The broadband industry is at an inflection point. AI-enabled networks, fiber expansion and converged connectivity are reshaping how operators compete and deliver value. The question isn’t whether transformation is coming — it’s whether you’ll lead it or follow it.

Revolutionizing the network landscape promises a future of connectivity with limitless possibilities. How can broadband operators and their suppliers thrive in the midst of the evolving landscape of wireline, wireless and converged networks? Discover how to leverage cutting-edge technologies like AI, automation and advanced networking while tackling challenges in security, operations and construction — all to deliver the seamless experiences customers crave.

Where Innovation Meets Execution

SCTE TechExpo25, the Americas’ largest broadband event, tackles the industry’s most pressing trends and challenges head-on, equipping broadband operators and their suppliers with the tools and insights to stay ahead in this transformative era.

From Monday, Sept. 29, to Wednesday, Oct. 1, in Washington, D.C., TechExpo attendees will join a community of thought leaders and experts as they dive deep into the trends and technologies reshaping broadband, including:

• Fiber expansion: Discover strategies to accelerate fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) deployments, ensuring you lead in the race for gigabit connectivity.
• Convergence of networks: Learn how to seamlessly integrate wireless and wired networks to maximize performance and efficiency in a 5G-driven world.
• Rural broadband solutions: Uncover innovative approaches to close the digital divide and win in underserved markets with government-backed incentives.
• Customer-centric experiences: Explore how to meet rising customer expectations with better reliability, exceptional service delivery and new differentiated services.

Why Attend?

• Expert-led sessions: Learn from industry leaders who are shaping the future of broadband.
• Cutting-edge innovations: Experience live demonstrations of the latest technologies and solutions driving the broadband network (r)evolution.
• Actionable insights: Walk away with a clear roadmap to tackle your unique challenges and thrive in the competitive broadband space.
• Network with the best: Build connections with peers, partners and innovators.

In addition, employees of CableLabs member operator companies can receive complimentary full-access passes, which include all headliner and conference sessions as well as entry to the show floor and a private lounge. SCTE is a CableLabs subsidiary.

Fueling the Future of Connectivity

This year’s agenda spans seven dedicated tracks — from AI & Automation to Differentiated Services, Wireless & Convergence and StreamTech — ensuring that every attendee leaves with practical knowledge and actionable insights. The AI Zone will return, bringing live demos and cutting-edge applications to the show floor.

Featured speakers include CableLabs President and CEO Phil McKinney, CableLabs CTO Mark Bridges, SCTE President and CEO Maria Popo, and executives from CableLabs member companies:

• David Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Connectivity & Platforms, Comcast
• Frédéric Perron, President and CEO, Cogeco Inc. and Cogeco Communications Inc.
• Bin Haga, Chairman of the Board, Representative Director, J:COM
• Charlie Herrin, President, Technology & Product, Connectivity & Platforms, Comcast
• Justin Colwell, Executive Vice President, Technology Strategy & Innovation, Charter Communications
• Elad Nafshi, Executive Vice President, Chief Network Officer, Comcast
• Tom Monaghan, Executive Vice President, Field Operations, Charter Communications
• Damian Poltz, Senior Vice President, Wireline Network and PMO, Rogers Communications
• JR Walden, CTO & SVP, Mediacom Communications

Connect With CableLabs at SCTE TechExpo25

If you’re making TechExpo25 plans, reserve time in your schedule to engage with CableLabs experts in behind-the-scenes explorations of the technologies and companies forging the future of the broadband industry. In addition to providing their perspectives in nearly two dozen engaging sessions, our team will be on hand to bring you live, interactive demonstrations and guided tours that bring the latest broadband innovations to life.

Join us for the demos, tours and sessions below to explore our comprehensive Technology Vision for the future of connectivity, and discover how these breakthroughs are transforming everything from spectrum sharing approaches to seamless user experiences.

Expert-Led Demos Powered by CableLabs

From Monday through Wednesday on the show floor, visit the NCTA booth (F600) for hands-on demonstrations with CableLabs experts. Each demo offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with our team and see firsthand how these technologies can address real-world challenges in our industry.

They will take place from 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Monday, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesday, except where otherwise noted. All times below are EDT.

The demos include:

• Frictionless Connectivity: Explore Zero-Touch Onboarding, which can automate Wi-Fi connections for health care devices without apps or technical support. See how users — such as patients and caregivers — can benefit from instant, seamless and secure connectivity for remote monitoring and virtual visits.
• Smart Networks, Seamless Experiences: Dive into Quality by Design technology, where apps and networks can communicate automatically to resolve performance issues. Experience how this delivers smoother streaming and faster load times without user intervention.
• Optimized Network Performance: Session automation gets the spotlight in this AI-powered network optimization demo showing automatic bandwidth management for multiple devices and applications. Watch how critical tasks like video calls maintain quality even during peak household usage. (Note: This demo will be available early on Wednesday, beginning at 9 a.m.)
• The Future Is Dynamic: Dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) technologies can transform how operators deploy networks by allowing different technologies and use cases to coexist in the same spectrum. This presentation will explore how DSS can create abundance out of scarcity — enabling seamless and reliable connectivity for consumers no matter where they are. (Note: This demo will be available early on Wednesday, beginning at 8:30 a.m.)

Member-Only Vendor Tours

Exclusive to CableLabs member operators, we are also offering a series of five curated tour experiences on the TechExpo show floor. Members can register for one of the five tours, each featuring companies that are developing DOCSIS 4.0 or XGS-PON technology products.

