Analysis examines how MSOs can transition from hybrid fiber-coaxial networks to scalable FTTH infrastructure to meet growing bandwidth demand

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Today at Fiber Connect 2026, the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) published a new technical paper, Upgrading MSO Networks to Fiber to the Home (FTTH): A Technical Perspective, outlining strategies for cable operators to transition from legacy hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) networks to fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) infrastructure. FBA’s Technology Committee developed the paper, examining deployment models, technology options, and operational considerations for Multiple System Operators (MSOs) evaluating long-term network upgrades.

For decades, MSOs have relied on HFC networks to deliver television, voice, and broadband services. While standards such as DOCSIS have improved performance over coaxial networks, growing demand for symmetrical bandwidth, lower latency, and higher reliability is increasing pressure to deploy full fiber infrastructure.

“Fiber-to-the-home provides the capacity and scalability needed to support the next generation of broadband services,” said 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.”

The paper identifies several key drivers accelerating interest in FTTH upgrades, 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 technical analysis also outlines several deployment approaches available to MSOs, including greenfield FTTH overbuilds, phased “fiber deepening” strategies that gradually replace coaxial segments, and full network overbuilds that transition entire systems to fiber. Additionally, operational considerations are offered for MSOs planning the transition, including workforce training, fiber network management, OSS/BSS integration, and customer premises equipment deployment.

The full paper can be found here. Register for FBA’s Fiber Forward Weekly newsletter here for the latest industry updates.

About the Fiber Broadband Association

The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) is the voice of fiber, helping providers, policy makers, and communities make informed decisions about how, where, and why to build better fiber broadband networks. FBA is the largest and only trade association that represents the complete fiber ecosystem of service providers, manufacturers, industry experts, and deployment specialists. Since 2001, FBA and its members have worked to advance fiber broadband deployment to accelerate innovation and increase quality of life by enabling every community to leverage the economic and societal benefits that only fiber can deliver. The Fiber Broadband Association is part of the Fibre Council Global Alliance, which is a platform of six global FTTH Councils in North America, LATAM, Europe, MENA, APAC, and South Africa. Learn more at fiberbroadband.org.

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Source: Fiber Broadband Association