The past few weeks have seen a flood of rumors that Qwest is about to migrate from ADSL2+ to VDSL2, which should allow the carrier to offer faster speeds to select customers with shorter loop lengths. While Qwest's current fastest ADSL2+ speed tops out at 20Mbps/896kbps, the new VDSL2 services will top out at around 40Mbps downstream and 20Mbps upstream. We've been running down some leads and have been able to confirm with several insiders that the project is underway.

"It will start with new VDSL2 remote terminals," says one Qwest insider who's familiar with the project. "Using a platform similar to one currently in use for FTTN -- which has been strictly RT-based -- as opposed to a card upgrade." According to the insider, you can expect the same approach with central-office (CO) based systems. "FTTN has traditionally been offered only from RTs," says the source. "But that is going to change."

On the official level, Qwest spokesperson Monica Martinez wouldn't confirm or deny a new product launch. "Qwest recently said that we were planning to trial infrastructure designed to deliver higher speeds through our FTTN build this year," says Martinez. "We are doing that, and as part of that process, VDSL2 is being evaluated in the lab and in the field," she says. "Beyond that, we have no additional details to share."

According to sources, the prices for the new services range from 12Mbps/5Mbps for $51.99 per month, to a new "Ultimate" tier at 40Mbps/20Mbps for $109.99 per month. Supporting a looming launch is the fact that Qwest's website already makes reference to the new Ultimate tier. Sources believe these prices may be accurate (plus $10 if not bundled with a Qwest landline), though as usual with pre-release information -- the prices could change:The news, which is sure to make upgrade-resistent stock jocks like Craig Moffett cry, is a positive one -- given Qwest isn't in a great position to effectively compete with faster DOCSIS 3.0 cable speeds using ADSL2+. Indications are from multiple sources that the initial deployment of these faster speeds will be very limited in scope, centered largely around metro areas, starting in or around Denver later this month.