Canadian cable operator Videotron has begun testing DOCSIS 3.1 in its network. The MSO is now deploying DOCSIS 3.1 modems and adapting its equipment and working protocols to the new technology.
Beta testing is underway at Montréal-area homes and businesses to assess users' behavior and reactions, as well as the reliability and performance of the technology in a real-life environment. After testing has been completed, it will be possible to roll out DOCSIS 3.1 quickly as it is compatible with Videotron's existing network, where it has been upgraded. Only a new modem for the user and a software upgrade on the network will be needed.
"We are announcing a very important and exciting development today," said Manon Brouillette, president and CEO of Videotron. "With this deployment, we are laying the first stones in the foundations of the Internet of the future. We will be able to offer better Internet access service that meets the growing speed and bandwidth needs of our customers, who are watching more and more HD and UHD videos and adopting the cloud, the Internet of Things, augmented reality and virtual reality."
DOCSIS 3.1, which has just begun to be deployed at scale, is designed to deliver up to 10 Gbps downstream Internet speeds over existing HFC networks. Most deployments to date have featured 1 Gbps speeds.
Last July, Videotron ran trials of gigabit service over DOCSIS 3.0, which eventually became its Giga Fibre Hybrid Internet service, with downstream speeds of up to 940 Mbps. The company tapped Ciena (NYSE:CIEN) for an optical backbone upgrade this May.