Yesterday, Comcast announced its new internet service that offers speed up to one gigabit per second (Gbps) in Chicago on trial basis. What’s impressive is that the digital service provider plans to use its existing network infrastructure and DOCSIS 3.1 modem to develop a gigabyte network.
"We're delivering gigabit speeds over the existing network that already passes millions of homes in the Chicago area," said John Crowley, Regional Senior Vice President Chicago. "Our commitment to provide customers with a great experience is front and center with this announcement. 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 move to bring internet service in Chicago follows Comcast’s on-going gigabit trial in Atlanta and Nashville, which started earlier this year. The company set a price tag of $140 on its new internet service without requiring users to sign any contracts. However, it will charge a promotional fee during the testing stage. Trial users will be asked to provide feedback to help the company improve its service. Comcast currently offers gigabit service in Atlanta and Nashville for $70, but only when users agree to sign a three-year contract.
Comcast may face tough competition in Chicago due to the presence of wireless carrier giant, AT&T, which launched its 1Gbps GigaPower service last year. Also, AT&T claims that the company’s GigaPower service is currently available in 125,000 homes in the region. Several tech experts believe that Comcast may face tough competition from another upstart cable firm called Layer3 TV.
Comcast has been attracting customers by offering high speed internet for quite some time now. In 2015, it introduced its multi-gigabit service, Gigabit Pro, which offers 2Gbps. It also claims that Gigabit Pro is available in approximately 18 million homes across the country.
Considering the fact that Comcast Gigabit Pro service is already available in Chicago, the move indicates that the company wants to target users who don’t require internet speeds as fast as 2Gbps. Those interested in the new internet service can go to Xfinity.com/gig for more information.
