Comcast has introduced a $300-a-month Internet service that it claims is faster than quick options from Verizon Communications’ FiOS (News - Alert).

Xfinity Platinum Internet provides a download speed of up to 305 megabits a second, Comcast said.

On the other hand, Verizon FiOS business provides a download speed of 300 megabits per second. It is priced at $204.99 a month – under a two-year contract.

Both services let users download movies in a few minutes, and download photos and songs in seconds, according to Bloomberg News.

Speedy service is important as industry projections suggest Internet traffic will jump four times the current levels by 2016, according to a recent survey from Cisco Systems (News - Alert).

At this point, many residential Internet users will likely not see a difference in speed beyond 25 to 50 megabits, according to Jonathan Atkin, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets.

Meanwhile, Time Warner (News - Alert) Cable, another rival, provides only a top download rate of 50 megabits for $99.95.

The new Comcast service will be offered in Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Comcast is also offering two speedier services in time for the London Olympics, according to TMCnet. Xfinity Blast users can receive download speeds of up to 50 Mbps and Extreme 50 users can receive speeds of up to 105 Mbps.

“More customers are simultaneously connecting to the Internet through tablets, laptops and smartphones within their homes,” said Cathy Avgiris (News - Alert), executive vice president and general manager, Data and Communications Services at Comcast. “Whether it’s to stream movies, upload photos, video chat with family and friends, or catch all of the Olympics action live on their tablets and connected devices, we want to ensure these consumers are getting the speeds they need.  We will continue to increase speeds as customer demands evolve.”

Added Avgiris: “With the launch of Xfinity Platinum Internet, Comcast continues to be a leader when it comes to delivering the fastest broadband speeds in the U.S.”

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