Press Releases

For Immediate Release:

Contact:
Felicia Blow: 757-222-8432
felicia.blow@cox.com
or
Leigh Woisard: 757-222-8496
leigh.woisard@cox.com

Cox Doubles Internet Speeds for Majority of Customers in Hampton Roads Region

Customers Will Also Experience Faster Uploads with PowerBoost^TM Technology

Hampton Roads, VA – Cox Communications has announced a major speed increase for its high-speed Internet customers. Customers who choose Cox’s most popular service (Preferred) in the Hampton roads region will soon see their download speeds double, while Premier customers will get one-third more speed. These customers also will experience faster uploads due to the addition of PowerBoost^TM for uploads to the Preferred and Premier packages.

The Preferred package is ideal for surfing the Web and downloading photos, videos and music. Premier offers the fastest speeds and is great for power gamers, telecommuters and households with home networks connecting multiple computers. Customers will get the speed increases automatically in September; they do not have to arrange for a technician visit.

“We recognize that customers are using the Internet for more intense purposes – online gaming, downloading music and sharing photos and videos,” said Senior Vice President and General Manager Gary McCollum. “The faster speeds we’re rolling out to Hampton Roads customers ensure that Cox customers can spend more time doing what they want online and less time waiting for a slow DSL or dial-up connection.”

PowerBoost for uploads is an extension of the PowerBoost technology that Cox rolled out for Preferred and Premier customers last year. This cable-exclusive technology gives customers an extra burst of speed when they need it most, such as when they are sending and receiving large files like videos, movies or music over the Internet. This means that Preferred customers can actually experience speeds up to 12.5 Mbps download/2.5 Mbps upload and Premier customers can go up to 25 Mbps download/3.5 Mbps upload.

Cox continues to offer two additional levels of Internet service. The Value package, with downloads up to 1.5Mbps and uploads to 256k, offers broadband speeds for people who like to surf the Web, but are not heavy users. Also, Economy, an entry level package, is available for approximately $20. With any of Cox’s packages, there is no long-term contract required.

“The strength of our fiber-optic network allows us to deliver even faster speeds to Cox High Speed Internet customers without the need for network upgrades,” said George Cozens, Vice President Network Operations. “Cox’s long history of innovation ensures that customers will continue to see not only the speeds, but the compelling features and benefits they want at a competitive price.”

That innovation includes testing a new technology platform called DOCSIS 3.0. This new platform opens the door to even faster Internet speeds and a broader variety of services that can be offered over cable’s broadband network.

“Cox’s engineers continue working to bring the new DOCSIS 3.0 standard to our communities,” said Cozens. “DOCSIS 3.0 enables us to increase to 70, 100 or 150 Mbps downloads in our fiber-rich network. Testing of the new platform is already well underway.”

Earlier this summer, commercial customers who subscribe to Cox Business Internet received higher upload and download speeds and experienced PowerBoost capabilities for the first time, allowing speeds as high as 25 Mbps. These speed enhancements are the latest sign of Cox’s ongoing commitment to make its Internet service the best value in the marketplace. In the last year alone, Cox has increased mailbox sizes and online storage space; strengthened Internet safety with the Cox Security Suite powered by McAfee; and added new features such as Cox Rhapsody music and free access to myNOGGIN. Finally, Cox Business was ranked highest in customer satisfaction with small/mid-size business data service providers according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Major Provider Business Telecommunications Study released last month.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with 6.2 million total residential and commercial customers. The third-largest cable television company in the United States, Cox offers an array of advanced digital video, high-speed Internet and telephony services over its own nationwide IP network. Cox Business is a full-service, facilities-based provider of communications solutions for commercial customers, providing high-speed Internet, voice and long distance services, as well as data and video transport services for small to large-sized businesses. Cox Media offers national and local cable advertising in traditional spot and new media formats, along with promotional opportunities and production services. Cox Communications wholly owns and operates the Travel Channel. More information about the services of Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com, www.coxbusiness.com, and www.coxmedia.com. In Hampton Roads, Cox has more than 400,000 basic cable subscribers. For J.D. Power and Associates award information, visit jdpower.com.