How many customers must a cable system have at a minimum for FCC proof-of-performance (POP) testing to be required?

For FCC proof-of-performance (POP) testing to be required, a cable system must serve a minimum of 1,000 customers. This requirement is established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that larger cable systems maintain specific performance standards that affect the quality of service delivered to a substantial number of subscribers.

Testing is essential for larger systems because it helps identify issues related to signal quality, noise levels, and overall system reliability that can impact a significant number of users. Smaller systems, with fewer customers, may not be subjected to the same requirement as they generally have less complex infrastructure and a lower potential impact on the customer experience.

Understanding this threshold is important for maintenance technicians and cable system operators because it delineates when they must perform these critical performance tests to comply with FCC regulations, ensuring that their systems are operating within the required standards to provide optimal service.