Comcast matches Verizon Fios speeds

[dbarrow]

http://news.com.com/Comcast+matches+Verizon+Fios+speeds/2100-1034_3-6055095.html?tag=newsmap

* And the race is on! Didn't we predict this about a year ago?
Not to mention, where have they been hiding all that bandwidth they have been soaking us premium dollars for?

Comcast is increasing the speed of its broadband service in what looks like an attempt to keep pace with Verizon Communications' Fios service. ...

[Smokey]

I was told about this about a week ago from a friend who works in Comcast. Without reading that article, basically in an area where FiOS is being released, Comcast is matching the speeds. Otherwise they would obviously lose the customers. They have been working on their backbone continually and have been increasing their capabilities so that they can do this for quite a while.

[Dan18960]

Yea, but they are still running COAX cable - and you are on the same link as your neighbors. They can ring all the bells they want - as soon as FIOS is in my area Comcast will be OUT!:couch2: :laser:

[dbarrow]

Actually, coax can do considerably more. It has already been proven. It will require Docsis2 modems and upgraded equipment on their end.
FIOS it ain't but, the new speed wars may at least prove beneficial to the consumer in the end and maybe drive the prices down some.

[Smokey]

yes coax can run more, BUT it cannot run more than fiber. bottom line no matter how you think of it or try to prove it, you can't. And yes, with comcast you are still splitting your bandwidth with others. FiOS is a set bandwidth to you that you pay for and thats it, just like dsl.

[dizz]

Great speed schmeed after a certain threshold speed is not that important. actually unless you are downloading massive files on an ongoing basis is 12MPS really going to make a 6 MPS throughput obsolete? I think not. What would impress me is a tiered fee system where say 6 MPS is 10/month 10 MPS and above 20-25/month instead of paying over $40/month (modem as extra...give me a break).

Yes I am a capitalist and I wholeheartedly believe companies need to profit but folks once that cable is laid they are mining electronic gold FOREVER so why the incredibly high prices.

A bit less speed at a might reduction in cost would suit me and benefit fixed income folks school kids and all people in general.

By the way spell check not working using FF 1.0504

[Dan18960]

Great speed schmeed after a certain threshold speed is not that important. actually unless you are downloading massive files on an ongoing basis is 12MPS really going to make a 6 MPS throughput obsolete? I think not. What would impress me is a tiered fee system where say 6 MPS is 10/month 10 MPS and above 20-25/month instead of paying over $40/month (modem as extra...give me a break).

Yes I am a capitalist and I wholeheartedly believe companies need to profit but folks once that cable is laid they are mining electronic gold FOREVER so why the incredibly high prices.

A bit less speed at a might reduction in cost would suit me and benefit fixed income folks school kids and all people in general.

By the way spell check not working using FF 1.0504

Dizz,

I agree - the "average" user doesn't really benefit from the added speed. They are getting emails, surfing some web sites, and MAYBE downloading a file or two sometimes. Now I know ME, I just downloaded 2 files that were over 200mb (but then it is business!).

What I am waiting for is FIOS to come here. They already laid the "guide" pipeing (sp?), I am just waiting for the Verizon trucks to run the fiber and I will dump Comtragic in a New York minute! I am so tired of the freezing in the HD box and locking screen (I actually have to change the channel to get the picture back!).

But as for laying the coax once and forgetting it - it does need periodic maintance. But on the other hand ANY company that can offer Disney $60(odd) BILLION in CASH definitely can lower their rates SOMEWHAT!

[mylanta]

You know Dizz, say what you like, a few months ago I did a client a few miles away in Comcrap land and I really felt the difference so much I had to run a test and found 8000kbps...it dazzled me as the best I can do on Dsl (and I am thrilled to have it at 1/2 the price of satellite and twice as fast) is 2800 so I look forward to the day of seeing 3 times my speed and hang the cost. 2 years ago I was paying $60 a month with $600 install fee to get satellite because the alternative was that beautiful dialup sound...
Of course I am on the pc all day long and faster downloads, would make my repairs of client pc's who thankfully use Norton Av and AVG AV to keep me going, but the faster I can scan those buggers, the more clients I can service...that and my favorite "and what do you use to control spyware?"
And the answer "spyware, what is that" says she as her pc won't even boot up in under 1 hour!!!!

[dbarrow]

http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/comcast

Interesting discussion there about DOCSIS 2 and 3.

There appears to be a slow move to DOCSIS2 modems ... not that Comcast is calling to tell you about it or offer it as it really won't effect current speeds.
It does open up bandwidth which can yield more for them in their pay TV channels so you may see more of it soon.

DOCSIS3 is still not set as a standard but promises to compete with FIOS. No plans to go there in the near future.

Speedburst ... not much talk about it ... other than their commercials ... but it supposedly boosts levels above the established caps for large downloads.

In the meantime.... their DNS servers are still running like mud, may have to go back to using Verizon server.
Time for a phone call to Service today as I think there is a faulty amplifier on the local node again.
SNR and signal levels jumping all over the board lately, especially hot or wet days.

Ping Plotter is showing all kinds of whacky lags all over their system jumping from one area to the next.

Sprintlink and some of the ATT backbones have been really laggy as of late way above the Comcast level.

[jcampi]

Here in Cablevision (Optimum Online) Country I believe the cable company has the entire system running on fiber. The only coax is the one comming into your home. I routinely get download speeds from 8 to 13Mbps. Upload speed is usually about 1.5Mbps. I'm so happy with Cablevision I have no reason to even consider Fios from Verizon. By the way, my previous local phone service with Verizon sucked. I'd be leary to go back to them for internet or local phone service.

[kelly]

Dan, Don't get too excited about getting FIOS into your place soon. Last sumemr Verizon laid the orange FIOS conduit. This spring they installed the actual fiber and did the splicing. I still haven't heard when the service will be in place.

-td

[Dan18960]

Damn - there go my balloons :wacko: