When it comes to Internet access, is there such a thing as too fast? That's a question U.S. Internet providers are grappling with as they place strategic bets on whether or not to upgrade their networks to offer high-priced, superhigh-speed Web connections.
A growing number of households served by certain Internet providers -- notably Verizon Communications Inc. and Comcast Corp. -- are being offered Internet services that are 25 times faster than the average broadband speed in the U.S. But those who live in areas served by other Internet providers, including AT&T Inc. and Time Warner Cable Inc., will have to make do with much less for some time.
Last week, Comcast launched a superbroadband service in Minnesota offering consumers download speeds of 50 megabits a second for $150 a month, more than double the cost of its standard broadband plan. It plans to offer the new service in 20% of the area it serves by year end and to offer speeds in excess of 100 megabits a second in two years.