• DOCSIS 4.0 Core (Tour 1): 11–11:45 a.m. Monday
• DOCSIS 4.0 CPE (Tour 2): Noon–1 p.m. Monday
• XGS-PON OLTs/ONUs (Tour 3): 10:45–11:30 a.m. Tuesday
• DOCSIS 4.0: Actives and Passives (Tour 4): 11:15 a.m.–12:10 p.m. Tuesday
• XGS-PON ONUs (Tour 5): 9:15–10 a.m. Wednesday

At each stop, members will have opportunities to:

• Engage with product experts who have successfully participated in recent CableLabs Interop·Labs events.
• Get an inside look at the latest innovations driving multi-gigabit, low-latency and highly reliable broadband.
• Get a jump on understanding future solutions and start building your own views of these important technology solution areas.

If you’re a CableLabs member attending TechExpo, view the tour topics and find a time that works with your schedule. Spots are limited, so register for a tour by Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Focused, Expert-Led Sessions

The action-packed TechExpo agenda features numerous sessions with CableLabs experts serving as moderators or panel members, including:

Monday

• Agentic AI Transforming Network Operations (Session block: Intelligence at the Edge, 1-2:15 p.m., Room 151 AB) — See how agentic AI is revolutionizing network operations across Wi-Fi, access networks and field operations through predictive analytics and real-time optimization. Paul Fonte, director of the Future Infrastructure Group at CableLabs, leads a panel discussion on AI-driven solutions that boost customer experience through predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics and guided repairs.
• An Automated Spectrum Analysis Framework (Session block: Analyzing, Managing and Maximizing Wireless Networks, 1:20–2:15 p.m., Room 150 AB) — Explore a comprehensive end-to-end framework for real-time dynamic spectrum sharing across multiple technologies and use cases to ensure regulatory compliance and interference mitigation. Robust spectrum analysis systems provide critical insights into spectrum usage and enable dynamic spectrum sharing capabilities. Mark Poletti, Roy Sun and Rahil Gandotra from CableLabs’ Wireless Technologies team discuss the latest technology trends and activities around DSS.
• Wi-Fi Reliability (Session block: The Reliability Revolution in Wi-Fi, 2:30–3:45 p.m., Room 150 AB) — This session, moderated by CableLabs principal architect Josh Redmore, dives into the growing complexity of managed Wi-Fi networks, from capacity planning and traffic modeling to translating lab testing into real-world performance gains. Join us as we explore cutting-edge approaches to Wi-Fi diagnostics, congestion management and the latest advancements in Wi-Fi standards.
• Edge LLM Hosting (Session block: Operationalizing LLMs in the Network Ecosystem, 4–5:15 p.m. ET, Room 151 AB) — Find out how to host large language models using edge compute infrastructure and integrate them into generative AI systems for industry-specific applications. The session covers reinforcement learning techniques and fine-tuning strategies that customize models for low-latency, agentic AI use cases. Distinguished technologist Randy Levensalor presents this technical paper.
• Emerging Fiber Technologies — How AI is Driving Innovation of Future of Transmission Networks (Session block: Speed, Intelligence and the Future of Fiber: Innovations Driving Next-Gen Transmission, 4–5:15 p.m. ET, Room 146 BC) — This panel looks at next-generation fiber innovations designed to meet generative AI’s demanding requirements for reduced latency and increased reliability. The discussion covers complementary technologies like Distributed Acoustic Sensing and high-density connectivity that accelerate repair speeds and enhance network scalability. Dr. Alberto Campos, CableLabs fellow, joins this panel.

Tuesday

• E.T. Phone Home: Converging Opportunities from Earth to Space (Session block: Converging Networks, Expanding Horizons, 12:30–1:45 p.m. ET, Room 150 AB) — See how cable and satellite operators are working together to create converged network services that expand coverage and enhance customer connectivity. The session examines real-world partnership results between major MSOs and satellite providers and looks at how satellite capabilities fit into hybrid network strategies. CableLabs Vice President of Technology Strategy Chris Stengrim moderates this session, and principal strategist Hans Geerdes joins as a panelist.
• Connectivity as a Service (CaaS) — CableLabs Members Only (Session block: Seamless by Design: Innovative Paths to Scalable, Always-On Networks, 2–3:15 p.m., Room 150 AB) — This exclusive, members-only session covers the future of always-on connectivity using wired, wireless and satellite networks that work together seamlessly regardless of access technology. CaaS simplifies user experience while identifying the competitive advantages, architectural requirements and use cases operators need to bring this service model to market. CableLabs’ David Debrecht, vice president of Wireless Technologies, and Sanjay Patel, senior director of Technology Strategy, share their perspectives.

Wednesday

• The Transformative Impact of Coherent PON (Session block: Architecting the Future Access Platform, 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m., Room 146 BC) — Distinguished technologist Matt Schmitt moderates this session on how coherent PON technology enables revolutionary new architectures and advanced services that go beyond traditional point-to-point connections. The discussion covers the strategic reasoning behind key technical decisions in transmission convergence and physical media dependent layer specifications, plus how these advancements unlock new possibilities for scalability and service innovation.

Discover many more game-changing technology topics across all tracks and expert speakers.

Are You Ready for the (R)evolution?

