Atlantic Broadband said it has launched its service and brand in eastern Connecticut on the heels of its acquisition of the MetroCast Communications system there, and outlined plans to bring residential gigabit service to the area.
As part of its broader multi-million dollar investment plan, Atlantic Broadband has kicked off a “major commitment” in eastern Connecticut to bring “affordable Gigabit Internet service” utilizing DOCSIS 3.1, the emerging multi-gigabit platform for HFC networks. For more about D3.1 developments, please see this week's coverage of the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo in New Orleans.
The MSO said it expects to launch residential gigabit Internet service “widely throughout its Connecticut footprint” next year.
“We understand the economic benefits of ultra-fast Internet service in today’s digital age and our broadband network is uniquely suited to enable customers on a wide scale,” said David Isenberg, Atlantic Broadband’s president and chief revenue officer. “That’s why we’re investing millions of dollars in the latest technology to launch Gigabit Internet service as soon as we possibly can.”
As for today, the MSO has launched a new suite of faster broadband services, including a new offering that tops out at 120 Mbps (down). Existing MetroCast subs will get automatic speed upgrades in the coming months.
On the video end, Atlantic Broadband is launching premium movie service EPIX, which will be included in all double-play and triple-play bundles, as well as its new Digital Plus service.
In June, Atlantic Broadband agreed to purchase MetroCast of Connecticut from Harron Communications for $200 million, a deal involving systems passing about 70,000 homes (and 23,000 TV subs) in New London, Waterford, East Lyme, Montville, Plainfield, Killingly, Sterling, Griswold, and Putnam. This system currently serves approximately 23,000 TV, 22,000 Internet and 8,000 Phone customers.
