Comcast Corp., has started the trial of its DOCSIS 3.1 network, a gigabit broadband connection that promises higher connection speed over existing DOCSIS protocols. This trail is set to last until 2017 and will be used to determine if the cable company can release it commercially after.
DOCSIS, or Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, is a technology that was designed to allow the cable TV industry to provide high-speed wireless and fiber-based wireline networks of telecom operators, according to Yahoo News.
The DOCSIS 3.1 network can allegedly offer 10 gbps downstream and 1 gpbs upstream speed.
"The beauty of DOCSIS 3.1 is that it is backwards compatible, so no digging up streets or backyards. This technology, when combined with the extensive upgrades we have already completed on our advanced Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial network, will provide more gigabit choices for our customers," said Comcast, according to PC Magazine.
Comcast has not released information on the pricing of the new gigabit service but interested customers are hoping it will be cheaper than the available offers of the company, like the $300-per-month 2 gpbs service which was just launched this year, according to The Verge.
The cable company only revealed that it hopes for the network to be will be available in several parts of the country before the end of 2016.