TechExpo gives you hundreds of opportunities to explore groundbreaking solutions, forge strategic partnerships, stay current on policy developments and transform your operations to meet the demands for seamless experiences.

Register for TechExpo25 today to connect with global operators, policymakers, vendors and innovators next month in Washington, D.C., and join the conversations shaping the industry’s future.

The broadband industry is preparing to bid farewell to one of its most influential leaders. Michael Powell's retirement from NCTA – The Internet and Television Association caps a distinguished tenure marked by revolutionary policy innovation and unwavering commitment to increasing access and advancing connectivity for all Americans — a transformative chapter that paves the way for continued progress.

As the former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Michael brought a unique perspective to policy shifts in the industry. Over the past 15 years as president and CEO of NCTA, he has advocated for policies that support innovation, helping to shape the future of connectivity.

Michael announced his retirement in February. This week, NCTA announced the appointment of his successor, former U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, who represented Colorado in the Senate from 2015 to 2021 and in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2015. He will officially join the association later this month.

Champion of Broadband Access and Innovation

Michael has been called a champion of the industry by many, but his vision for the future of connectivity extends far beyond traditional broadband infrastructure.

He has been a steadfast industry ally throughout his career, first as FCC chairman, fighting battles over Title II broadband regulations, and later as president and CEO of NCTA, where he has led some of the most significant efforts toward seamless connectivity through the 10G initiative.

Michael’s advocacy for the 10G initiative — which enables widespread seamless connectivity and enables technologies that will fundamentally change how we live, work, learn and play — exemplifies his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in broadband technology. Advocating for improved speed, access and reliability for all, Michael has described 10G as “not the picture, (but the) canvas on which the demands of our imagination will be built,” underscoring the massive opportunities for innovation such a network can offer.

His ability to recognize future connectivity needs and champion the policies to make them reality has been invaluable. When the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for reliable, secure and fast connectivity, the broadband industry showed it was not only ready but performed exceptionally well. Michael’s efforts and contributions to the 10G initiative helped move us forward into the connectivity that we know today and set the stage for the innovations that will drive our future.

His work with the initiative is foundational to the Technology Vision for the future of the industry, the next generation of connectivity innovation.

Above and at top: Michael Powell speaks with CableLabs President and CEO Phil McKinney during a general session at SCTE TechExpo in 2023.

Spectrum Leadership and Wi-Fi Advocacy

Michael’s tireless advocacy for unlicensed spectrum and innovative solutions to unlock these wireless resources has been instrumental in shaping the industry's future. His support for spectrum sharing solutions like Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) has increased access to critical spectrum resources, enabling additional mobile capacity to enhance consumer choice in mobile services while extending high-speed internet access to Americans in rural and underserved areas.

Earlier this year, Michael testified before the House Energy & Commerce Committee, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to spectrum management and emphasizing its essential role in maintaining America's economic and technological leadership. He argued that efficient spectrum use is fundamental to the country's competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

Michael’s advocacy stems from his conviction that “Wi-Fi is more than just convenience — it's a game-changer for our economy and innovation.”

The CableLabs Connection

For many years, Michael has served as a non-voting member of the board of directors at CableLabs. Michael’s policy work and vision for "permissionless innovation" — the idea that individuals and companies should be able to experiment and innovate with new technologies without extensive regulatory barriers — is a philosophy that has guided much of his work and helped create an environment where breakthrough technologies can flourish.

CableLabs President and CEO Phil McKinney reflects on Michael’s impact:

"We at CableLabs are immensely grateful for Michael’s leadership and advocacy. He has certainly contributed to our ability to innovate and build the networks of the future.

"He has been a guiding light on policy in the broadband industry and has brought us to where we are today. Michael has an uncanny ability to balance competing interests, promote innovation and navigate complex government and policy issues.

"The foundations he has laid will continue to benefit all of us for years to come. We’re all stronger, more innovative and better positioned for the future because of his efforts.”

Michael — who was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Cable Hall of Fame in 2022 — leaves a legacy of impact that will continue to position America as an economic and technology leader far into the future. CableLabs is grateful for his efforts and wishes him success and happiness in his well-deserved retirement.

The broadband industry is only as strong as the people who power it. 

At CableLabs, we believe that innovation isn’t driven by technology alone — it’s driven by the people behind it. That’s why we’re focused on strengthening the industry through three key areas: collaboration, connection and preparation. By creating environments where people can exchange knowledge, engage with peers and accelerate skill development, we’re not just preparing for the future — we’re actively shaping it.

Together with our subsidiary, SCTE, we build our efforts around:

• Collaborating to solve industry-wide challenges
• Connecting experts, engineers and leaders
• Preparing the future workforce at every level

Through these pillars, groundbreaking ideas become real solutions — and the people who bring them to life are empowered to thrive.

Collaborating to Solve the Industry’s Toughest Challenges

From idea to impact, collaboration is at the core of everything we do.

We know that innovation is a team effort. CableLabs’ working groups bring together member operators, vendors and industry peers to align on challenges and develop real-world solutions. Whether it's advancing DOCSIS® technology through hands-on collaboration in our Interop·Labs events or shaping network evolution strategies across our innovation ecosystem, every breakthrough starts with the right people in the room.

This commitment to collaboration is reflected in efforts like the Technology Vision for the industry, which reframes broadband innovation around user experience — and the shared work it takes to deliver it. You can also see it in action through initiatives like our Interop·Labs events, where engineers and vendors test, refine and accelerate the development of new technologies together.

