Last week, Cox Cable announced a new service plan that would give gamers faster internet speeds. Called the "Elite Gamer Service," it uses WTFast's proprietary technology to find a shorter connection between players and servers. A spokesperson explained that this wouldn't be a "fast lane" service. No one's internet gets priority one way or another because of this plan.
The test will run for the next three weeks in Arizona. When it rolls out, the plan will cost $15 a month, and that's on top of an already existing Cox internet plan. Elite Gamer Service will only work on Windows PCs with Cox Internet Preferred 100 or faster plans. The Preferred 100 gives consumers 100 Mbps down and costs $60 a month.
According to the company's website, players using this service can see 34% less lag, 55% fewer ping spikes, and 45% less jitter. However, only specific games will benefit from this increased speed, such as Fortnite, Overwatch, and Apex Legends. This selection of games could change in the future.
While this paid service provides gamers with faster connections, Cox adamantly defends itself whenever someone brings up net neutrality. This service won't degrade other people's internet connections, as it only provides more direct connections to game servers.
"Cox Elite Gamer solves a problem with deficiencies in the public internet, NOT our network," a spokesperson told TechRadar. "No customer’s experience is degraded as a result of any customers purchasing Cox Elite Gamer Service as an add-on to their internet service."
Back in 2017, the Associated Press asked Cox if it had plans for fast and slow lanes after net neutrality was repealed. At the time, the internet service provider had "no plans" to sell priority service and it appears they, at least publicly, still think they aren't.
How do you feel about the Elite Gamer Service? Would you participate if it came to your area? Let us know in the comments below.
