Charter Communications announced yesterday that it has deployed a broadband service in parts of its Missouri and Illinois service areas with download speeds of up to 16 Mbps.

The new tier, called Charter High-Speed Internet Max, uses DOCSIS 2.0 technology and equipment for the increased speed, although Charter is currently testing DOCSIS 3.0 gear in laboratory evaluation trials before starting field trials in selected markets later this year.

“Our customers value the enhanced speed because with Charter High-Speed Internet Max, at 16 Mbps they can download a song in just 2.5 seconds, or as many as 24 photos in just eight seconds," said Ted Schremp, SVP of product management and strategy for Charter.

Charter has been rolling out the 16 Mbps service in various systems across its footprint . Earlier this week, the new tier was rolled out in Wisconsin following previous deployments in Fort Worth, Highland Park, University Park and the other North Texas cities that the cable company serves (story here).

Charter said that it has invested more than one billion dollars in capital to enhance its service capabilities, including millions in its Wisconsin footprint.

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