All of this is backed by the work happening inside our labs, where real-world testing environments make it possible to move from concept to deployment — with speed and precision.

This collaborative spirit is what enables solutions to scale. Collaboration within the broadband ecosystem helps align the industry and drive progress — ultimately allowing operators and vendors to accomplish more together. It’s essential that we create impact together by turning shared challenges into real-world solutions. We invite our members and the vendor community to engage with us and one another through CableLabs working groups, SCTE Standards, and a host of interoperability and industry events.

Connecting Industry Leaders

Innovation accelerates when people come together.

The broadband industry moves forward when people have the space to connect, exchange ideas and learn from one another. At CableLabs, we create opportunities — both in person and online — for members to engage in meaningful conversations that drive the industry ahead.

Events like the CableLabs Winter Conference 2025 bring leaders together to align on priorities and explore the technologies shaping tomorrow’s networks. Our ongoing webinars and virtual events offer flexible, accessible ways to stay informed and engaged throughout the year.

You’ll often see CableLabs at industry events — whether we’re attending, speaking or connecting with peers across the ecosystem. At CES 2025, President and CEO Phil McKinney explored how major trends like AI and immersive experiences are shaping the future of connectivity — and the key role the broadband industry will play in delivering those experiences. Catch the key takeaways in this recap.

Whether face-to-face or virtual, every event is a chance to learn and build the relationships that move innovation forward.

Preparing the Future Workforce

The future of broadband depends on the people who build it.

Sustaining innovation means preparing the next generation of broadband professionals — and supporting those already in the field. CableLabs and our subsidiary, SCTE, are committed to empowering these rising professionals through meaningful on-the-job experiences that help them build the skills, confidence and connections they need to thrive in the industry.

To cultivate future technology leaders, CableLabs’ summer internship program welcomes driven and talented university students to gain real-world experience at our Colorado headquarters and contribute directly to industry innovation. At the high school level, our support for programs like P-TECH are helping local underserved students gain hands-on STEM experience and mentorship.

We’re also proud to collaborate with SCTE, which plays a vital role in equipping engineers and technicians with the certifications, standards and skills they need to meet the challenges of today’s networks — and tomorrow’s.

By investing in education, mentorship and continuous training, we’re helping ensure the broadband workforce is ready for what’s next.

Looking Ahead

Collaboration, connection and preparation are foundational to the success of the broadband industry. By investing in people and creating opportunities to work and grow together, we’re not only getting ready for what’s next; we’re helping lead the way.

We look forward to building the future — together.

The future of connectivity will be built on networks that deliver seamless customer experiences. To differentiate themselves in the broadband market, operators must embrace relentless innovation and adaptive service models centered on network evolution, monetization strategies and enhanced user experiences.

As networks evolve beyond traditional boundaries, CableLabs’ ongoing commitment to network platform development, standards and specifications, and vendor interoperability provides a foundation for continuous service innovation.

The shift from infrastructure-centric competition to service-driven differentiation demands a new approach to service delivery. The convergence of fixed and mobile networks — and rapid advancements in satellite network technology — will empower operators to offer next-generation services.

Partnering for Progress in Next-Gen Connectivity

Key to advancing seamless connectivity services is collaborative innovation and problem-solving — a tenet of the Technology Vision for the future of the industry. By joining forces with others in the ecosystem, CableLabs, our member operators and the vendor community can align goals, bring together diverse perspectives, and accelerate the innovation and deployment of new services.

Below, we break down some of the areas of opportunity for differentiated services, what operators should consider now and how they — and other industry stakeholders — can engage with CableLabs in this work.

Fixed Network Evolution: Weighing the Benefits of PON

To meet growing demand for broadband, operators must ensure their networks can deliver higher capacity, lower latency and increased reliability. Passive optical networks (PONs) offer one strategic option to achieve these goals by:

• Extending fiber deeper into networks while maintaining cost efficiency.
• Enabling multi-gigabit speeds and supporting advanced applications to enhance service offerings.
• Providing a scalable foundation for emerging demands such as enterprise SD-WAN, Internet of Things (IoT) and AI-powered services.

Of course, DOCSIS-based HFC networks can also support many of these capabilities, but PON presents an alternative path that could align with some operators’ long-term strategies.

However, deciding when to transition to PON requires careful consideration. Here are three key indicators that may signal the right time to move forward:

• Capacity Constraints and Network Performance: If existing hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks are approaching capacity limits, PON is one option that can provide the scalability needed to support data-heavy applications like cloud gaming and 8K streaming. When congestion and reliability issues impact quality of experience, operators should assess whether PON can improve performance.
• Long-Term Cost and Infrastructure Strategy: PON simplifies network architecture and supports higher-density service areas. In many cases, it may be a cost-effective long-term investment for operators looking to expand fiber deeper into their networks.

Operator Takeaway: Before switching to PON, operators should consider whether it could help them maximize investment returns and stay ahead of industry demands by aligning network evolution strategies with business objectives.

Advanced Optics: A Path Toward Coherent PON

Advanced optics play a critical role in ensuring that networks can deliver multi-gigabit speeds, support low-latency applications and optimize fiber deployments for both residential and enterprise customers. To meet growing demand, operators need fiber-optic solutions that can scale to meet increasing bandwidth and reliability requirements.

