Verizon says that it will offer symmetrical download and upload speeds to all qualifying FiOS customers. Starting today, qualifying Verizon residential customers will see their upstream rates increased to match their existing downstream speeds on their fiber to the home (FTTH) enabled services at no charge.
The upload increase includes all service tiers. Verizon now offers symmetrical 15, 25, 50, 75, 150, 300, and 500 Mbps services.
The upgrades will target both residential and small business customers, with residential users the first to benefit. Verizon will upgrade the services of customers enrolled in the company’s My Rewards+ loyalty program initially, as well as offer the symmetrical services to new customers. Remaining residential customers will receive the upgrade through the fall. Small business customers will receive similar upgrades later this year, Verizon says.
More than 95% of existing FiOS customers will benefit from the service upgrade by the time the data rate increases are fully rolled out. Verizon did not identify which customers would not receive the enhanced services.
The upgrades come as Verizon reports a significant increase in upstream traffic; the service provider predicts that “the level of upload activity” will double by 2016.
“Faster upload speeds means better sharing experiences,” said Mike Ritter, Verizon’s chief marketing officer for consumer and mass business. “All Internet sharing – whether videos, large photo files or gaming – starts with uploading. FiOS all-fiber-optic technology offers a unique opportunity to enhance our customers’ Internet experience on a mass scale by increasing our upload speeds to equal to our industry-leading download speeds. As the Internet of Things becomes a reality, equal download and upload speeds will become essential.”
For more information on FTTx equipment and services, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.