2014’s Gigabit Network Boom: A Recap

[Commentary] The gigabit network trend accelerated substantially in 2014. I was astonished how many new players this year entered the market or announced plans to do so. In addition, several carriers that announced gigabit plans in previous years -- including like AT&T, C Spire and Google -- announced plans for new markets this year. As of a year ago, only a few small companies on the cable side had announced gigabit plans. But in 2014, we saw Cox Communications, one of the nation’s largest cable companies -- announce an ambitious gigabit strategy. And Time Warner Cable could launch gigabit service in Los Angeles, depending on the results of a municipal RFP. And several smaller cable companies -- including Bright House, Grande Communications, Midcontinent and others -- also said they would join the gigabit movement.