WOW! Launches New Technology Pilot Program in Panama City to Bring Multi-Gig Speeds to Customers

Rhea-AI Summary

WOW! Internet, TV & Phone (NYSE: WOW) successfully launches a pilot program in Panama City using Distributed Access Architecture nodes to expand its hybrid coaxial fiber network and deliver multi-Gig speeds at competitive prices to customers. The technology aims to lay the framework for DOCSIS 4.0 and symmetrical multi-gig services, enabling WOW!'s next-generation 10G network of the future.

Insights

Telecommunications Analyst

The upgrade of a local broadband network to include 2 Gbps download speeds using Distributed Access Architecture (DAA) is a significant development in the telecommunications industry. This advancement is indicative of the ongoing arms race among internet service providers to offer faster and more reliable services. The implementation of DAA nodes allows for a more efficient data distribution system, which brings the data processing closer to consumers, enhancing network performance.

For stakeholders, this move by WOW! Internet, TV & Phone suggests a strategic investment in infrastructure that positions the company to meet the rising consumer demand for high-speed internet. This could potentially lead to increased customer satisfaction and retention, as well as attracting new subscribers looking for higher bandwidth offerings. In the long-term, the groundwork laid for DOCSIS 4.0 and a future 10G network could secure the company's competitive edge in the market.

However, such technological enhancements often come with substantial capital expenditures. Investors should monitor the company's financials in subsequent quarters for the impact of these investments on their balance sheet and income statement. It's also crucial to consider the execution risks associated with rolling out new technology and the potential for operational disruptions during the transition period.

Financial Analyst

The announcement by WOW! to pilot a program delivering multi-Gig speeds at competitive prices represents a proactive approach to capitalizing on the growing market for high-speed internet services. By offering 2 Gbps download speeds, WOW! is not only enhancing its product offering but also potentially increasing its Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), a critical metric in the telecommunications sector.

Investors should consider the potential revenue growth against the costs associated with deploying the DAA technology. The company's ability to deliver these services cost-effectively will be essential in determining the financial success of this initiative. Additionally, the market's response to the upgraded service in terms of subscriber growth and churn rate will be key indicators of the project's impact on the company's market share and profitability.

Industry Analyst

WOW!'s deployment of Distributed Access Architecture is a reflection of broader trends within the telecommunications industry, where companies are increasingly moving towards network architectures that support higher bandwidth capacities. This aligns with consumer trends that show an escalating demand for data-intensive services such as streaming, online gaming and remote work.

By focusing on legacy markets in the Midwest and Southeast, WOW! is also addressing the digital divide, ensuring that existing markets are not left behind as new technologies emerge. The phased approach to network enhancements signifies a measured strategy that mitigates risks associated with large-scale deployments. Industry peers will likely observe WOW!'s pilot program as a case study for similar upgrades.

Local broadband provider upgrades its network using Distributed Access Architecture to include 2 Gbps download speeds

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WOW! Internet, TV & Phone (NYSE: WOW), a leading broadband services provider, today announced it has successfully launched a pilot program in its Panama City market using Distributed Access Architecture nodes to expand the capability of its hybrid coaxial fiber network and deliver multi-Gig speeds at competitive prices to customers.

By leveraging the most advanced DAA technology, WOW!'s service capabilities move closer to customers, resulting in improved performance and a faster, more capable network. This technology is being tested to expand the HFC network, laying the framework for DOCSIS 4.0 and symmetrical multi-gig services enabling WOW!'s next-generation 10G network of the future.

"As we plan for the ever increasing consumer demand for bandwidth, our goal is to proactively enhance our network and offer customers our most advanced technology at any given time," said Gary Nilsen, senior vice president, access networks at WOW!. "In addition to delivering greater capability and HSD speeds, the technologies being tested will help minimize the need for future upgrades. We look forward to further validating the enhanced capabilities of our network with this trial in Panama City."

The trial in Panama City is available to a select group of customers in a previously designated service area. Participating customers will benefit from 2 Gbps download speeds and 200 Mbps upload speeds. This phased approach to these enhancements will become available to both current and new subscribers in additional markets in the near future. 

"WOW! has had a strong presence in Florida for many years and it's important to us to ensure our legacy markets are getting the fastest, highest quality service we have to offer," said Henry Hryckiewicz, CTO of WOW!. "The trials in Panama City are an essential step in our broader plan to expand the capability of our network, in a very cost effective manner, for our legacy markets across the Midwest and Southeast."

For more information on WOW! and to find out if its services are available in your area, please visit www.wowway.com.

About WOW! Internet, TV & Phone
WOW! is one of the nation's leading broadband providers, with an efficient and high-performing network that passes nearly 2 million residential, business and wholesale consumers. WOW! provides services in 15 markets, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast, including Michigan, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, including the new all-fiber network in Central Florida. With an expansive portfolio of advanced services, including high-speed Internet services, cable TV, home phone, mobile phone, business data, voice, and cloud services, the company is dedicated to providing outstanding service at affordable prices. WOW! also serves as a leader in exceptional human resources practices, having been recognized 10 times by the National Association for Business Resources as a Best & Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation, winning the award for the last six consecutive years and making the 2022 Top 101 National Winners list. Visit wowway.com for more information.

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SOURCE WideOpenWest, Inc.

FAQ

What technology did WOW! Internet, TV & Phone use to upgrade its network?

WOW! Internet, TV & Phone used Distributed Access Architecture nodes to upgrade its network and deliver multi-Gig speeds to customers.

What are the download and upload speeds offered in the pilot program in Panama City?

The pilot program in Panama City offers 2 Gbps download speeds and 200 Mbps upload speeds to participating customers.

What is the goal of WOW! Internet, TV & Phone in enhancing its network?

The goal is to proactively enhance the network and offer customers the most advanced technology at any given time, minimizing the need for future upgrades.

Where can I find more information about WOW! Internet, TV & Phone and its services?

For more information on WOW! and to find out if its services are available in your area, please visit www.wowway.com.