YORK COUNTY — The ninth-largest cable operator in America has announced widespread availability of gigabit residential and business internet service in some areas of York County and with it a boost in internet speed.

Atlantic Broadband, based in Quincy, Massachusetts, is providing  internet speed upgrades in the Maine communities of Acton, Lebanon, Newfield, Sanford, Shapleigh, Springvale, and West Newfield, following the rollout of multiple service enhancements by the company in those locations in recent weeks.

Beginning in May, Atlantic Broadband has been implementing automatic speed upgrades for its residential internet customers in the area and deploying TiVo® Entertainment platforms for customers since last month.

The company says service is available for just under $80 a month for new customers.

Company officials say with the new Gigabit high-speed service, Atlantic Broadband customers will be able to download a two-hour high definition movie in 32 seconds and send a large 250 MB file in just 40 seconds.

“People consume technology at an infinitely higher rate than they did just a few years ago. Residential customers may operate as many as 10+ connected devices in a household daily and businesses rely on fast speeds and powerful internet to stay competitive,” said Rich Shea, President and CEO of Atlantic Broadband. “To ensure customers have the best user experience, we are committed to investing in the latest technology and will begin rolling out Gigabit Internet service to our new markets starting this summer.”

Atlantic Broadband now has operations across 11 states on the east coast of the United States, including Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

“Atlantic Broadband continues to be committed to providing market-leading products and services for our New Hampshire and Maine customers,” said Ed Merrill, the company’s general manager for New Hampshire and Maine. “Through internet speed upgrades for all customers, a new TiVo deployment and now the deployment of Gigabit in the region, we’re making new things possible. Our residential customers will experience high-performance internet for streaming, gaming and more, while our Pro GigaEdge service will enable local businesses to be more productive and thrive.”

The company also is offering an array of new business internet packages for customers in Maine.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com