Verizon Doubling Broadband Internet Speed: Report

Verizon has announced that it will double the download speed of its top-tier broadband service. Observers regard this as a somewhat startling announcement, given that this service is already considered the fastest in the United States.

According to reports, Verizon subscribers who sign up for its top service will soon have access to download speeds ranging up to 300 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of 65 Mbps.

Download Movies in Two Minutes

To put these data transfer speeds into context, reports the LA Times, subscribers to this faster broadband service will be able to download a two-hour-long high definition movie or video in about two and a half minutes. Yes, minutes, not hours. (Source: latimes.com)

Verizon also plans to boost the upload speed of its second-tier service to 65 Mpbs, though its maximum download speed of 150 Mbps will remain unchanged.

Verizon currently recommends either of these premium plans for households with five or more people regularly using the Internet and requiring extremely fast broadband connections.

According to Verizon, it's introducing the new speeds to better accommodate the new ways people use the Internet.

"The ways we used the Internet and watched TV over the past 10 to 15 years have dramatically shifted," noted Verizon executive, Bob Mudge.

"With the emergence of smartphones, smart TVs, Blu-ray players, tablets and gaming consoles that also serve as over-the-top devices, consumers need more bandwidth to receive the highest-quality experience." (Source: latimes.com)

Free Upgrade to 300 Mbps Rumored

Verizon's announced changes go beyond these two upgrades, as well. The company is also introducing an entirely new plan with download speeds of 75 Mbps and upload speeds of 35 Mbps.

Verizon considers this an ideal plan for most households, and says these speeds offer more than enough data transfer capability to allow customers to conveniently download video, music, and other large media files.

Verizon has yet to reveal how these announced changes will be reflected in its pricing system. However, it is rumored that those currently on its 150 Mbps download speed plan will be given the option to upgrade to the new 300 Mbps service at no extra charge. (Source: slashgear.com)