Cable Firm Sets Speed Record With 101Mbps Broadband

If you have a need for speed, Cablevision could be the broadband firm for you. It's offering subscribers a new U.S. record of 101Mbps: fast enough to download an high definition (HD) movie in less than 10 minutes.

The package, known as 'Ultra', will launch on May 11 and will cost $99.95 a month. It also allows uploads of 15Mbps and has no monthly limits on either: uploads or downloads. Cablevision is also doubling the speed of its WiFi service, which is available free to subscribers and uses hotspots in various locations across the northeast. (Source: dslreports.com)

Cablevision uses a technology known as DOCSIS 3, the latest and most efficient version of a system used for transferring Internet data over cable lines.

Going The Extra Meg

The new package appears to be an attempt to stop rival firm Verizon from gaining a foothold in Cablevision's key market: New York. Verizon, which offers combined TV, Internet, and home phone packages, is reportedly testing 100Mbps connections in employees' homes. It's possible that's why Cablevision picked the unusual 101Mbps speed.

At the moment, the deal appears to be more about winning a race than making serious money. Cablevision chief Tom Rutledge says he doesn't expect many home users will take up the service this year, and what revenues the firm does get will be mainly from a few business users.

Rival Boasts It Could Smash The Record

It will be interesting to see how the competition affects Verizon's pricing and services in the area. The firm normally charges $140 a month for its top 50Mbps package, but has already reduced that to $90 in the New York area where it competes with Cablevision.

Verizon says it doesn't plan to match the speed right now, but argues its cable system's fiber optic technology already has the capacity to offer speeds up to 400Mbps, without further upgrades.

The Cablevision service isn't a world leader, however. A firm in Japan offers 160Mbps for the equivalent of $60 a month. (Source: nytimes.com)