Comcast Hikes Modem Speeds Again

Rather than cutting prices to compete with DSL providers and other rivals, Comcast is quietly boosting cable modem speeds in markets around the nation once again. And, not too coincidentally, the nation's largest MSO is starting the drive in communities where Verizon has launched its fiber-driven FiOS Internet service. In its latest move, Comcast is raising the speeds of its standard and premium broadband packages for no extra charge in the Fort Wayne, Ind. area this week. The MSO is doubling the upload speed of its standard service, which costs $42.95 a month and up, to 768 kbps while keeping the download speed at 6 Mbps. At the same time, it's increasing the download and upload speeds of its premium product, which starts at $52.95 a month, to 16 Mbps and 1 Mbps, respectively. With the northeast Indiana speed rollouts, Comcast has now hiked its data transmission rates in at least three markets--Fort Wayne, Reston, Virg. and Sarasota, Fla. A Comcast spokeswoman said more markets will follow, as the MSO seeks to improve its competitive position in areas where Verizon has rolled out FiOS. But she declined to say where and when Comcast will strike next.