Com Hem Labs testing symmetrical broadband of over 1 Gbit/s
Com Hem Labs is conducting a test in a property in Stockholm with broadband speeds of 1.2 Gbit/s symmetrical, which means the same speed both upstream and downstream. The purpose of the test, which is done on Com Hem’s FiberCoax network, is to prepare and fine-tune the technology before commercial launch in 2019.
The test is a part of the upgrade to the next generation of cable network under the international DOCSIS 3.1 standard, which in theory can provide up to 10 Gbit/s in download speeds and just over 1 Gbit/s in upload speeds. In preparation, Com Hem replaced electronics and optics in the most important nodes in the network during 2017, and will continue upgrading the access network in 2018 to unlock additional capacity for customers with the new technology.
“Once we have taken the step to DOCSIS 3.1, we will have increased capacity and speed for our customers at the same time as quality in the network improves. It’s like adding extra lanes to a highway along with a raised speed limit and improved safety. Com Hem is the first in the world to test symmetric 1.2 Gbit/s over cable, and many of the larger international cable operators are contacting us to learn more about how we’re working on the introduction of DOCSIS 3.1,” says Thomas Helbo, CTO of Com Hem.
The test, which will be run during the spring of 2018, is aimed at preparing the launch of large sections of Com Hem’s FiberCoax network. An initial step is launching services of 1,200/100 Mbit/s late in 2018, with the option to roll out symmetrical 1.2 Gbit/s if there is sufficient customer demand.
“Data usage is increasing by 40% per year. By updating to DOCSIS 3.1, we will have a future-proof, competitive infrastructure in our FiberCoax network. We will offer faster, more stable broadband to our end customers, and a lower cost of investment for our landlords,” Helbo concludes.
For queries, please contact:
Media
Fredrik Hallstan, Head of PR
Tel: +46(0)794 52 72
press@comhem.com
Investors
Marcus Lindberg, Investor Relations Manager
Tel: +46(0)734 39 25 40
marcus.lindberg@comhem.com
About Com Hem
Com Hem offers broadband, TV, play and telephony services to Swedish households and companies. Our powerful and future-proofed network with speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s, covers half of the country’s households, making the Com Hem Group an important driver of creating a digital Sweden. We bring our 1.45 million customers the broadest range of digital-TV channels and play services via top boxes as well as on-the-go for tablets and smartphones. The company was founded in 1983 and has approximately 1,100 employees. Com Hem Group is headquartered in Stockholm and operates through four subsidiaries: Com Hem AB, Boxer TV Access AB, Phonera Företag AB and iTUX Communication AB. In 2017, Group sales totalled SEK 7,136 million. Since 2014, the Com Hem sh