Investing in next-generation optical technologies allows operators to:

• Maximize fiber network efficiency by increasing capacity without requiring excessive infrastructure overhauls.
• Deliver higher-speed, lower-latency services to meet the needs of ultra-HD streaming, cloud gaming and AI-driven applications.
• Prepare for future speeds of 10G and beyond by leveraging advanced optical transport solutions that enable seamless scalability.

Designed for long-term scalability, Coherent PON (CPON) is one such solution. It allows for multi-gigabit symmetrical speeds while also reaching farther and splitting higher, and it improves on spectral efficiency relative to traditional PON technology. It is ideal for high-density areas, enterprise services and next-generation applications that require higher fiber capacity and lower latency.

Operator Takeaway: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to optical network evolution. Operators must assess their growth objectives, market conditions and infrastructure readiness to determine the best path for the future.

Fixed-Mobile Convergence: Leveraging the HFC Network

Fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) is emerging as a key strategy that allows operators to deliver a consistent connectivity experience across broadband, Wi-Fi, cellular and, in the future, satellite networks. As consumer demand for seamless, always-connected experiences grows, operators must find ways to integrate fixed and mobile networks to provide a more unified service.

By leveraging the HFC network for FMC, operators can:

• Reduce reliance on costly mobile spectrum by offloading mobile data to fixed networks where possible.
• Improve customer experience without service disruptions.
• Optimize network efficiency by dynamically routing traffic based on capacity and cost.

FMC allows operators to maximize their existing fixed network infrastructure while enhancing mobile service capabilities. Here’s how operators can take advantage of this shift:

• Wi-Fi Offload: Operators with extensive HFC deployments can offload mobile traffic to their Wi-Fi networks. This reduces cellular network congestion and improves performance by leveraging home and public Wi-Fi hotspots to supplement mobile coverage.
• Seamless Network Handoffs: With improved integration between fixed and mobile networks, as well as network intelligence, users can transition between fixed broadband and mobile networks without disruption. This is an important way to improve customer satisfaction in densely populated areas where mobile networks may experience congestion.

Operator Takeaway: Fixed-mobile convergence represents the next phase in network evolution, offering cost efficiencies, improved service reliability and a superior user experience. Operators who invest in HFC-driven FMC solutions will be well-positioned to compete in a world where customers expect continuous, high-quality connectivity across all their devices.

Security and Privacy: Leveraging Security as a Competitive Advantage

In today’s digital landscape, network security and data privacy are no longer just compliance requirements — they have become key differentiators that influence customer trust, retention and revenue growth. With cyber threats increasing in both sophistication and frequency, operators must move beyond reactive security measures and instead offer proactive, built-in security features that enhance service value.

Investing in advanced security and privacy solutions enables operators to:

• Differentiate their services by highlighting existing premium security features in networks that customers may not see from competitors.
• Reduce operational risks by preventing cyberattacks that could result in downtime, data breaches or regulatory action.
• Enhance customer trust and loyalty by providing robust protections for user data and privacy.

When security is viewed as a revenue driver rather than a cost center, operators can create value-added services by leveraging cutting-edge technology to protect network and customer data. Here’s how:

• In-Home Security: Enabling experiences in the home that are built upon a security foundation for device connectivity, making secure living easy and automated while providing peace of mind.
• Infrastructure and Operations Security: Implementing zero trust architectures ensures that network components don’t rely upon geography for security, but that every element is credentialed and authenticated. This creates challenges for adversarial lateral movement within the network and enhances security for both consumers and enterprises.
• Privacy-Enhancing Technologies: With increasing regulatory scrutiny on data privacy, operators can differentiate themselves by implementing confidentiality in communications — led by cable networks, through secure onboarding of devices and privacy-preserving practices pioneered by the cable industry.

Operator Takeaway: Security and privacy are no longer just back-end considerations. They are now frontline competitive advantages that impact customer decisions. Operators that proactively integrate zero trust security, privacy-enhancing technologies and intelligent threat detection into their service offerings will not only protect their networks but also gain a strategic edge in the market.

Next Steps for Investment in Service Innovation

Continuous service innovation is the heartbeat of the broadband industry. By investing strategically in network evolution, security and service integration, operators position themselves to capture new revenue opportunities and maintain market leadership.

The path forward for market differentiation begins with a careful assessment of where to invest and what to prioritize. If you’re an operator, here’s how to get started.

• Identify Market Gaps: Start by conducting thorough market research, including customer insights and competitor analysis. Using this analysis, identify unmet customer needs and competitive gaps to inform your technology investment strategy and service development roadmap.
• Leverage Industry Collaboration: Industry collaboration accelerates innovation while reducing individual risk. Participation in working groups and interoperability events helps operators share knowledge, validate solutions and ensure compatibility across vendor ecosystems while leveraging emerging technologies to differentiate.
• Adopt Emerging Technologies Strategically: Prioritize investments that align with long-term service objectives and focus on network upgrades that enable multiple service opportunities rather than single-use solutions.
• Measure ROI and Market Impact: Track key performance indicators such as customer response, technology performance and revenue indicators to measure implementation success. Adjust strategies and next steps based on market response.

Accelerating Service Differentiation Through Collaborative Innovation

While collaboration may seem counterintuitive as a differentiation method, working with other industry stakeholders is one of the best ways to develop scalable, real-world solutions that meet user needs. Industry collaboration drives standardization, accelerates technology adoption and reduces deployment risks. Without it, operator capabilities may be limited and could result in lost growth opportunities, poor user experiences and lagging innovation.

