Comcast counters Verizon with 305-Mbps broadband plans

Comcast Corp. (NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK) has seen Verizon’s 300-Mbps broadband service offering and plans to raise it 5. The cable MSO revealed that it will offer 305-Mbps downstream services in certain Northeast markets as part of its upcoming Xfinity Platinum Internet package.

The company also announced that it will double the speeds offered in two current packages starting this week. Subscribers to its Xfinity Blast! service will see download speeds of up to 50 Mbps (formerly 25 Mbps), while Extreme 50 subscribers will receive up to 105 Mbps (formerly 50 Mbps).

“More customers are simultaneously connecting to the Internet through tablets, laptops and smartphones within their homes. Whether it’s to stream movies, upload photos, video chat with family and friends, or catch all of the Olympics action live on their tablets and connected devices, we want to ensure these consumers are getting the speeds they need,” said Cathy Avgiris, executive vice president and general manager, Data and Communications Services at Comcast. “We will continue to increase speeds as customer demands evolve. Comcast is committed to providing our customers with even more choices to get the best, fastest and most reliable experience possible.”

The upcoming Xfinity Platinum Internet package comes in direct response to Verizon’s announcement that it will offer 300-Mbps download speeds in certain markets (see “Verizon boosts top FiOS FTTH speed to 300 Mbps”). While Comcast will offer speeds up to 5 Mbps faster in the download direction with the Platinum offering, it will match Verizon’s top upload rate by offering up to 65 Mbps. To sweeten the deal, Comcast will offer Xfinity Platinum customers the Xfinity Signature Support service at no charge. The service includes 24/7 tech support, a wireless gateway, a dedicated “Personal Communications Consultant,” and the Constant Guard Security Suite.

Comcast will roll out the new services in such markets as Boston, Hartford, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Wilmington, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Richmond, and New Jersey. The company did not discuss when the services will be available.