Charter offers free speed upgrades

Cable MSO Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) says it has raised broadband access network speeds for both business and residential customers at no extra charge.

Business customers on the "Essentials30" and "Pro50" packages will see speeds rise to 60 Mbps and 80 Mbps respectively. Residential customers will see their Internet speeds double when the new Charter Spectrum suite of products and services is launched through 2014.

"Charter Business and Charter Spectrum are providing unmatched value with the fastest speeds and the most robust suites of products and services available in our markets," said Jon Hargis, chief marketing officer for Charter Communications. "These speed increases are being launched at no additional cost to both our residential and business customers giving them more productivity and at the same price of their current speed tier."

Charter says this marks the fifth time in four years Charter Business will feature faster Internet speeds at no additional cost for business customers. By doubling the "Essentials30" Internet downstream offering, and increasing the Pro50 speeds by 60%, Charter Business will provide unmatched bandwidth options throughout its service areas, the company claims. These speeds will be available to new customers, and will take place automatically for existing customers of the relevant packages.

Charter's residential Internet subscribers will also see their speeds increase for no additional fee in 2014. Charter's flagship 30-Mbps packages will be raised to 60 Mbps as the company launches the new Charter Spectrum suite of products.

Charter Spectrum will launch in all markets this year as those markets are upgraded to all digital. Charter Spectrum will bring many new services and enhancements to customers including increased Internet speeds, more HD channels and the most video-on-demand content available in its markets, Charter asserts.

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