Comcast runs out 50Mbps service in US

Comcast is using its next-generation fibre-optic network to deliver speeds of up to 160Mbit/s

Comcast is rolling out its next-generation internet services, promising speeds of up to 50Mbit/s today and up to 160Mbit/s in the future.

The new services will initially be available in parts of New England, including the Boston Metropolitan region and Southern New Hampshire, as well as areas of Philadelphia and New Jersey.

Comcast aims to have connections available in 10 major markets in the next few months.

"Wideband is a game-changer for the industry. With wideband running over our next-generation fibre-optic network, we can greatly enhance our customers' online experience immediately," said Mitch Bowling, general manager of Comcast Online Services.

"And these speeds are only a preview of what's to come; wideband will provide the capability of delivering dramatically faster speeds in excess of 160Mbit/s in the future."

Comcast is offering a variety of business packages. The Deluxe 50Mbit/s download/10Mbit/s upload tier costs $189.95 per month and comes with Microsoft Communications Services as well as service and support.

Existing customers will also get a speed boost. The Starter tier speeds have been doubled to 12Mbit/s download/2Mbit/s upload and a new Premium Tier offers 22Mbit/s download/5Mbit/s upload for $99.95 per month.

Comcast has not said whether its bandwidth caps or network management system will be used with the new service.