Verizon said today that it has upgraded the home networking routers that are used with its FiOS Internet service.
Verizon said the new routers from Actiontec and Westell will boost home download speeds over coaxial cable to 175 Mbps, enable multiple Wi-Fi networks and simplify connectivity in residential homes. The new routers will be ready for deployment in the third quarter.
The new equipment includes the MI424-WR by Actiontec and the UltraLine Series 3 model 9100 by Westell, both custom-built for FiOS to Verizon specifications. Both vendors have supported other Verizon broadband services with modems, gateways and routers designed for Verizon.
Verizon said the new routers will use an enhanced in-home networking technology called MoCA 1.1 that not only increases the speed of signals over coaxial cable in the home, but in many case obviates the need to place Ethernet links to additional PCs because a faster signal can be provided over the coax that is already in place.
Verizon also said today that the Portsmouth, Va., city council has voted in favor of granting the company a video franchise.
The 15-year cable franchise covers approximately 39,000 households in Portsmouth. Verizon, which will make the service available to all households in its initial service area in the city within three years, plans to begin offering FiOS TV in the area later this summer.
Additionally, Verizon announced yesterday that Andres Irlando was promoted to SVP of the New York region, which also includes Connecticut. Prior to his promotion, Irlando was VP of public policy.
Irlando succeeds Monica Azare, who was tapped recently to lead Verizon’s corporate employee communications initiative.
More Broadband Direct:
• AT&T’s profit driven by wireless
• Verizon bulks up in-home routers for FiOS service
• Cisco plunks down $120M to buy Pure Networks
• Amazon, TiVo team on interactive TV shopping
• Goldman Sachs leads funding round for Verimatrix
• Convergys abides during challenging Q2
• Broadcom ups net revenue, income in Q2
