Cox Joins Comcast in Bumping Cable Speeds

Cox Communications has begun rolling out faster versions of its cable Internet service to compete with increased speeds from Comcast and Verizon's FiOS, as well as a cheaper plan to fend off low-cost DSL. Cox customers will now see up to 15Mbps download speeds.

The higher throughput is due to the addition of PowerBoost technology, as well as Cox utilizing its "local hybrid fiber network," the company said. Preferred plan customers will see 9Mbps speeds, while the Premier plan tops out at 15Mbps. A new "Economy" plan offers 768kbps downstream speeds and 256kbps upstream, which is on par with many DSL offerings. Cox did not disclose pricing, as it will vary depending on the market.