Verizon Speeds Up DSL Downloads

Playing catch-up to the recent moves of cable operators to increase broadband speeds for their customers, Verizon announced Monday that effective immediately, customers will receive 3Mbit per second downloads as part of the basic plan that costs $29.95 per month. The news could be seen as a counter to competitor Comcast, whose service area covers much of Verizon's territory.

"Our highest speed service is now available at our lowest price ever for DSL," said Marilyn O'Connell, senior vice president of broadband solutions for Verizon. "And, unlike some competitors' services, our lowest price is not a short-term promotional rate that automatically increases later on," possibly referring to Comcast's promotional rate.