Comcast Adds New 4Mbps Speed Option to High-Speed Internet Service

July 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast brings speed to the market. Today the company officially announced a 4Mbps speed tier as a new option for its High-Speed Internet service. This announcement comes within a year of Comcast doubling customer downstream speed to 3Mbps, at no additional cost - and establishing an industry benchmark.

Comcast High-Speed Internet customers now can choose between two high- speed options: 4Mbps and 3Mbps. Combined with Comcast's world-class content and built-for-broadband applications, these two speed tiers empower users to enjoy the broadband experience that is best for them and their families. The new 4Mbps option is particularly ideal for households engaged in numerous high-speed-enabled activities, such as: streaming audio; multi-player and online gaming; large file downloads; and networking.

Upon selecting their speed, customers can then choose between standard High-Speed Internet service (one connection) or Comcast Home Networking (up to five devices), now available on both speed tiers, at no additional monthly service cost. The 3Mbps and 4Mbps services are available for $42.95 and $52.95* per month, respectively, for current cable television customers. [Prices may vary slightly by market.]

The new "4Meg" (4Mbps) speed tier will be available to all Comcast High- Speed Internet customers by September, when it is expected to be rolled out system-wide. Comcast 4Meg is already available in a number of Comcast markets, including: Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

"Our guiding principle is to maximize the value that our customers receive from their Comcast High-Speed Internet connection. Speed is a critical component, but overall value can only be measured when you consider speed in relation to what that speed enables," stated Greg Butz, senior vice president of marketing & business development for Comcast Online. "At Comcast, we are continuously working to improve every aspect of the broadband Internet experience: speed; network performance; content and content management and services; security; and customer support."

Increased E-mail Storage
Comcast is further enhancing its service offering this summer by upping its e-mail storage capacity. The Comcast High-Speed Internet service provides up to seven (7) e-mail accounts - and Comcast will increase the storage capacity of each account from 10MB to 250MB. That means a total increased capacity potential of 1.75GB, as compared to the previous 70MB. In addition, customers can enjoy nearly unlimited storage for their digital photos through the Comcast Photo Center.

Best-in-Class Broadband Offerings
Comcast's offerings leverage its heritage as a broadband, media and entertainment company and focus on six key user areas of interest: movies, music, games, sports, kids, and communication. Comcast customers can access these applications via its award-winning broadband portal - Comcast.net.

Examples include:
-- Broadband communication tools - such as video messaging and photo sharing and storage.
-- The Fan - a patent-pending, innovative broadband video player. The Fan dynamically features content from a variety of leading providers such as ABC News, Atom Films, E!/Style, FoxSPORTS.com, G4/techTV, IFC (Independent Film Channel), MLB.com, Outdoor Life Network (OLN), Planeta Networks, Scripps (Food Network, HGTV, DIY, Fine Living), The Weather Channel, and more. Offering one-click ease-of-use and the ability to search video, The Fan is credited with an 87% increase in video usage on Comcast.net from January through June 2004.
-- The Assistant - a unique toolbar that offers easy customization along with the information customers want, at their fingertips, with drag and drop customization.
-- Comcast Rhapsody - the country's leading Internet jukebox service that provides subscribers with unlimited access to a vast library of music from all five major labels plus more than 200 independent music labels.
-- Games on Demand - a premium on-demand service designed to give consumers an unparalleled gaming experience with the choice and flexibility to play the games they like how and when they want.

The Comcast High-Speed Internet service is a full end-to-end solution designed to complement the connected home experience. For Comcast, secure high-speed Internet access and best-in-class content/content management are all part of the same package.

"Ultimately, this is a situation where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. With close to six million customers, our position as the leading broadband Internet service provider with the number-one broadband portal** is a testament to the value we bring to today's broadband household, and to the standard we have set for excellence in the industry," concluded Butz.

For more information about Comcast High-Speed Internet, consumers should visit www.comcast.com or call 1-888-COMCAST.

*Service prices do not include monthly equipment lease or retail fees. Non-cable customers may also subscribe to these services for $57.95 / $67.95* per month. 4Mbps and 3Mbps refer to downstream speeds; upstream speeds are 384kbps and 256kbps, respectively.

SOURCE Comcast