Skip to main content

Comcast exec thinks there’s little demand for Google Fiber level speed

comcast
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Published in the Philadelphia Inquirer recently, Comcast executive vice president David L. Cohen wrote an editorial in which he claims customers simply aren’t ready to handle gigabit networks like Google Fiber. Specifically, Cohen claims most American homes don’t have the hardware to take advantage of the increased speed. In addition, Cohen states the majority of websites simply can’t deliver content at the speed available on current broadband networks. Assuming demand becomes sizable enough for Cohen and Comcast to actually take notice, he states “a competitive marketplace of wired and wireless broadband providers will be ready to serve it.”

broadband-5The majority of the editorial sings the praises of America’s existing broadband network and discounts critics that are seeking faster Internet speeds. For instance, Cohen praises overall coverage around the United States as well as affordability of monthly service and broadband speed increases over the past six years.

Cohen also credited broadband providers for the success of companies like “Google, Facebook, Apple, Twitter and Pandora” and praised mobile broadband providers for getting 4G LTE networks up and running.

However, Cohen did not mention the poor reputation issue plaguing companies like Comcast, Time Warner and other broadband providers. According to the most recent Harris Interactive summary report, Comcast ranks “poor” on the 2013 reputation chart; specifically gauged by the general public. In fact, Comcast has been rated poor for the last two years and companies like Time Warner and Verizon Communications also rank low on the list. Alternatively, Google has ranked in the top five for the last few years.

Comcast and other broadband providers also continue to have an issue with raising speeds for customers around the nation. The most recent version of Netflix’s ISP speed index places Google Fiber at the top of the list with an average speed of 3.41Mbps. Alternatively, Comcast has fallen from fourth place to eighth place on the list since the start of the year and averaged just over 2Mbps each month.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mike Flacy
By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…
Why you should buy a MacBook Pro instead of a MacBook Air
The 14-inch MacBook Pro on a window sill.

There are plenty of reasons to buy a MacBook Air instead of a MacBook Pro. If you want a MacBook on a budget, you don't necessarily need the goodies that come with upgrading to the MacBook Pro.

That being said, I'm going to argue for spending a little more. In my experience, the MacBook Pro offers several distinct advantages that help justify a higher price, especially with the introduction of the more affordable MacBook Pro 14 with the base M3. If you can stretch your budget a bit, here's why I think you should buy a MacBook Pro instead of a MacBook Air.
Setting the stage: pricing

Read more
Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: finally time to upgrade?
The screen of the Surface Pro 9.

Windows 11 is the newest version of Windows, and it's one of the best Windows versions released. At launch, the operating system was very similar to Windows 10, but it has morphed a lot over the past several years. Now, Windows 11 has several key differences compared to Windows 10.

If you've been holding out on upgrading, we have everything you need to know about Windows 11 and how it's different than Windows 10 in this article. We'll detail the differences, as well as show you the areas where Windows 11 is growing faster than Windows 10.
Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: what's new

Read more
Usually $299, this HP Chromebook is discounted to $149 today
HP Chromebook 14b sits on a desk.

If the laptop deals that you come across are too expensive because all you need is a basic device, then you may want to check out Chromebook deals. Here's an affordable offer that may catch your attention -- the HP Chromebook 14a for only $149, following a $150 discount on its original price of $299. That's insanely cheap, and we don't think that price will hold for a long time. If you're interested in taking advantage of this bargain, it's highly recommended that you proceed with the purchase immediately because it may be gone as soon as tomorrow.

Why you should buy the HP Chromebook 14a
A Chromebook is a laptop that's powered by Google's Chrome OS, which is a web-based operating system that allows devices to run fast and smooth despite cheap components. For example, the HP Chromebook 14a is only equipped with the Intel Celeron N4120 processor, Intel UHD Graphics 600, and 4GB of RAM, but it's good enough for the basic tasks that you'll need to complete for work or school such as typing documents, doing online research, and making presentations. The HP Chromebook 14a doesn't have much built-in storage as it only comes with a 64GB eMMC, but you'll have all the space that you need for your files on Google Drive.

Read more