Google Fiber plans expansion, then Time Warner Cable makes speeds six times faster

With Google Fiber preparing an expansion into Charlotte (NC) incumbent cable operator Time Warner Cable is trying to hold onto customers by dramatically increasing Internet speeds at no extra charge.

The Internet transformation will begin summer 2015 and will include speed increases on TWC residential Internet plans at no additional cost, with customers experiencing increases up to six times faster, depending on their current level of Internet service," Time Warner Cable announced. "For example, customers who subscribe to Standard, formerly up to 15Mbps, will now receive up to 50Mbps, customers who subscribe to Extreme, formerly up to 30Mbps, will now receive up to 200Mbps; and customers who subscribe to Ultimate, formerly up to 50Mbps, will receive up to 300Mbps, at no extra charge." Google announced plans to enter Charlotte and a few other metro areas in January and is working with local officials to finalize the network design so that construction can begin. TWC also announced improvements to its TV service, including 1TB of storage for recorded programs, double the previous amount.