cfx_september-2024 - 14

CTAM/HARRIS X STUDY
2
Blue Ridge is a regional provider serving large swaths of Pennsylvania. It's in the process of upgrading its 8,000-mile network
to a 100% fiber-to-the-home solution. It currently offers speeds of up to 2 Gbps with up to 40 Mbps uploads across its footprint,
with internet speeds of up to 8 Gig in its complete FTTH markets. To help deliver a top-notch wireless experience in the home,
Blue Ridge offers the eero Pro 6E and it has recently introduced the Blue Ridge HomeFi Max powered by eero's latest WiFi 7
technology.
" We approach the customer experience by prioritizing reliable connectivity, responsive customer service and technologically
advanced products. We focus on providing affordable high-speed internet, a wide range of speeds to fit customer needs,
unlimited data to support connected homes and businesses, and quick resolution of issues with free service calls, " says Joe
Lorah, Blue Ridge's Director of Government and Public Affairs.
Standout FEaturES:
Blue Ridge's product line includes advanced mesh WiFi,
affordable multi-layer cyber security with identity monitoring
and integrated content streaming options. It also
has easy-to-use online portals and apps for customers
to manage their accounts and services efficiently.
How It'S Innovating:
Blue Ridge's decision to go fully fiber is evidence that its not resting
on its laurels. At a time when many operators are trying to decide
how to add mobile to their product mix, it recently launched Blue
Ridge Mobile with expansive 5G 4G LTE coverage. Unlimited plans
starting as low as $30/month. " We invest in cutting-edge technologies
and stay ahead of industry trends to provide our customers
with the best possible internet experience, " says Lorah. " We are
innovating by continuously enhancing our network infrastructure
to deliver faster speeds, implementing advanced cybersecurity
measures, and developing user-friendly digital tools. "
The only Tier 1 provider to make the top 3, Comcast's approach to providing
the best home internet experience starts with its commitment
to a cutting-edge network. It then layers in advanced gateways and
WiFi devices. Last year it became the first ISP to offer a product to
maintain connectivity when severe weather strikes through its StormReady
WiFi offering. The device is equipped with cellular back-up and
a four-hour rechargeable battery to keep customers up and running.
" It all kind of starts with wanting to really have that best in-home WiFi experience, but also continuing to innovate against it and making
sure that we are constantly monitoring the latest technology to determine whether it's something to include for our customers or if it's just
a distraction. And making sure that customers have access to that as affordably as possible, " says Emily Waldorf, Comcast' SVP, Consumer
Internet Services.
Standout FEaturES:
All things go through the Xfinity App. This is a robust experience that
allows customers to turn on advanced security features or parental
controls, but it also allows them to run diagnostics, including testing
WiFi speeds throughout the home and even pinpointing if there is
just a single device having issues. Comcast is continuously working
to identify issues before they are a problem. Waldorf says the
company performs about 700,000 network diagnostic speed tests
on most days to to proactively troubleshoot. It uses active technology
to check about 4,000 or more telemetry data points across the
50 million modems on its network. Outside the home, it boasts 23
million hotspots to keep customers connected.
14
How It'S Innovating:
Comcast is in the process of trialing WiFi Motion, which essentially
turns gateways and WiFi pods into motion sensors in the home.
" It's great for if you want to monitor your kids as they come home
from school or if you have an aging elderly parent who lives independently.
It is a very cool technology that enables you to really
have control over your home like you've never had before, " says
Waldorf. The operator is in the middle of trials now for Low Latency
DOCSIS, which dramatically reduces the lag, particularly important
with VR and video conferencing. Comcast is also on track to introduce
WiFi 7 early next year. It'll be launched in a new gateway that
also will enable multi-gig symmetrical speeds.
September 2024
CablefaxTopOps.com

http://www.CablefaxTopOps.com

cfx_september-2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of cfx_september-2024