NEW YORK, July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- People are sharing content on the Internet more than ever, a trend that is expected to continue. Starting today (July 21), existing and new Verizon FiOS residential customers will receive upload speeds that match their download speeds, making it easier and faster to share. This speed upgrade is free to current customers, and comes at a time when people are uploading more and more information to the cloud, sharing videos and photos, and video chatting.  

Customers sharing information with family members, friends and classmates will have a more consistent Internet experience, with solid service reliability at all hours for common sharing activities such as:

• Uploading a video.
• Video chatting on Skype or FaceTime.
• Sharing files on Facebook and Twitter or with classmates and teachers.
• Getting a jump on an eBay bid.
• Online shopping with new ecommerce platforms like Rue La La.
• Beating an online gaming opponent to the punch.
• Sending big files or backing up files by uploading them to the cloud.

Providing even greater value to existing customers, Verizon will transition qualifying current residential customers to higher upload speeds for free throughout the coming months. Additionally, all FiOS Internet services will boast equal download and upload speeds at current prices. Later this year, existing and new FiOS small-business customers also will receive this upgrade.

"Faster upload speeds means better sharing experiences," said Mike Ritter, Verizon's chief marketing officer for consumer and mass business. "All Internet sharing – whether videos, large photo files or gaming – starts with uploading. FiOS all-fiber-optic technology offers a unique opportunity to enhance our customers' Internet experience on a mass scale by increasing our upload speeds to equal to our industry-leading download speeds. As the Internet of Things becomes a reality, equal download and upload speeds will become essential."

Based on its studies of digital consumers, the technology market research firm IDC says more than 20 percent of U.S. broadband households are Power Users that are frequently online, uploading nearly as much content (video and music) as they download. IDC estimates that the population of Power User households will experience 60 percent growth by 2017 and will continue to increase nationwide in the future. ¹

"IDC believes that both the upload and download speed demands of today's Power User will inevitably become the norm in the coming years," said Matt Davis, program director of consumer multiplay and broadband services research for IDC. "Verizon's decision to give every FiOS Internet customer upload speeds that mirror its industry-leading download speeds is a step forward for U.S. digital consumers – and unique among the major U.S. broadband Internet providers. Because the upgrade is free, it delivers tremendous value to FiOS subscribers and strongly positions Verizon to meet the growing demand for upstream Internet speed."

Upload Activity to Double by 2016

The level of upload activity on the FiOS network is expected to double by late 2016 and to continue to grow from there, according to Verizon's projections. A comparison of common download and upload activities showing performance times with the new speeds can be found on Verizon's residential and small business Newscenter.

Dear Customer: Thank You!

The free speed upgrade is part of Verizon's continuing commitment to recognize customers for their loyalty. Customer upgrades to equalized download and upload speeds will continue throughout the fall, starting with customers enrolled in My Rewards+ or who join the program now. My Rewards+ is Verizon's free loyalty program that rewards customers for everyday tasks – such as paying a bill online, renting or buying videos on demand – or in recognition of a birthday, service anniversary or other event. My Rewards+ members can use earned points for Visa Prepaid Cards or at participating merchants such as Starbucks Coffee, L.L. Bean, Panera Bread, Target, Amazon, Dunkin' Donuts, Staples and many more. Customers can even choose to donate their rewards to a charity of their choice.

For new customers, Verizon's current triple-play service offers (through Sept. 20) include 25/25 Mbps Internet service coupled with free Quantum TV-Enhanced service for 24 months (equipment rental required). This includes a two-year price guarantee for $89.99 per month when ordered online and $99.99 per month otherwise (not including equipment charges, taxes and fees). In addition, new customers can receive a free LG G Pad 8.3 LTE or up to $200 off any other tablet available from Verizon Wireless when obtaining a new, two-year agreement. The tablet offer, available for FiOS orders placed through Sept. 20, applies to FiOS bundle or stand-alone orders. The offer does not require a FiOS contract, but does require the tablet be activated on the Verizon Wireless network. Additional bundled offers are also available, and full information can be viewed by going here.

How Will Customers Get the Free Upgrade?

Customers do not need to do anything to receive the new upload speeds. However, if customers don't want to wait, they can visit the Verizon My Rewards+ page here to sign up for the program. Otherwise, upgrades will be phased in throughout coming months.

When completed, more than 95 percent of existing FiOS customers will enjoy the upgrade equalizing their Internet download and upload speeds.

¹ IDC, Broadband Power Users: A New Era Begins  Sep 2013 | Doc #243233 

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 103 million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries. A Dow 30 company with more than $120 billion in 2013 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 176,900. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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SOURCE Verizon