Comcast launches 1 gigabit to customers
Comcast launched the Chicago and suburban trial of a new internet service that delivers speeds up to 1 gigabit-per second (gbps) to customers. The service will use DOCSIS 3.1 technology to deliver these speeds over the company's existing network infrastructure.
With a 1 gbps connection, customers can download a 5 Gigabyte HD movie 40 seconds; download a 600 Megabyte TV episode in four seconds; download a 150 Megabyte music album in two seconds; and download 15 Gigabyte video game in two minutes.
"We're delivering gigabit speeds over the existing network that already passes millions of homes in the Chicago area," said John Crowley, Comcast greater Chicago region senior vice president. "Our commitment to providing customers with a great experience is front and center with this announcement, and we're proud that Comcast's Chicago area customers will be among the first in the world to have access to this new Gigabit technology."
The consumer introduction of DOCSIS 3.1 marks a major step forward in the evolution of ultra-high-speed broadband. Customers with gigabit-capable devices will be able to sign up for a new plan.
"Comcast's investments in our technology infrastructure have helped to advance and evolve our economy, and I applaud their commitment to the technology ecosystem," said Fred Hoch, CEO of Illinois Technology Association. "DOCSIS 3.1 is a significant step forward in internet Technology."
In February, Comcast unveiled plans to offer the service in Atlanta and Nashville in the first half of the year, with Chicago, Detroit and Miami to follow in the second half. In December 2015, Comcast announced it had successfully installed its first DOCSIS 3.1 modem in Philadelphia. The modem also was tested in several Chicago area locations to ensure the best possible customer experience before launching the service locally.
In 2015, Comcast launched its residential, fiber-based, multi-gigabit service called Gigabit Pro with 2 gbps speeds. Gigabit Pro is available to 18 million homes across the country and about 2.4 million homes in Comcast's Greater Chicago Region, which includes Illinois, Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan.
The price of the new service with no contract is $139.95 plus taxes and fees.