will require a new modem, a software update, and some good engineers.
He also noted that the system is "backwards compatible." That eliminates the need to dig up backyards and streets, and functions with the company's improvements to its Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial network.
Other Internet services including AT&T's GigaPower and Google Fiber are already offering gigabit Internet service, according to Engadget. However, Comcast's upgrade is a big deal because it provides ultra-fast speeds without revamping existing networks and will help to make gigabit Internet access a mainstream service.
Comcast was founded in June 1962. It is the world's biggest cable company in terms of revenue.