The Comcast gigabit network has expanded to Chicago, with an announced trial to begin today according to the company. The service utilizes DOCSIS 3.1 technology, allowing Comcast to use their existing HFC network to deliver the ultra-broadband service.
“We’re delivering gigabit speeds over the network that already passes millions of homes in the Chicago area,” said Comcast Greater Chicago Region senior vice president John Crowley in a press release.
The Chicago trial joins Atlanta and Nashville as Comcast gigabit network markets. Earlier this year, Comcast announced plans to bring DOCSIS 3.1 gigabit services to Atlanta and Nashville first, followed by Chicago, Detroit and Miami later in the year.
Comcast first trialed DOCSIS 3.1 in Philadelphia, late in 2015. An Xfinity gigabit website is up to keep track of Comcast gigabit network progress.
Comcast will charge $139.95 per month with no contract, but does plan to offer promotional pricing plans. During the trial “…initial users will be encouraged to provide feedback about the service to Comcast, which will be used to help ensure future market rollouts deliver the best possible customer experience.”
Comcast will compete with AT&T for gigabit service in parts of Chicago and may face competition from Google Fiber in the future, perhaps through wireless fiber.
Comcast also offers a FTTH version of gigabit service, providing 2 Gbps service to select markets.
