TCA NEWSLETTER
Latest industry news in Texas and around the country.
CABLE'S NEXT FRONTIER
INDUSTRY LEADER SPOTLIGHT
TEXAS PRIMARY ELECTION
We are excited to launch the latest issue of the Texas Cable Association newsletter. These monthly communications are intended to provide a brief overview of the significant things happening in the cable industry in Texas and around the country. From new technologies to ballot boxes, there is a lot happening right now! If you ever have any questions or information to submit please do not hesitate to contact us .
CABLE'S NEXT FRONTIER: 10G AND Wi-Fi 6
So many new products, devices and services being rolled out today depend on internet connectivity, increased bandwidth and powerful broadband speeds. While some telecom companies are focused on 5G technology, the cable industry is looking further down the road to give customers an even better experience with the new technologies 10G and Wi-Fi 6. What are “10G” and “Wi-Fi 6” – and what will it mean for cable’s broadband customers?
CABLE LEADERS: MEET JULI BLANDA OF SPARKLIGHT
Juli Blanda didn’t start out in the cable industry, but she quickly become a recognized cable leader and rising star. Now general manager for the Texas Coast Operations of Sparklight (formerly Cable One), she is chair of the Texas Cable Association and was recently appointed to the Governor’s Broadband Development Council where she will provide the viewpoint of the cable industry. A self-described “consummate volunteer,” Juli doesn’t just work and live in her community, she also gives back through involvement in numerous nonprofits and boards.
TEXAS PRIMARY ELECTIONS
The political and policy landscape of Texas and the United States will be determined by Texans voting in the upcoming March 3 primary elections. Texas is one of 14 states holding primary elections on this day, dubbed “Super Tuesday.” Texans will vote in either the Republican or Democrat primary for candidate for U.S. president, U.S. Senate, congressional and legislative offices, the State Board of Education, the Railroad Commission and judicial seats.
CABLE IN THE COMMUNITY
In cities and towns across Texas, local cable operators and their employees make their communities a better place to live. Cable companies not only make financial and in-kind donations to numerous civic and charitable organizations, but employees volunteer thousands of hours of their time each year. Check out the latest cable industry community initiatives below.
Altice USA: Amarillo high school student wins $1,500 Suddenlink scholarship for Hispanic Heritage essay
A Randall High School (Amarillo) student was awarded a $1,500 scholarship from Suddenlink by Altice for her winning essay in the Hispanic Heritage essay contest. Alyvia Esquibel, a senior at RHS, wrote her essay about the strength that comes from being different, drawing inspiration from Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, which won out of 240 essay entries from 82 different schools across the country. This is the third year that Suddenlink by Altice has offered the Hispanic Heritage essay contest celebrating diversity during Hispanic Heritage month.  Read more .

Comcast Takes Mentoring “Beyond School Walls” 
January marked National Mentoring Month, an annual effort to increase the number of mentors across the country and assure positive outcomes for more of America’s youth.  While the positive impacts of mentoring are usually associated with young people, Comcast has found that mentorship can have an equally impressive impact on the mentors themselves — in particular their experience and attitude in the workplace. Since 2009, Comcast in Houston has hosted students from Benbrook Elementary School in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston through a program called “Beyond School Walls.” Locally, 28 Comcast employees serve as “Bigs” to “Littles.”  Read more .
Sparklight feeds firefighters
When Sparklight called the Odessa Fire Department recently, it wasn’t to report an emergency – it was to offer up a taco bar. Sparklight’s Odessa team had leftover food from a launch party and offered it to a local fire station, which quickly arrived in a fire truck to pick up the unexpected feast. “It was so rewarding to be able to thank our first responders with a meal, courtesy of Sparklight,” said Sally Gore, Sparklight’s customer service manager in Odessa.
CABLE IN THE NEWS
Texas Cable Association | www.txcable.com