CableLabs remains committed to bringing the industry together by fostering collaboration among our member operators and the vendor community. Working groups, Interop·Labs events and other joint initiatives give operators a platform to help shape the networks of tomorrow by pooling resources, sharing best practices and developing interoperable solutions.

Our member operators can explore the newly updated member portal for details about our ongoing work and how to get involved in our projects, or learn more about working groups using the button below.

Are you ready to strategize and share at CableLabs Winter Conference 2025? In just a few weeks, an exclusive gathering of CableLabs member operators, approved vendors and industry thought leaders will meet in Orlando, Florida, to discuss and collaborate on how to move the industry forward.

Join us March 10–13 as we work to unlock the value of seamless connectivity and capitalize on the opportunities ahead. Member registration closes Monday, February 24. Secure your spot to take part in charting a course for success in the next era of connectivity.

The Path Ahead

Winter Conference sessions will be an in-depth exploration of the Technology Vision, with each session highlighting individual aspects of the framework — the architectures, protocols, technologies and strategies required for building and evolving the network of the future together. Hear from the experts on topics such as Network Evolution, Security Evolution, Differentiated Services and AI and take home practical insights to inform and inspire your own journey.

By aligning on a shared vision and working together to foster more robust, efficient and sustainable industry ecosystems, our member operators and the vendor community can collaboratively unlock new levels of agility and create solutions at scale. The Technology Vision, developed in collaboration with our members, lays out a roadmap for this more connected, intelligent and secure tomorrow.

Key Winter Conference Highlights

Register today to join us for high-impact sessions, plus hours of additional networking and vendor connections during provided meals and Exhibit Floor receptions. Members-only project meetings will be held Thursday, March 13.

Highlights this year for members and exhibiting vendors include Zack Kass, our keynote speaker. The AI futurist and former head of go-to-market at OpenAI will share his vision for a future powered by AI, offering actionable strategies for leveraging technology to accelerate innovation. Also, new this year, discover how four global startups are disrupting connectivity, focusing on solutions to enhance network performance and reduce latency during our neXus: Startup and Scaleup Spotlight.

View the full agenda for more details. All sessions and demos at a glance:

Tuesday, March 11

Sessions

• Shedding Light on Tomorrow’s Optical Access Networks
• The Rise of AI Automation: A Catalyst for Network Innovation
• Broadband Lunch: Insights Into Forecasting Network Demand
• The What, Why and How of Future HFC Solutions (two parts)
• Shaping the Security Evolution: Strategies from Industry CISOs
• The Power of NaaS: Simplifying Connectivity With Zero Touch Onboarding
• The Next Generation of Wi-Fi Access: Transforming the Connected Home and Beyond
• Breaking Barriers: Buildling Scalable Telemetry for Multi-Access Network Innovation

Demonstrations

• Mobile Wi-Fi Steering to Cellular
• Spectrum Monitoring
• Adversarial Machine Learning and Machine Augmented Penetration Testing
• neXus: Startup and Scaleup Spotlight: Redefining the Connected Home Experience
• neXus: Startup and Scaleup Spotlight: Making Wi-Fi Smarter Through AI-Powered Spectrum Slicing
• NaaS Featuring Traveler Wi-Fi

Wednesday, March 12

Sessions

• What Lies Ahead: Shaping the Future of Connectivity
• Spectrum Policy: Opening a New World of Connectivity Options
• API-First Networks: Building the Foundation for Future Services
• Redefining the Road to Reliability
• Security Evolution: Threats, Technology and Product Differentiation
• A Coherent Path to FTTP Deployments
• The Quest for Seamless Connectivity
• Context Is King: Unlocking Differentiated Services With Smart Networks
• Balancing Economic Trade-Offs in the Last Mile

Demonstrations

• neXus: Startup and Scaleup Spotlight — Unlocking the True Potential of Advanced Networks
• neXus: Startup and Scaleup Spotlight — Revolutionizing Network Operations with Agentic AI
• Harnessing ATSSS: Seamless Traffic Switching for Uninterrupted Connectivity
• Mobile Wi-Fi Steering to Cellular
• Spectrum Monitoring
• Adversarial Machine Learning and Machine Augmented Penetration Testing

Smaller Market Conference

Ahead of Winter Conference, we invite small and mid-tier multi-system operators to join the Smaller Marketing Conference on Monday, March 10, to discuss the issues that are most important to them and their teams. This event is available for CableLabs members and NCTA guests. Registration for Smaller Market Conference is separate from Winter Conference, so if you are planning to attend, please be sure to register for both.

Make Your Mark at CableLabs Winter Conference

Are you ready to impact the future? Join us at Winter Conference 2025, and be part of the conversation on guiding the industry’s path forward. Beyond simply being an opportunity to

Attendees will not only learn more about the Technology Vision. They will also take part in important conversations that will shape the direction and influence the success of that strategic vision.

Registration for Winter Conference 2025 is open for members through Monday, Feb. 24. Secure your spot today.

As we progress toward a future of context-aware connectivity and adaptive networks, what will ultimately move the needle for the industry is a collaborative ecosystem built on a shared vision of interoperability. Our Technology Vision, developed in collaboration with member operators, provides a strategic framework to accelerate the delivery of next-generation connectivity and beyond — unlocking agility, facilitating industry alignment and creating solutions at scale.

