What enhancements in DOCSIS allowed broadband cable operators to compete with traditional telephone companies?

Quality of Service (QoS) controls and enhanced security are significant enhancements in DOCSIS technology that enable broadband cable operators to effectively compete with traditional telephone companies. By implementing QoS, broadband services can prioritize different types of data traffic, ensuring that latency-sensitive applications like voice calls and video conferencing maintain high-quality performance even during peak usage times. Enhanced security measures are essential for protecting user data and providing a secure environment for online activities, which is a critical factor in user acceptance and trust.

This combination of reliable performance, particularly for real-time applications, and robust security makes broadband cable services more appealing compared to traditional telephone services, which may not offer the same level of performance or security. As a result, these enhancements help cable operators position their services more favorably in comparison to traditional offerings from telephone companies, contributing to their competitive edge in the market.