Time Warner Cable's DOCSIS 3.0 Tier: 'Road Runner Lightning'?
Time Warner Cable, which is working to launch DOCSIS 3.0-based broadband in New York City this fall to fend off FiOS, apparently is in the process of determining what to charge for the service — and what to call it (see Time Warner Cable Queues Up DOCSIS 3.0 In NYC).
According to a DSLReports post, some of the names the MSO floated in a field survey include “Road Runner Flash,” “Road Runner Extreme” and (my favorite) “Road Runner Lightning.” That comes from a user who claimed to have participated in the survey.
So far, Comcast has gone with “Extreme” for its highest tier of service (Extreme 50 is the 50-Mbps downstream, while Ultra is 22 Mbps). Cox’s DOCSIS 3.0 service is “Ultimate Internet,” and Cablevision has dubbed its 101-Mbps down tier “Ultra.” Verizon calls its three FiOS Internet tiers simply “Fast,” “Faster” and “Fastest.”
Meanwhile, recall that TWC had previously announced plans to also roll out DOCSIS 3.0 in four markets where it was initiating usage-based billing trials — Rochester, N.Y., Greensboro, N.C., San Antonio and Austin, Texas.
The MSO suspended those trials after a sharp consumer backlash that caught the attention of U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York (see Britt: Usage-Billing Episode ‘A Bit Of A Debacle’ and Time Warner Cable: Three Mistakes on Usage Pricing).
Chris commented:
Brighthouse is charging $50 for install of RR lightening. This covers the cost of having a PC tech come out to do the scripting required for DOCSIS 3 as well as setting up the wireless connection for all wireless computers on your network. $50 for install and $30 for the 40 Mb upgrade is not all that much for the speed in comparison to the competition. Brighthouse has also changed the standard RR speed to 10 Mb and will be maxing out at 50 Mb at the first of the year for the same price they offered the 40 Mb.
Tommy commented:
Obviously Verizon's terminology is the most honest of the different companies mentioned here. What does "ultra" even mean with relation to internet speed!?!?! Cablevision is a ridiculous company with ridiculous leadership. They probably name their service "ultra" just to make sure they aren't making any implied warranties concerning the speed.
Thomas commented:
who the eff cares what its called? just make sure it works like its suppose to! roadrunner runs more like wild e coyote. TW please spend les name on marketing and more on your network(notwork)
Grant commented:
As someone whose had the misfortune of going through cablevisin's "ultra"...let me just say they need to do a heck of a lot more than come up with a stupid fancy name...like not charging me an arm and a leg to install it for starters.