Cox Communications, the main cable provider for Lafayette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans markets, announced several months ago that the company will offer faster Internet speeds using the new DOCSIS 3.0 specification for Lafayette customers to compete with the new FTTH provider, LUSFiber.
“Speed continues to be one of the top reasons customers choose broadband service, and Cox has been a leader in delivering the best value of speed and features for the money,” said Seth Hogan, vice president of data product management for Cox Communications at the National Cable and Telecommunications Associations conference.
“Cox was one of the first ISPs in the country to begin offering customers a choice among speeds with our tiers of Internet service; we’re excited to add our new Ultimate Internet package to meet our most avid
Internet users’ need for speed, ” continued Hogan.
Customers subscribing to the Ultimate Internet plan will get 50 Mbps down (with up to 55 Mbps with Power Boost) and 5 Mbps up for the promotional price $89.99 a month. It’s unclear if the $90/month price will be permanent or a promotional offer, as the standard price Cox has set for $139.99/month.
The ultimate Internet plan is available for all Cox customers in Lafayette Parish. Customers that are near the Lafayette market, like Beaux Bridge, are not eligible for the new speeds.
Cox is rolling out the new DOCSIS 3.0 specification as Lafayette Utility System is rolling out their new fiber network in the parish. Just for comparison, their fastest internet package (50Mbps down/50Mbps up) is $57.95/month.
It’s unclear when Cox Communications will be rolling out DOCSIS upgrade for the rest of Louisiana. I’m willing to bet that Baton Rouge will be next market as Eatel has a fiber network in Ascension and Livingston parishes. The New Orleans market will be last as the company had to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina completely damaged the network.