TDS Telecom said it is on track to launch in Tipton, Ind., with 1 Gbps Internet and IPTV service market in November, moving it closer to reaching its goal to equip seven new markets this year.
As it prepares for its service launch, the service provider is getting more personal with potential customers, hosting a preview event at its Tipton office on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 117 E. Washington St.
During this event, customers can learn more about the new FTTH service, get a TV service demonstration, talk to technical team about the installation process, and get the opportunity to pre-register for its Fiberville program.
Similar to Google Fiber's (NASDAQ: GOOG) Fiberhood concept, TDS' Fiberville is a concept that rewards residents and neighborhoods with special offers and discounts once 15 percent of the neighborhood pre-registers for TDS TV service. When "Fiberville" status is achieved, each pre-registered household receives free HD for life.
Indiana has been one of TDS' key 1 Gbps targets.
Earlier this year, the service provider was in the process of completing an expansion of its fiber network and making improvements to its existing fiber network infrastructure in Whitesville, Ind. The telco said that that investment would enable it to provide a suite of Internet speeds, ranging from 100 Mbps to 300 Mbps and 1 Gbps, while introducing TDS TV to customers.
The FTTH network build in Indiana is part of a broader program TDS Telecom has embarked upon to deliver services to an additional seven wireline markets by the end of this year.
While uptake of 1 Gbps service consists of a small amount of its customer base, TDS has told FierceTelecom they are seeing the same halo effect that CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) and Hawaiian Telecom have seen where they offer similar service.
By rolling out 1 Gbps in a number of rural New Hampshire and Wisconsin communities, TDS is gaining credibility in markets where there's been a lack of broadband options. A number of customers have adopted its $35 a month 100 Mbps plan (their minimum FTTH market speed) versus the $99 a month 1 Gbps service.
For more:
- see the release
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