Despite claims from some of their competitors that customers don’t want or need super-fast broadband, Verizon Communications is taking broadband speeds to the new level, upgrading service to as high as 300Mbps in selected areas.

Our friends at Broadband Reports had the scoop on this a few weeks ago, but now it’s official: speed -and- price increases for Verizon are on the way for the company’s fiber optic network FiOS.

Many customers will see their broadband speeds double or more in June. At the same time, the company has been sending out letters informing customers of price increases, often $5 a month for those not locked into service contracts.

Verizon's Speed Upgrade Chart (Courtesy: Broadband Reports)

Verizon’s new top tier of 300/65Mbps will be introduced in areas that have Verizon’s Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON). Pricing has not yet been announced.

The company is targeting its speed upgrades to premium broadband customers who subscribe to faster tiers. Customers on Verizon’s standard 15/5Mbps tier will see no changes in service.

Other stories of interest:

1. Comcast vs. Verizon FiOS: New Ads Slam Xfinity; Increased Comcast Broadband Speeds Rumored
2. No Wireless Spectrum Swap Until We See FiOS, Say Cities Waiting for Verizon Fiber Upgrade
3. Verizon Ending DSL Service in FiOS Fiber-Wired Service Areas
4. Verizon’s Anti-Aggression Treaty With Big Cable May Be the End of FiOS
5. Wall Street Encourages Verizon to Get Completely Out Of Landline/FiOS Business