New Data Report Indicates the US Fastest ISPs: [18th Jan 2012]

Data compiled by the Ookla Net Index has indicated that the six fastest ISPs in the US were Comcast, Charter Communications, Cable Vision Systems, Time Warner Cable and Insight Communications - all cable companies. The information was based on the average download speeds and included only the largest providers in the US. Smaller or independent carriers were not included. The speeds of DSL and Fiber were blended which meant that Verizon and AT&T could not compete. Comcast and Charter were able to offer speeds of 17.19 MB compared to Verizon who only managed 7.41MB. With upgrades by Verizon and AT&T to Fiber to the Home coming to a halt recently, the chances of them catching up are unlikely any time soon according to experts.


A world IPv6 launch is due to take place on June 6 2012 and Comcast, Time Warner Cable and AT&T have signed up to be part of the event. The move to the newest next generation Internet Protocol is required as the number of available Internet addresses is dwindling. The event is being organized by the not-for-profit company Internet Society and it is hoped it will mobilize people around the world to take action on this issue. Comcast and Time Warner Cable have both commented that they are ready for the launch and that their partners should be using Ipv6 in their products and services. In Asia and parts of Europe the IPv6 has been in use for some time as addresses ran out. The US still has around one years supply. The launch will mean that by this date around 1% of all Internet users will be doing so using the new protocol.


A new data plan introduced by T-Mobile and launched in conjunction with Walmart has been causing confusion for customers as it offered just 100 voice minutes and "unlimited data" which is throttled after 5GB. Customers were confused about the unlimited aspect and expected their voice minutes to be unlimited as well. The no-contract plan which cost $30 a month and has now been upgraded to a $45 per month Family Mobile plan which includes unlimited voice, data and SMS. However experts have pointed out that the plan is not as unlimited as it appears. It will still be throttled after 5GB until March 16. After this date the throttling will take place after the first 250MB consumption by each family member on the plan. New family members can join the plan for a $35 additional line fee and get the dubious additional benefits.


A case against Comcast regarding the payment of a rental on a modem has been thrown out by a judge this week. The plaintiff in the case claimed that Comcast failed to inform their customers that their broadband service could include the rental of a modem. Customers are able to opt out of the fee by buying their own modem. However the plaintiff was unable to specify where or when the advertisements they saw were aired, nor could he explain the exact content of the ads. If the plaintiff is able to come up with these facts, the case may be able to proceed. The modem fee is $7 each month.