Super-fast internet expands

2008-06-19 09:48

Roger Cheng

New York - Verizon Communications Inc said on Wednesday that it plans to expand the availability of its super-fast internet service, further pressuring the cable providers in the speed game.

The New York telecommunications company will begin offering FiOS internet service next week, which boasts download speeds of 50 megabits per second, to 10 million homes and small businesses throughout its 16-state territory, widening it beyond its availability in six states.

While still just a fraction of Verizon's total customer base, the expansion represents a leap ahead of the geographic reach of cable providers' super-fast internet service.

At 50 Mbps, a person could download a high-definition movie in 13 minutes, or a 60-minute web video in eight seconds.

"The Verizon network is delivering broadband speeds that are unmatched by any competitor," said Denny Strigl, president and chief operating officer of Verizon, in statements prepared for his keynote address at the NXTComm industry trade show on Wednesday.

However, Comcast Corp said in April it would begin offering a similarly fast internet connection in Minnesota's Twin Cities region, with plans to expand to its entire service region by 2010. But cable has been slow to push speeds at that rate.

In addition to the faster service, FiOS allows for the delivery of television, which Verizon hopes will allow it to protect its customer base, and nab some subscribers from its cable rivals.

Verizon plans to make FiOS available in more than 18 million homes by 2010.

- Dow Jones