Lafayette offering the fastest Internet in the state

When Lafayette Utilities System’s all-fiber optic network comes online, its Extreme Internet will be the fastest in Louisiana. Currently, that crown is worn by EATEL, whose Ultimate High-Speed Internet offers up to 30 Mbps downloads and 15 Mbps uploads. The publicly owned utility’s Extreme Internet, however, will raise the bar to 50 Mbps – for both downloading and uploading. Its uploading speed will be particularly unique in that Internet providers tend to boost only their downloading speeds. LUS will charge $57.95 for Extreme, which sets it up for a standoff with arch-rival Cox Acadiana. Cox charges $56.99 for its premier package with PowerBoost, which, by comparison, offers downloading at 20 Mbps and uploading at 1.5 Mbps. LUS’ city-wide network will be built in four phases, which began in 2008 with a projected completion by 2010. The first customers will get service this month; the entire city will be linked by 2011. – Penny Brown Font