APRIL - JUNE 2021TELECOM TECH OUTLOOK9Customers just want it to work ­ and rightly so!Exacerbating the challenge further: the introduction of the internet of things (IoT) world where homes now have smart devices to control lights, doors, garages, thermostats, cameras, and more. All of these very handy devices have pushed the limits of WiFi even further and introduced other concerns such as cybersecurity exposures for customers. As ISP options and the associated stress of staying connected have grown, home internet has become overwhelming for the average customer, and the service provider is in the perfect position to help make it simple and easy. Technology solution providers' mission is to provide the most reliable high-speed bandwidth available and take the complexity out of technology so that the garage door always opens, the lights dim to the sound of your voice and your doorbell camera captures each package and visitor as they arrive.Along with impeccable service delivery, the industry is answering the call for better customer service with an explosion of tech solutionsthat are constantly being developed. WiFi 5, with wireless speeds up to 1 Gbps, is the norm for in-home deployment, and WiFi 6 is becoming mainstream with 10 Gbps capacity. XGS-PON is being deployed, pushing the 1 Gbps maximum capacity of the pastup to 10 Gbps capacity. Wireless heat mapping of customer homes to ensure solid coverage in every corner is the standard installation practice, and open visibility to all devices and utilization within the home is available to both the customer and the provider. All things someone surfing TV channels in 2003 may have never thought possible.After nearly 30 years in the industry, it's exciting to feel like we've put in the work to now enjoy the reward ­ millions of jobs maintained throughout a global pandemic because of reliable, high-speed internet, for one. While technology has been evolving for decades, there's never been a closer lenson the way it shapes our lives, and vice versa. The ongoing feedback loop of growing customer expectations and leapfrogging technological advancements is driving our industry forward and keeping us sharp. Personally, I can't wait to see what the next few years bring. Tom White
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