LAS VEGAS -- NXTcomm 2008 -– Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) kicked off Day 2 of NXTcomm by announcing plans to offer its 50-Mbit/s FiOS package throughout its entire fiber footprint, currently 10 million U.S. homes. (See Verizon Hits 1M FiOS TV Subs.)

Until now, Verizon, which earlier this week announced it will offer FiOS to small business users, has only offered that access rate in specific markets within Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. Now, it will be offered throughout its FiOS network. (See Verizon Extends FiOS to SMBs.)

"The appetite for bandwidth shows no signs of slowing down," said Verizon chief operating officer Denny Strigl in a statement. "Neither will we. We’ve already had successful trials of the 100-Mbit/s home, which will be a reality faster than anybody thinks." (See Verizon Leads the Great 100-Mbit/s Bandwidth Race.)

The 50-Mbit/s FiOS package will be offered for $90 per month in New York and Virginia, and at $140 per month in all other markets. The 50-Mbit/s downstream speeds will be coupled with the 20-Mbit/s upstream speeds Verizon began offering in October 2007. (See Verizon Seeing 20/20.)

Verizon’s ultimate goal is to enable 100-Mbit/s downstream to each FiOS subscriber. The carrier says it has successfully conducted 100-Mbit/s field trials with employees, but hasn't yet set a timetable for a commercial launch.

— Raymond McConville, Reporter, Light Reading