Time Warner Cable (NYSE:TWC) is planning a major upgrade program, including network reliability enhancements, Internet speed increases and video service improvements. The MSO intends to launch the new customer experience, currently dubbed "TWC Maxx," first in New York City and Los Angeles. The upgraded service will have its own brand name when it launches later this year.
The network upgrades will include a review and upgrade of every hub, as well as transition to all-digital in LA. TWC converted its NYC network to all-digital last year. The MSO also will introduce a number of same-day appointments in the upgraded service areas. The company currently offers one-hour service windows across its footprint.
Internet speeds will see major increases, including a top residential tier of 300 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream (from 50 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up). Most tiers will get the latest generation modems, and the top three will get wireless gateways. TWC will also expand its free, unlimited public WiFi in both markets.
Video upgrades will include simplified navigation, more program information, a new On Demand portal and better search capability. TWC plans to increase its On Demand library of content to nearly 75,000 hours and later this year offer advanced set-top boxes with the capacity to record up to 12 times more content and watch and record programs on six different channels simultaneously.