the CATV's are digital. Can't remember if they broadcast the old VHF bands analog or not. I think they require a STB for even the basic-basic low tier.
Most likely they're going with the native cabling and methodology that each company is used to doing. ATT is primarily in the UTP business. They moved into premade whips for the STB to the tv and the CATV's don't generally deal with UTP, so it's less that they'd have to contend with also.
More of a convenience factor and inventory item than technology limiting item I can see. Why pay your cable monkeys to carry different cables when you can have your generic bulk cable on the truck and simplify. Unfortunately, they can barely get regular F connectors on right half the time, imagine with IDC, RJ's and the like.
Most likely they're going with the native cabling and methodology that each company is used to doing. ATT is primarily in the UTP business. They moved into premade whips for the STB to the tv and the CATV's don't generally deal with UTP, so it's less that they'd have to contend with also.
More of a convenience factor and inventory item than technology limiting item I can see. Why pay your cable monkeys to carry different cables when you can have your generic bulk cable on the truck and simplify. Unfortunately, they can barely get regular F connectors on right half the time, imagine with IDC, RJ's and the like.