Several rumors are floating across multiple blogs and user groups about an upcoming 18 Mbps tier for AT&T U-verse, sans a video component. The service is supposedly code named “Max 18” and will be priced at $65/month. The service is expected to debut sometime in November. AT&T does need to address their broadband offerings on a market by market basis, as cable competitors begin to roll out wideband. Comcast is prepping wideband services that will initially offer a 22 Mbps tier for $62.95/month, as well as a high end tier of 50 Mbps for $139.95. They have publicly stated they intend to reach 20% of their markets by year end 2008. Next year will be an interesting one to watch, as wideband goes head up with both FiOS and U-verse. What will be even more interesting to watch in the years that follow is cable’s integration of WiMAX into their product portfolio to counter telco’s ace in the hole competitive advantage – broadband wireless.
Consumers may complain about competition and coverage, but speaking broadly the cost per Mbps continues to drop.