Comcast has launched DOCSIS 3.0-based "wideband" services in more than half of its footprint in the Denver metro area, with plans roll out faster Internet speeds in other areas of the state by the end of 2009.
With the next-generation cable modem technology, Comcast offers residential customers download speeds of up to 50 Mbps and doubling speeds for current Performance tier customers -- to up to 12 Mbps downstream and 2 Mbps upstream -- at no additional cost.
The MSO said it began the network upgrades in Denver in late August. Later this year, Comcast said, the new services will be available throughout most of the communities it serves in Colorado, from Pueblo to Fort Collins and in most of the Mountain communities along the I-70 corridor.
"We applaud Comcast for their efforts to bring the benefits of advanced wideband Internet to all areas of our city," Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper said in a statement. "We are grateful for companies like Comcast that continue to demonstrate their commitment to enrich our lives through innovation and investment."
Comcast's Extreme 50 (up to 50 Mbps downstream speed and up to 10 Mbps upstream) is $99.95 per month when bundled with cable TV service. The Ultra tier (22/5) is $62.95 per month bundled.
Separately, Comcast this fall is raising the monthly fee to lease cable modems for all high-speed Internet customers from $3 to $5, citing the higher cost of deploying next-generation services such as DOCSIS 3.0. Customers may opt to purchase a cable modem rather than lease one from Comcast.
The nation's largest cable operator is aiming to deploy DOCSIS 3.0 to 40 million of the premises -- close to 80% of its nationwide footprint -- by the end of this year, with full coverage by 2010. Comcast earlier this month launched a 100-Mbps service for businesses in Minneapolis/St. Paul.
