BERMUDA CableVision yesterday launched a new high-speed data service promising residents it would improve Internet speed and reliability.Broadband Link is now available in St. George’s, St. David’s and Hamilton Parish, offered in connection with local ISP providers Logic Communications, North Rock Communications and Transact.

The service allows speeds of up to two mega bytes per second (mbps) in upload and download modes which, according to CableVision, enables “users to do more and do it faster, whether it’s sending and sharing e-mail, photos, video, music or data”.

“With Broadband Link, there’s now a way to super-charge your Internet connection at an affordable cost,” said the company’s general manager Terry Roberson.

“Our high-capacity network makes this fast, reliable connectivity possible, giving Bermuda users the speed they need to get things done. We’re delighted to make this service available to our customers, and we welcome this new relationship with Transact, Logic and North Rock.”

The service is available for $35 a month — an additional payment to the cost of Internet packages purchased from ISPs. The service carries a one-time installation fee of $50 for existing CableVision customers and a $100 fee for others.

“By working in close co-operation with ISPs, we can offer customers fast and affordable broadband service,” Mr. Roberson stated at a press conference to unveil the new service yesterday. “Broadband service requires the use of an ISP to make connection to the Internet in the same fashion that a DSL line is used today. Broadband Link is designed for residential users, and will provide them with the first truly affordable broadband service on offer to the general public.

“We will provide connection at two mega bytes per second downstream and upstream across our network. The speed residential users access the Internet will depend on the ISP.

“Unlike DSL which uses phone lines to deliver service, the connection uses our fibre-based, high-capacity broadband network. Installation will be performed by a specialised CableVision technician.

“Importantly, our common interface and shared system will allow us to work seamlessly with ISPs to troubleshoot problems and address any issues that arise. We will begin the service in St. George’s, St. David’s and Hamilton parish and, as we did with the introduction of digital cable, we will roll out Broadband Link service parish by parish, moving westward across the island.

“We have already conducted field testing and are already offering service in St. George’s. We chose to do a progressive roll-out so that customers can receive the attention and care they deserve.

“We expect the service to be popular and want to ensure the best possible customer experience. Although we prefer not to make a specific time commitment, we would like to make the service available at a rate of one parish per month.”

Anyone interested in Broadband Link service can contact either CableVision or a participating ISP to sign up.

Faster Internet service