Collaboration is vital to the success of the Technology Vision. At Winter Conference 2025, we will convene industry leaders and other experts to work together to collectively discuss and solve key challenges for our organizations. Together, we can deliver network solutions that are flexible, reliable and capable of enabling new services and seamless user experiences.

Shaping the Discussion at CableLabs Winter Conference

Our keynote Zach Kass, AI futurist and former head of go-to-market at OpenAI, will kick off with his vision of a future powered by AI. He will shed light on the technologies driving its evolution and guide organizations on how to effectively leverage AI’s transformative power to accelerate innovation and streamline operations.

Each session of Winter Conference will focus on a different component of the Technology Vision framework and explore next steps for building and evolving the network of the future together. Some highlights include:

• In a two-part series, The What, Why and How of Future HFC Solutions sessions will explore how future DOCSIS®️ generations align with next-gen networks to boost capacity, reliability and security as well as 6G development by 3GPP, leveraging MSO scale and using HFC assets for mobile offload, small cells and future optionality.
• In Balancing Economic Trade-Offs in the Last Mile, we’ll examine use cases for various access technologies based on market needs, existing infrastructure and competition. Learn how operators can integrate these technologies to craft unique connectivity solutions.
• The Shaping the Security Evolution: Strategies from Industry CISOs session brings industry security executives together to discuss network protection, cyber policy, incident response and collaborating with governments to counter persistent threats. Discover how their strategies shape secure, differentiated services.
• Learn how context-aware network technologies help operators deliver tailored services in Context is King: Unlocking Differentiated Services with Smart Networks. Explore how adaptive responses to customer location, device type and network conditions can optimize performance, prioritize traffic, boost satisfaction and drive revenue.

Collaborate to Impact the Future

Join us at CableLabs Winter Conference 2025, March 10–13 in Orlando, Florida, for an action-packed two days of conference sessions followed by member-exclusive project meetings. Connect and collaborate with CableLabs members, approved vendors and industry thought leaders to strategize on the future of the industry and explore the latest technology innovations at the exhibition.

The days of measuring network performance by speed alone are long gone. Nearly six years ago, the broadband industry launched its 10G initiative, setting in motion significant achievements toward the widespread availability of a future-ready network capable of much more than multi-gigabit speeds. CableLabs has delivered on every commitment of the initiative since, and we continued that momentum in 2024.

As we move forward into the next era of seamless, context-aware connectivity and intelligent networks, users will expect more than just faster speeds — including more reliability, lower latency and enhanced security from their network connections in addition to faster speeds.

“Digital transformation demands a future-ready network that is not only fast but smart, reliable and adaptive to the user’s needs at any moment,” said CableLabs President and CEO Phil McKinney.

This year, CableLabs and its members have achieved multiple milestones on our path toward a 10G platform that supports all of these goals. These milestones include breakthroughs that will accelerate the transition from the pursuit of ultrafast speeds to an emphasis on creating adaptable networks that can meet the dynamic needs of users and devices in real time.

Among these breakthroughs are advancements in Network as a Service (NaaS); Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput (L4S) equipment; interoperability events and the release of new security frameworks.

Building the Future of 10G

The 10G platform of the future is defined by four themes: increased reliability, lower latency, enhanced security and faster speeds. These themes align with the Technology Vision’s core pillars of seamless connectivity, network platform evolution, and pervasive intelligence, security and privacy.

Reliability: NaaS and Operational Practices

Complex application needs require dynamic network solutions. But without a standardized approach, operator capabilities are limited in potential innovation and user experience advancements.

Earlier this year, CableLabs unveiled NaaS to meet this need for a standard solution. In essence, NaaS enables third-party developers to connect directly to network services and data through a common set of APIs. It closes gaps between application needs and network capabilities, supporting faster development at industry scale.

Collaborating with experts from CableLabs and our operator and vendor communities, CableLabs subsidiary SCTE released an operational practice document specifically intended to guide the industry toward improved network reliability. The publication, released in July, serves as a guide for operators and vendors to help achieve the highest network and service reliability through measurement and management of key performance indicators while also lowering operations costs.

Latency: L4S Interoperability

Latency is the key to better user experiences with real-time communication applications. Over the course of 2024, CableLabs facilitated and hosted a series of events focused on improving interoperability between the next-generation applications that implement L4S and the networking gear (including DOCSIS® 3.1 and DOCSIS 4.0 equipment) that provides the necessary L4S congestion signaling.

At these events, application and operating system developers worked to enable future immersive experiences that require low latency at high data rates. Operators were also able to test network configurations for field trials and deployments of Low Latency DOCSIS (LLD) technology.

CableLabs also facilitated a series of L4S interoperability events this year in coordination with the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). The goal of these events was to provide further opportunities for application developers and network equipment developers to collaborate.

In another significant milestone, CableLabs secured a Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) value from the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority to mark non-queue-building (NQB) traffic. After years of consensus-building at the IETF, this assignment helps reduce delays and improve the user experience for latency-critical applications such as voice calls and gaming.

Security: Advanced Cybersecurity Standards and Zero Trust Practices

Because intelligent networks have many points of access, they need a comprehensive security framework that can safeguard against threats at each of those points. This framework should emphasize credential protection, supply chain risk management, policy-based access and consistent control.

In January 2024, CableLabs released the Routing Security Profile, or RSP, an actionable and adaptable guide to enhancing internet routing security. The RSP focuses on helping organizations better identify, protect, detect, respond to and recover from cybersecurity events using the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 1.1’s core functions.

