Mediacom Communications has begun launching DOCSIS 3.1-based gigabit Internet service within its Minnesota service territory. The initial rollout will cover 80+ communities in 28 counties, mostly in the rural southern part of the state. Another 18 counties are scheduled to get the service in June and July. The total Minnesota deployment is planned to cover 181 communities.
"Since 1996, Mediacom has invested over $8 billion of private capital in its national network to ensure that hard-working families throughout the smaller markets we serve in the Gopher State and beyond receive the same advanced communications services as America's largest cities," said Bill Jensen, group vice president for Mediacom's Lakes Region. "As a result of these investments, we are extremely proud to be adding the cities and towns we serve across Minnesota to Mediacom's rapidly expanding list of true gigabit communities."
Mediacom completed the transition to DOCSIS 3.1 throughout its networks around the beginning of the year and plans to use the technology to bring 1 Gbps broadband services to virtually all of the 3 million homes and businesses within its 22-state footprint. To date, Mediacom has launched gigabit in more than 500 communities, most recently in Alabama and Tennessee. As DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems become more readily available, Mediacom will announce additional market launches. In conjunction with each gigabit launch, Mediacom will also introduce a new 500 Mbps tier of service.
"Access to ultra-fast broadband services is a critically important component to driving economic growth in rural communities," said Margaret Anderson Kelliher, chairwoman of the governor's Broadband Task Force. "As a result of investments like Mediacom is making today, small cities and towns across Minnesota are better positioned for America's transition into the gigabit age and poised to better compete in today's global marketplace."
"In addition to enhancing speeds for residential and small business customers today, the Gigasphere platform we have deployed also lays the groundwork for offering multi-gig services in the future," said Mediacom's Chief Technology Officer J.R. Walden. "This next-generation technology is an excellent complement to the Gigabit+ Fiber Solutions that Mediacom Business has been offering local businesses in our markets for many years."