Broadband speed creep

AT&T and Verizon both are nudging up broadband speeds in conjunction with a range of promotions apparently aimed at giving a last-minute push to their second-quarter numbers while also chasing customers hard at a time when seasonal moving patterns offer a chance to gain or lose market share. Meanwhile, cable operators continue to roll out faster speeds with DOCSIS 3.0 upgrades. In this economy, however, speed alone isn't enough to lure customers, and competition isn't just about speed, but a complex value equation that includes factors like rebates, bundles, free hardware and wireless broadband offerings.