Spectrum upgrade to bring faster internet speeds to Rochester customers

Rochester-area Spectrum customers: You may start experiencing quicker upload and download speeds through a recent network upgrade.

Spectrum announced Thursday that its Spectrum Internet Gig, Spectrum Internet Ultra and Spectrum Internet customers in Rochester and nearby communities will now have access to enhanced connectivity at no extra cost, according to Charter Communications spokesperson Heidi Vandenbrouck.

"The faster upload speeds are the result of Spectrum's multi-billion dollar national network evolution initiative evolving the connectivity experience to exceed the needs of the modern customer and continuously deliver fast and reliable speeds," a news release states.

Here's what to know.

How the upgrade will benefit Spectrum customers

Spectrum is launching what's called "symmetrical speeds" in Rochester. The data speed and file transfer rate is the same in both directions in a symmetric internet connection, according to Spectrum — which ultimately enables faster information download and upload.

All Spectrum Internet plans for both new and existing Spectrum Internet customers will include this feature.

The new upload speeds are up to 30 times faster than what the company previously offered, according to Spectrum, and will provide customers with enhanced connectivity for Augmented and Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence and faster Ultra High Definition video uploads.

Additionally, customers will experience better livestreaming and more responsive gaming.

"Our dramatically faster upload speeds further enhance applications like video conferencing, gaming, AR/VR, AI and sharing high quality large video files — and position the network for the applications of the future," says Spectrum Regional Vice President of Operations Scott Stinson. "And when customers combine Spectrum Internet and Spectrum Mobile, they enjoy even greater value and can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year."

Rochester is the first city in the Northeast to receive the upgrade, Spectrum noted, joining Reno, Nevada, Rochester, Minnesota, Lexington, Kentucky and St. Louis, Missouri. The company is working toward expanding the upgrade across its 41-state service area.

Spectrum customers fleeing in droves: What's behind the exodus?

Will it cost you extra?

No, it won't.

There's no change in plan price, according to Spectrum, and current customers will receive a complementary upgrade to faster upload speeds shortly after the faster speeds are launched in the area. However, you can be upgraded immediately by calling Spectrum Customer Service.

Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram  @byemilybarnes . Get in touch at  [email protected] .

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Spectrum upgrade to bring faster internet to Rochester NY customers