Verizon ramps up for 100Mbps FiOS internet in 2009
by Darren Murph 
posted Dec 7th 2008 at 9:09AM
Verizon has tested the 100Mbps internet waters before back when it was rolling out Actiontec routers in select locales, but now the outfit is gearing up to roll it out en masse. Speaking at the recent Lightwave's Optical Access '08 virtual conference and tradeshow, Vincent O'Byrne (director of FTTP architecture and design within Verizon's Technology Organization) affirmed that the provider would dish out 100Mbit/sec internet service next year. Currently, it offers homes downstream options of 5-, 10-, 15-, 30- and 50Mbits/sec with up to 20Mbit/sec upstream, though trials are already underway to get that maximum doubled in short order. No word on which regions will get gifted first, but we've a sneaking suspicion that Massachusetts has a good chance. The whole "teacher's pet" thing, you know?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
hey hey @ Dec 7th 2008 11:10AM
Here we go.
sn1per @ Dec 7th 2008 11:38AM
I wonder if existing tiers will get a speed bump as well, or if Verizon is simply adding an additional tier with 100MBit/s speeds. The 50/20 plan is already available in my area, but its something like $140/month, and I really can't see why anyone would want to pay MORE than that, unless they were hosting some websites out of their house.
Kerwin @ Dec 7th 2008 4:32PM
It's Fios.This is Big.
dj496 @ Dec 7th 2008 2:25PM
Amazing. I'm so sad I can't get FiOS. in my country. or any decent cable ISPs. sniff.
hmurchison @ Dec 7th 2008 2:32PM
It'll be available to a few souls who have the budget for such a service. Even Verizon admits that it's largely marketing (source: dslreports) against the speed encroachment from docsis 3.0l
Frankly I'd be happy with 20/20 Fios (I have 10/2 right now with no problems)
J.Goodwin @ Dec 7th 2008 2:51PM
20/20 was really nice. Comcast is a major stepdown, but I have no choice after moving :/
Marrvia @ Dec 7th 2008 3:42PM
I like this stuff. I hope this trend continues. 1st Fios offers 20 megs, then qwest offers 20 megs, then Fios with 50 megs, then Comcast with 50 megs, now Fios with 100 megs.
Nick @ Dec 7th 2008 5:18PM
Ya know, I don't want to sound too optimistic.... but if internet bandwidth keeps this up, we could be seeing 1 gbps available to the public within 10-15 years. Think about it. 15 years ago, the internet was basically non-existent. 10 years ago, 56k dial up ruled the world, with relatively few people owning broadband connections. 5 years ago, Broadband hits mainstream. Speeds of about 1.5 mbps dl were common. Nowadays, average is 4.9 mbps, with 100 mbps availability just around the corner.
10 years from now, I foresee 30 mbps being AVERAGE, with 1 gbps available to the hardcore internet addict willing to pay 600 bucks a month.
It may seem hard to believe now, but then again, think back 10 years ago, and nobody woulda thought any speeds like this were possible. Man I love technology!
maxell121 @ Dec 8th 2008 4:45AM
It's about time 100mbps is available from FiOS! Other countries have already started providing 1gbps to the home, and for only around $50 a month. We are still way behind here in the USA....
John B @ Dec 7th 2008 11:47PM
Nice! I just got FiOS TV installed and as part of the deal got my speed bumped up from 10/2 to 20/5. A 100/20 would be very nice. However, at what point is speed going to be so much that Verizon starts capping? Currently, they claim that they have no intention of capping, which is clearly a marketing edge for them. But I can only imagine the P2P abuse that would take place with 100/?? speeds.
Hooterman @ Dec 8th 2008 1:04PM
This is cool, but I'd much rather see Verizon focus on offering FiOS to more areas rather than continue to sweeten the pot for all the lucky people that already get it.
comineeyeaha @ Dec 8th 2008 8:16PM
Yeah, but the great thing about FiOS is that when they roll out 100/mbps there's no hardware change, it's all software. Kicking out that speed isn't really a deterent for continuing to expand into more markets.
EJNelly @ Dec 9th 2008 2:50PM
All I want for Christmas is FiOS to move into my area. :(
PC @ Feb 24th 2009 6:34AM
Yeah we suckers in the US are still far behind other countries in terms of internet speed and we pay much more per month for it... =(