Suddenlink Eyes GigaSpeed

As part of its 2nd Quarter financial results, Suddenlink highlighted its intent to spend $230 million to enhance Internet speeds and position its network to offer 1 Gbps. "Operation GigaSpeed" will include upgrades to data network headend equipment, the replacement of DOCSIS 2.0 CPE with DOCSIS 3.0 equipment, and the completion of an all-digital video conversion.

The enhancements will be completed in a phased approach, beginning with the company's largest and most competitive markets. Once the program is finished, the flagship Internet speed will increase from 15 Mbps to 200 Mbps and the top speed will increase from 100 Mbps to 1 Gpbs in nearly 90 percent of service areas.

Approximately $35 million of the total capital expenditures related to Operation GigaSpeed will be invested during the second half of 2014, while the remainder will be spread out over 2015, 2016 and 2017.