The U.S. has lagged behind many other countries when it comes to offering super-fast connections at home. The cost for a high speed line per megabit in the U.S. is high, partially due to the fact that much of the existing infrastructure isn't capable of supporting it. Many providers are looking for ways around it, though, and looking for ways to maximize the use of existing fiber connections and other links. The CEO of Comcast has recently unveiled a technology for cable modems that may allow speeds 25 times faster than what we expect today. These new modems, which are able to use multiple channels at once, similar to MIMO technologies, can supposedly rocket up to 150Mbps - quite a boost. The technology for home use isn't even that far off:
The technology, called DOCSIS 3.0, was developed by the cable industry's research arm, Cable Television Laboratories. It bonds together four cable lines but is capable of allowing much more capacity. The laboratory said last month it expected manufacturers to begin submitting modems for certification under the standard by the end of the year.
Many scoff at these sorts of speeds, wondering what anyone could possibly need with it. By the same token, the same thing was often said when DSL and Cable first became available, with speeds not that much greater than dialup. As they propagated, however, the amount of media available to them increased and thus the lines began to get used more. It seems with an internet connection, often it begins with a way that transforms into a will. Perhaps in a few years, you'll stream HD content straight to your machine. On demand indeed.