Competition is driving up choice and Internet speeds across the Triangle with AT&T launching the latest round of faster access on Thursday.
Customers can now get much faster net access even if they can’t get AT&T’s fiber network – or don’t want it. AT&T recently cut its GigaPower network prices.
Time Warner Cable also recently began upping its Internet speeds as part of a new “Maxx” campaign, which was announced in March.
And still to come is service from Google Fiber, which is expected later this year. (Frontier offers high-speed Internet in Durham County; Century Links also offers high-speed access in the region.)
AT&T is calling the new non-fiber speed capabilities “High Speed Internet 75” – a reference to speeds up to 75 megabits per second (mbps) over its existing network. Previous top speed was some 45 mbps.
Prices vary and discounts are available if consumers combine Internet with AT&T’s U-verse entertainment network.
Speeds up to 75 mbps are available for as low as $39.95 as part of a bundle of services for one year or $74.95 standalone.(To check on availability in your area, visit: http://www.att.com/local/.)
Fiber-optic speeds are some 1,000 times faster over the AT&T GigaPower network, which is already available in parts of the Triangle area.
“Customers tell us they need faster ways to live, work and play, so we rolled up our sleeves – and delivered,” wrote AT&T’s Bob Bickerstaff, who is vice president for voice and data products, in a blog announcing the upgrades.
“Over the last three months we’ve launched the new high-speed 75 megabit per second option in parts of nearly 90 cities across more than 60 markets. Additional markets will be announced in the future as service becomes available.”
The new markets include the Triangle as well as Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem.
Time Warner’s Internet upgrades deliver up to 300 megabits per seconds. Prices range from $35 to $65 per month.
