3 ways Midco is staying on the cutting edge of new technology

This paid piece is sponsored by Midco.

Internet speeds that might be hard to imagine aren’t too far off into the future, and Midco is almost ready to deliver even faster, smoother internet today.

“Part of our ethos is offering the best for people who live here in the Midwest,” said Pao Lo, vice president of network engineering. “We believe we should strive in whatever we do to deliver that, including new technology. We want to ensure our customers have the latest and greatest, and are never left behind.”

That requires constant innovation and investment – and Midco is doing plenty of both.

Here’s a peek behind the scenes at three ways the company is positioning for the future.

Low-latency DOCSIS

Sure, the name is techy – “low-latency DOCSIS” – but deservedly so.

We’ve all been there: You’re streaming a movie, the kids are gaming, you’re in a virtual meeting or the big game is on — and then a lag strike. It might not be long, but it’s enough to interrupt the experience.

“With low-latency DOCSIS, traffic is prioritized such that you minimize any latency,” Lo said. “You won’t see a grainy picture. It will be crisp. Your kids won’t experience lag on their gaming console.”

Here’s even better news: If you’re using Midco’s cable modem service, this new technology already is turned on and being offered to you.

“Customers might not have noticed, but it’s already working – and included with their services,” Lo said. “The final piece is that device manufacturers also need to turn it on. But our network is ready to receive and prioritize it.”

Some big names already offer this: Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Nvidia.

“And more device manufacturers continue to update for it. Eventually, all your electronic devices in your home or business that use internet will be able to deliver this. And you’ll continue to see improvements as a user, even in a matter of months. Think of it like using a fast pass on a toll road but for your internet use. We have those express-lane highways ready.”

Wi-Fi 7

Next-generation Wi-Fi is getting closer.

It’s called Wi-Fi 7, “and what’s cool is that once your device – your laptop or cellphone – can handle Wi-Fi 7, you can get true Wi-Fi gigabit service inside your home or business,” Lo said.

The irony here is that Midco has had the infrastructure to deliver that lightning-speed service to your home or business for a while – but it still takes the right Wi-Fi product for you to experience it wirelessly.

And that’s coming.

“It’s the next generation of Wi-Fi, driven by chips in anything from your cellphone to your washing machine – anything that connects to your Wi-Fi,” Lo said.

“It’s not widely adopted, but we’ve prepped for it and been testing it.”

Like most new technology, at first it likely will be more expensive – but also provide a significantly different experience.

“We know customers’ demands and needs are going to change as more applications are developed and users are consuming more bandwidth,” Lo said. “Consumption of content has changed with everything from streaming services to people watching more short-form video, so internet service has to evolve accordingly.

“Combined with the latency-sensitive upgrades we’ve already made, it’s going to be a truly great user experience.”

25 GS PON

But even gigabit speeds may seem sluggish in a few short years.

You might remember Midco can already offer 5-gigabit network service to the home, but now the company is looking at 25-gigabit speeds.

“It’s the next big thing,” Lo said. “It’s lightning fast. Literally, your downloads are seconds sometimes. So if you think gigabit-service is fast, imagine 20 times that!”

The future moves fast when it comes to technology, so Midco is committed to being ready sooner rather than later.

“We are testing these technologies, we’re evaluating business plans for it, and we’re finalizing our approach,” Lo said. “Whether you’re using our service in a business or in your home, it’s important to know we’re working every day to ensure we’re ready to meet your needs and deliver access to the best-in-class technology available.”

To make sure you’re signed up for the region’s most cutting-edge services, stop in to Midco’s Customer Experience Center, or click here  to learn more.