Cablevision Unveils Fastest Internet Access

 

Cablevision Systems Corp. is set to unveil Tuesday the fastest Internet speeds available from any cable or phone company.

Starting May 11, the Bethpage, N.Y.-based cable operator will offer speeds of up to 101 megabits per second downstream throughout its service area, and 15 Mbps upstream. Cablevision has three million subscribers in the New York metro area.

The company also plans to double the downstream speed of its Wi-Fi Internet service up to 3 Mbps for free. Cablevision offers wireless Internet at several Wi-Fi hotspots in New York’s Long Island, Connecticut and Westchester service areas, and in parts of New Jersey.

Cablevision is in a race against Verizon Communications Inc., which is rolling out its fiber-optic FiOs service in New York City.

At present, Verizon’s top Internet speed is 50 Mbps per second with a starting cost of $140 a month plus a free wireless router. Cablevision is offering its service at $99.95 a month.

The second fastest Internet speed offered by a cable operator is up to 60 Mbps from Charter Communications Inc., but currently it’s only available in the St. Louis area. Charter, based in St. Louis, is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Philadelphia-based Comcast Corp. offers speeds of up to 50 Mbps.

4/28/2009 12:01 AM DEBORAH YAO AP Business Writer