Charter expands 200 Mbps starter internet speed to 95 percent of its footprint

Charter Communications continued a multi-year march to double the entry-level speed available on its Spectrum Internet service, rolling out 200 Mbps service in more than three dozen new markets. The 37 markets where the faster service is now available cover more than 5 million homes and include Bakersfield (CA), Bangor (ME), Binghamton (NY), Dayton (OH), and Green Bay (WI). Charter first began upgrading its starting internet speeds in December 2020, boosting rates for around 8 million homes across 17 markets. It doubled speeds in another 17 markets covering approximately 6 million additional homes in March 2021. Including the 37 markets it just covered, Charter said starting speeds of 200 Mbps are available to nearly 95 percent of its service area. Charter SVP of Internet and Voice Products Carl Leuschner said the company  expects to complete the rollout “of 200 Mbps starting speeds across our entire service area later [in 2022].” The operator’s shift comes as consumers increasingly opt for higher speed tiers. A Charter representative confirmed the operator’s 100 Mbps tier is no longer offered in markets where the 200 Mbps upgrade has been launched. However, the representative explained the operator views its move less as a way to drop its 100 Mbps offering and more one which will allow it to offer a faster 200 Mbps service without having to add a tier to its lineup. The 200 Mbps service is being offered alongside the company’s 400 Mbps and gigabit options.