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Communications giant Verizon announced small to medium-size businesses (SMBs) in 12 states and Washington, DC are now able to get the fastest mass-market broadband service the company offers. Verizon FiOS Internet for Business boasts speeds up to 150/35 megabits per second, according to a company release, and is delivered over Verizon’s all-fiber-optic FiOS network. FiOS Internet 150/35 Mbps service is now available in parts of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia.
Businesses can also sign up for a service bundle that includes the up to 150/35 Mbps FiOS Internet speed and a voice line with unlimited domestic calling for prices starting at $183.99 per month and no term contract. FiOS Internet for Business also offers static IP addresses at a slightly higher price. FiOS Internet for Business includes free Wi-Fi access, personalized domain name, Verizon Internet Security Suite and Verizon Online Backup and Sharing features.
In addition, customers who sign up for a double-play bundle of FiOS Internet and a voice line with unlimited calling, or add FiOS TV for a triple-play package, will receive Verizon Websites Powered by Intuit and Web Listings (which lists websites on more than 100 search sites) as a bonus at no cost for 12 months after applied credits. A company relese noted the Verizon Websites Powered by Intuit and Web Listings bonus offer ends on Jan. 15, 2011. Qualifying Verizon customers can also enroll in the Business Link Rewards program to earn points and redeem credits for gift cards, products or services.
The company said this newest Internet speed provides three times the downstream speed previously available to FiOS customers and is designed to handle high-definition and real-time video conferencing, online data backup and other data-intensive business functions. For example, a 250-megabyte file (such as a CAT scan or a 20-minute video) can be downloaded in 13.3 seconds, while a videographer, graphic design studio, or real estate agency can upload a one-hour high-definition video (about 3 gigabytes) in 6.2 minutes.
“We’re giving small-business owners another reason to choose Verizon as their service provider – and get an edge on their competitors,” said Monte Beck, vice president of small-business marketing for Verizon. “We offer these ultra-fast Internet speeds at competitive prices on an all-fiber-optic network that supports the immediate and future speed needs of small businesses to deliver large files at lighting speed. And we continue to offer these businesses many other value-added services.”
The company also announced FiOS TV customers who also have Apple’s iPad can now download and use Verizon’s free FiOS Mobile application, which lets users manage their DVRs and browse FiOS video-on-demand (VOD) offers remotely, as well as turn their iPad into a remote control for their HD set-top boxes. Verizon started offering customers the ability to use their mobile device as a remote control earlier this year. The feature is available on more than 40 mobile devices running Google Android software v.2.1 or above or that support Wi-Fi. It is also available on the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch.