Fiber Broadband Association Report Outlines Cable Industry Path to FTTH

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This week at Fiber Connect 2026, the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) released a new technical paper, “Upgrading MSO Networks to Fiber to the Home (FTTH): A Technical Perspective.” The report examines how cable operators can move from legacy hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks to FTTH infrastructure. Developed by FBA’s Technology Committee, it reviews deployment models, technology choices, and operational factors for Multiple System Operators (MSOs) planning long-term network upgrades.

The report notes that MSOs have long relied on HFC networks to deliver television, voice, and broadband services. Although standards such as CableLabs’ DOCSIS have improved coaxial network performance, rising demand for symmetrical bandwidth, lower latency, and greater reliability is driving the shift to full-fiber infrastructure. The legacy coaxial drop between the HFC fiber backbone and the customer premises is increasingly unable to support the high-speed, low-latency connections users now expect. 

“Fiber-to-the-home provides the capacity and scalability needed to support the next generation of broadband services,” comments John George, FBA Technology Committee Chair and Lightera Sr. Director of Global Business Development. “As network demands continue to grow, this paper highlights the technical pathways available to MSOs looking to modernize their infrastructure and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving broadband landscape.”

Several key drivers accelerating MSO interest in FTTH upgrades are highlighted in the paper including:

  • Rising demand for higher download and upload speeds driven by cloud services, AI applications, and connected devices,
  • Competitive pressure from FTTH providers offering symmetrical gigabit and multi-gigabit services,
  • Lower operational costs associated with fiber networks compared to HFC infrastructure,
  • The long-term scalability and lifespan of fiber networks,
  • Support for emerging low-latency applications such as immersive gaming, advanced IoT, and real-time cloud services.

The analysis also describes several deployment options for MSOs, including greenfield FTTH builds, phased “fiber deepening” strategies that gradually reduce reliance on coaxial infrastructure, and full overbuilds that convert entire HFC networks to fiber.

The report also emphasizes operational factors MSOs must address during the transition, including workforce training, fiber network management, OSS/BSS integration, and deployment of customer premises equipment.

By John Celentano, Inside Towers Business Editor