TDS Telecom is now offering a 2 Gbps speed tier in Spokane, WA and Meridian ID. Going forward the company will offer a 2 Gbps symmetrical service in all its new markets.
“The technology offers reliable speeds residents are looking for now more than ever, especially for those working at home, going to school, or staying in touch with family and friends online,” Julie Maiers, TDS’ Vice President Marketing and Product Development, said in a press release. “2Gig provides the best online experience for streamers, gamers, social media users, and families with multiple users.”
TDS launched service this year in nine neighborhoods in Spokane. In June, TDS said it would connect 22,000 additional addresses in Spokane County–including the City of Millwood–as well as 46,000 addresses in Spokane Valley.
The Spokane area project began last year. Eventually, 88,000 addresses will have access through a 1,100 mile FTTH network.
The Meridian project began in four neighborhoods this year. It eventually will reach 57,000 addresses in Meridian, Garden City and Boise.
These two projects were not the first 2 Gbps announcements from TDS. Earlier this month, the company was granted a municipal franchise by Billings, MT to build a 500-mile, 2 Gbps FTTH network that eventually pass 40,000 addresses. Construction is expected to begin in September.
The move to a 2 Gbps service by TDS is illustrative of accelerating speed tier adoption in the market. Earlier this week, the latest release of the OpenVault Broadband Insights (OVBI) report – which covers second quarter trends – found that adoption of higher speed tiers is on the rise, with gigabit speed tier penetration surpassing 10% for the first time.
