Comparing the network upgrade costs of DOCSIS 4.0 ESD to overbuilding with Fiber-To-The-Home

For over a decade, cable operators have led North America’s residential broadband market by investing in DOCSIS® technology and upgrading their hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks. These incremental improvements allowed them to offer fast, reliable internet and stay ahead of telco competitors. Now, with growing demand for high-speed, symmetrical bandwidth, cable providers are preparing for DOCSIS 4.0—but questions remain about its cost and long-term viability. Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), seen as the gold standard, offers unmatched performance, scalability, and future-proofing. As cable operators weigh further HFC upgrades versus a move to FTTH, the best path forward may depend on each network’s unique starting point and strategic goals.