Verizon announced several upgrades to its FiOS Internet service, increasing downstream and upstream speeds. Verizon now offers symmetrical speeds of 15 Mbps or 20 Mbps (depending on location) to FiOS subscribers in 16 states. The symmetrical service is priced at $64.99/month. Additionally, Verizon is upping asymmetrical speeds in the same footprint of either up to 50 Mbps/20 Mbps or up to 30 Mbps/15 Mbps depending on the state where the service is sold. Pricing for these new asymmetrical services varies by market and ranges from $89.95 to $139.95 a month. Verizon claims that one of these new packages is now available to all FiOS Internet subscribers. Verizon’s intention is quite clear, illustrated by comments made by Michael Cai, director of broadband and gaming research for the market research firm Parks Associates, “The system-wide introduction of symmetric FiOS Internet broadband service is a bold strategic move that Verizon’s cable competitors simply cannot match.” Broadband speed inflation continues.
Speeds are impressive, but will people pay $65/month, much less close to $100. Maybe, but seems unlikely to me.
Maybe it’s just me, but does anyone really need 50 Mbps in Internet access? I can see it for total broadband to the home, and you are including video/HDTV. But 50 seems like overkill – maybe 5 years from now. I guess Verizon’s attitude is, if you have it, flaunt it.