On Oct. 1, 2024, CableLabs released version 2.0 of the RSP, incorporating feedback from stakeholders.

Speed: DOCSIS 4.0 Interoperability

CableLabs also facilitated and hosted a series of events focused on multi-supplier interoperability across the DOCSIS 4.0 ecosystem this year. These events brought participants from various companies together to advance preproduction and development versions of network hardware and application software.

The April event highlighted developments in virtualization and speed, setting new records in downstream speeds — over 9 gigabits per second through a DOCSIS 4.0 modem. The August event focused on advancing upstream capabilities.

In another key milestone for the industry, CableLabs made strides toward further innovation across technology and business models and from multiple suppliers by advancing DOCSIS 4.0 technology with Full Duplex DOCSIS, or FDX, now extending operation to 1.8 gigahertz.

Also this year, SCTE worked with industry and CableLabs experts to publish operational guidelines to aid operators in their transition from DOCSIS 3.1 to DOCSIS 4.0 networks. The December release, which focuses on optimizing the network for the extended spectrum ranges for both upstream and downstream transmissions, is designed to ensure that operators are well-prepared for the upgrade.

CableLabs Members Reach 10G Milestones

Progress toward functional 10G technologies is at the forefront of innovation and development among CableLabs members. Over the past year, several of our members made key advancements:

Charter Communications and CableLabs: Bryte IQ

In September, Charter Communications collaborated with CableLabs to launch a NaaS platform called Bryte IQ. Based on Linux Foundation's open-source CAMARA project, the platform streamlines and secures access for developers on Spectrum’s wired and wireless networks. Bryte IQ will foster innovation through easy-to-use, interoperable APIs, accelerate application development and broaden service possibilities for business-to-business clients.

CableLabs, Charter, Cox Communications, GCI and Rogers Communications: Security and Infrastructure

September also saw the release of the Zero Trust and Infrastructure Security (ØTIS) Best Common Practices (BCP), which aligns CableLabs’ RSP to zero-trust implementation for core and access network infrastructure. ØTIS is a joint initiative with Charter, Cox Communications, GCI and Rogers Communications and focuses on credential protection, secure storage, secure automation and other key security controls.

Comcast and Cox: Speed and Infrastructure

This year, Comcast and Cox both made advancements that will move the industry closer to a 10G platform. Comcast introduced DOCSIS 4.0 and met their goal of reaching 10 million premises with multi-gigabit speeds. Cox committed to a multibillion-dollar annual infrastructure investment in a 10G network.

Comcast: Latency

In November, Comcast successfully completed its field trial of LLD and is now deploying the technology.

Midco: Latency

Midco presented a technical paper at SCTE TechExpo 2024 showing that high-speed data services can be delivered on HFC networks with latency levels comparable to or better than PON performance for NQB traffic.

Midco: Speed and Reliability

As part of its Fiber Forward initiative, Midco is expanding and upgrading its next-generation fiber network its entire footprint which includes Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The $500 million investment is on track to deliver 10G speeds to this region by 2030. As a milestone of this next-gen fiber expansion and upgrade, Midco launched multi-gig speeds to all eligible passings and continues to see improved performance, as verified by Ookla Speedtest Intelligence for the fastest internet speeds and highest network Consistency Score.

Rogers: Speed

Also this year, Rogers started trialing DOCSIS 3.1+ cable modems in select neighborhoods in Canada to deliver speeds of 4 Gbps downstream and 1 Gbps upstream, enabled by new DOCSIS 4.0 modem technology, a global first.

Envisioning the Future

The future of context-aware connectivity and intelligent networks is closer than we think.

Heading into a new year, CableLabs continues its commitment to realizing that future through our Technology Vision for the industry. Together with our members and other industry partners, we will work to deliver network technologies that bring us closer to that vision — all made possible by the power of the 10G platform.

Smart networks of the future will be characterized by their ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of businesses and consumers. Powered by advanced network telemetry and automation, these networks will be highly visible and resilient, able to withstand disruptions and attacks without compromising performance. 

Achieving the goal of pervasive intelligence, security and privacy across networks will ensure information and data security, unmatched performance and reliability in any connectivity context. Security will be built into the network from the ground up, and security policies will be defined and implemented using scalable solutions that evolve with the network.  

Watch the video below to learn how pervasive intelligence, security and privacy — a core pillar of the CableLabs Technology Vision — will ensure that users are always protected, even as the network changes. 

Networks of the future will protect users with intelligence at every point, using AI and machine learning to identify and resolve problems before they impact users. CableLabs fosters collaboration across the industry to achieve these goals, driving industry alignment and prioritizing interoperability.  

Explore our working groups and learn how you can get involved in architecting the future. 

Did you know that there is more to Wi-Fi than plugging in your router and choosing your internet service provider? To unlock faster speeds and get the best connection, it’s helpful to understand how Wi-Fi works and what you can do to improve performance in your home.

Wi-Fi operates using a complex system of radio waves. Like sound waves, these waves can experience interference from environmental factors. Signals can bounce off or be absorbed by walls, metal appliances and even water-filled items like aquariums. This interference weakens the signal leading to slower speeds and connectivity issues, especially as the distance from the router increases.

For most users, simple adjustments like moving your router to a different location in your home can improve signal strength and connection quality.

Watch our video, “How Does Wi-Fi Really Work?,” to learn more about how you can reduce interference and enjoy a better Wi-Fi experience.