A few weeks ago, Insight Communications began teasing users about a slew of upcoming changes, launching a new ad campaign in the process. On Monday Insight CEO Michael Willner posted a blog entry announcing how the company was going all digital and launching some new HD channels in a number of markets. Unfortunately, the announcement didn't include a DOCSIS 3.0 launch, though Willner added another blog post today that notes a faster 30 Mbps downstream, 3 Mbps upstream DOCSIS 2.0 tier is coming. Willner had this to say about DOCSIS 3.0 upgrades, which the company has been testing for some time:

Our Broadband 30.0 service will be our last speed upgrade prior to launching DOCSIS 3.0. We already have been working diligently to prepare for the launch of the newest DOCSIS platform, now that we are completely comfortable that the new technology is scalable and reliable -- two critical tests before we launch any new product. We have a real appreciation about how important DOCSIS 3.0 is for future broadband services as new high-bandwidth applications are developed and we always want to be the leaders in speed, reliability, and affordability for years to come. For today's needs, Broadband 30.0 will bridge us very effectively to the time we launch DOCSIS 3.0.

Usually, cable operators that take their time in deploying faster DOCSIS 3.0 technology aren't facing particularly tough telco competition on the next-generation broadband front. As for the new 30 Mbps tier, Willner didn't give a price or launch date for the tier, but he did say it's coming before the end of the year. Those interested can find some additional discussion in our Insight forum.