Time Warner Cable - Legacy → Upgrade? Is this MAXX?

A few days ago I ran Speedtest, which I randomly do from time to time, and saw that my speeds, which used to be 15/1 (which is what I'm supposed to get), were now 50/5. I thought it was a fluke due to TW testing their lines or something. But I've been re-running it since then and have continued to get 50/5 or thereabouts. I didn't do anything, or ask for this. It just happened. I didn't even reboot my modem or router (although I have rebooted my PC multiple times for unrelated reasons).

My modem's a bit older, a Motorola 6120 that I bought 3-1/2 years ago and haven't fiddled at all with, e.g. manually upgrading or installing anything other than the default firmware, or tinkering with it and any related settings. TW actually originally refused to allow me to use this modem, claiming that it wasn't on their approved list. It was only after some arguing, persuading and threatening that I got them to accept it, and it's worked fine ever since. Now, obviously, it's working even finer!

I assume that this is due to TW's "MAXX" program, which I'd never heard about until I checked out the TW forum here a few minutes ago, which I haven't done in over a year or so. Is that a safe assumption? Did TW make a general announcement about MAXX and send out emails or notices in the mail about this? I don't recall seeing or getting any. I don't use my TW mail account though. Is that what they used to send it?

I'm in northeast Queens, NYC, btw, zip code 11366.

While I welcome this speed increase, does this mean that I should expect my rates to go up soon, and if so by how much? When I ran TW's speed check on its web site after logging in, it announced in big letters on a bright red background that "my application will expire in 15 days". Does that mean that this 50/5 bump is a trial to give me a taste of it that will go back to 15/1 unless I'm willing to pay more for it? Or will I get to keep the 50/5 but will be forced to pay more for it?

Btw can or should I upgrade or otherwise tinker with my modem's firmware to make it work even faster, and/or do I have to make changes to my router (Linksys E4200 v.1) or Windows 7's network settings to adjust to these new, faster speeds?

Ironically, the cable signal hasn't been so good lately, especially using my Cablecard-equipped Ceton InfiniTV. I've been watching the Universal Sports Network a lot lately (407 here), and the signal's been pretty poor, often unwatchable. Any connection, or unrelated?

The MAXX upgrade has usually coincided in conjunction with TWC going all digital in your area. I'm not sure if they've sent out a mailer outside of the one where channel lineups are changing. The speed upgrade is permanent. Speeds are increasing for every tier. Pricing is the same (for the time being at least). Although I'm sure we'll get our annual price hike.

Btw, there's not much about this on TW's customer web site. Just a brief blurb about how speeds are going up, but with no mention of how it's going up for nearly everyone, not just the fastest plans.

I got the letter about speed upgrades last week, and 2 phone calls over the weekend urging me to arrange a tech visit to do a modem swap. Earliest available appointment was Friday, October 10th. Brooklyn, NY ZIP 11238.

TW Cable's web site is a national site. The speeds are going up in NYC, LA and Austin. That is not nearly everyone. Many people in the upgrade areas have reported receiving mailers.

I, myself, in an upgrade area, recall getting nothing from TW in the way of heads-up notices.

TW Cable's web site is a national site.

The site is easily localized by entering one's zip code at the top right.

Understood. Clearly many others did. Look at the threads in this forum.

I dont think I said that at all

If you did not know about the upgrades you must live under a rock. It was posted online, TV ads, mailings, etc.

Elsewise, you must be disconnected from the world, period.