Cogeco joining DOCSIS 3.0 gang

Cogeco Cable has announced the launch of a 50Mbps (downstream) internet service based on the DOCSIS 3.0 platform in selected areas of Ontario, writes lightreading.com. The Montreal-based firm, the latest in a string of Canadian cablecos to debut the faster technology, is using multiple 6MHz channels to give it higher downstream rates, though its maximum upstream speed will be limited to 1.5Mbps. Cogeco’s new ‘Ultimate’ broadband packages will be available in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton, costing CAD149.95 (USD133) per month as a standalone service, with a CAD5 discount when bundled with a TV or telephone offering; monthly downloads are capped at 150GB. It plans to similarly upgrade its services across other areas of Quebec and Ontario ‘in the coming years’. Quebec-based rival Videotron and Western Canadian cable market leader Shaw have both launched DOCSIS 3.0-based broadband services, whilst the country’s largest overall cable-based MSO Rogers is planning to launch a 50Mbps service in parts of Greater Toronto next month.