You’ve probably heard a million people raving about Verizon Fios Internet, and there’s a reason it’s created such buzz in the home internet market.
As you’re weighing your internet service options, you’ll want to understand how Fios stands out with its symmetrical speeds, no-contract plans, and fiber-optic technology.
While the 90% customer satisfaction rate and J.D. Power awards paint an impressive picture, there’s more to evaluate before making your decision.
Let’s unpack what makes Fios tick – and where it might fall short of expectations.
Key Takeaways
- Verizon Fios offers fiber-optic internet with speeds from 300 Mbps to 2 Gig, priced between $49.99 and $109.99 monthly.
- Plans include free equipment, symmetrical speeds, no data caps, and no annual contracts, with installation fees waived for Gig customers.
- Customer satisfaction is high, with a 90% satisfaction rate and top rankings from J.D. Power for 12 consecutive years.
- Service is available in nine Eastern states, covering major cities like NYC, Philadelphia, Boston, and Baltimore.
- Average download speeds reach 551.37 Mbps with low latency of 16.47ms, ideal for gaming and video calls.
Plan Options and Features
According to Verizon’s current offerings, Fios stands out from competitors with its 100% fiber-optic network and symmetrical internet speeds.
You’ll get equal download and upload speeds across all plans, which proves essential for activities like video conferencing, gaming, and transferring large files. This symmetrical performance guarantees you won’t experience the frustrating slowdowns common with traditional cable internet services.
Available in nine eastern states, Fios delivers consistent performance even during peak usage times.
When you choose Fios, you won’t be tied down by contracts or data caps, giving you the flexibility to modify or cancel your service without penalties.
The plans include free equipment, and if you opt for the Fios 1 Gig plan, you’ll receive free installation, saving you the standard $99 setup fee.
You’ll also gain access to valuable perks, such as NFL Sunday Ticket or substantial discounts on Samsung appliances with specific plans. If you’re already a Verizon mobile customer, you can save an additional $25 monthly by bundling your services.
The included Verizon Fios Gateway comes with a built-in Wi-Fi router, simplifying your home network setup while delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity.
Monthly Pricing Structure
Verizon Fios offers straightforward pricing across its fiber internet plans, with costs ranging from $49.99 to $109.99 per month.
You’ll find entry-level 300 Mbps service at $49.99, mid-tier 500 Mbps at $74.99, and premium options including 1 Gig at $89.99 and 2 Gig at $109.99 monthly.
For those in areas without fiber availability, 5G Home Internet is available at $50.00 per month.
You won’t encounter hidden fees or data caps with any plan, and equipment rental is included at no extra cost. While there’s typically a $99 installation fee, it’s waived for Fios 1 Gig customers.
You can also reduce your monthly costs by bundling with Verizon Wireless 5G mobile plans, which saves you $25 per month. Higher-tier plans, specifically the 1 Gig and 2 Gig options, come with valuable extras like NFL Sunday Ticket and potential savings of $400 on Samsung home appliances.
All advertised prices assume enrollment in Auto Pay, which provides a monthly discount across all plans. You won’t need to commit to a contract, giving you flexibility in your service terms. The company’s price-lock guarantee offers 2 to 4 years of stable rates depending on your chosen tier.
Internet Speed Performance
With respect to raw performance, Fios stands out with blazing-fast internet speeds across four distinct tiers, ranging from 300 Mbps to an impressive 2 Gig service.
Fios’s 100% fiber-optic network delivers near-symmetrical upload and download speeds, which means you won’t experience the significant drop in upload speeds common with cable internet providers. Based on extensive testing, Fios maintains an average download speed of 551.37 Mbps.
What sets Fios apart is its remarkable consistency and low latency, averaging just 16.47ms, which you’ll appreciate during video calls or online gaming. The network’s fiber infrastructure guarantees you won’t encounter data caps or throttling, regardless of your usage patterns. When you’re testing your speeds, you’ll get the most accurate results by using a wired connection and Verizon’s speed test tool.
You should note that several factors can affect your actual speeds, including whether you’re using Wi-Fi or ethernet, the number of connected devices, and your home’s wiring quality. If you’re experiencing persistent speed issues, you can utilize Verizon’s Guided Solutions Tool to troubleshoot problems, or schedule a technician visit if necessary.
Customer Reviews and Satisfaction
A thorough look at customer reviews reveals Verizon Fios as a top performer in user satisfaction, scoring 77 points in the 2024 American Consumer Satisfaction Index and maintaining a 90% satisfaction rate among its subscribers.
Verizon has consistently ranked at the top of J.D. Power’s Eastern region rankings for 12 consecutive years, positioning itself as a trusted provider in the market.
Customers frequently praise Verizon Fios for delivering speeds that often exceed their plan’s promised rates, along with the advantage of symmetrical upload and download capabilities.
You’ll appreciate the straightforward pricing structure and reliable service that many users report, with minimal outages or performance issues affecting their daily internet usage.
However, you should be aware of some common criticisms. Customers have reported challenges with billing practices, including unexpected price increases and complicated online account management.
You might encounter frustration with customer service wait times and installation fees, which some users find excessive. While the service quality typically meets expectations, the limited availability of Fios in certain areas and occasional equipment reliability issues remain notable concerns for potential subscribers.
Coverage and Service Areas
While customer satisfaction rates are impressive, availability remains a key consideration for potential subscribers. You’ll find Verizon Fios service in nine states along the Eastern Seaboard, including Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
The service currently reaches 38.2 million people across major metropolitan areas like New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and Baltimore.
If you’re outside Fios’s fiber-optic coverage area, you’re not completely out of options with Verizon. The company offers 5G Home Internet in over 900 cities nationwide, and 4G LTE Home Internet is available in select locations where other Verizon broadband services aren’t accessible.
You can easily check your address’s eligibility through Verizon’s online availability checker. In areas where Fios is available, you’ll have access to three speed tiers ranging from 300 Mbps to 1 Gig, with the top-tier plan delivering speeds up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload.
All plans come with unlimited data and don’t require annual contracts.
Additional Benefits and Perks
Verizon Fios customers enjoy a robust package of perks beyond basic internet service. You’ll receive free equipment with all plans, and you won’t have to worry about data caps or term agreements. With select plans, you can lock in your price for up to four years, ensuring predictable monthly costs.
The perks become even more attractive when you consider the entertainment options. You’ll get 12 months of Vix Premium, and if you choose the 1 or 2 gig tiers, you can select either an Xbox Gaming bundle or a year of Netflix and Max with ads. Sports fans can opt for NFL Sunday Ticket on qualifying plans, while those renovating their homes might prefer the $400 savings on Samsung appliances.
You can customize your experience further by bundling services. If you’re a Verizon Wireless 5G customer, you’ll save $25 monthly on your Fios plan. Additional streaming options are available for $10 extra per month, including Walmart Plus or a thorough streaming bundle. For low-income households, Verizon offers support through their Lifeline program, making high-speed internet more accessible.
Equipment and Installation Details
Setting up your Fios internet service requires specific equipment to confirm peak performance. You’ll need a set-top box for accessing digital programming and premium channels, along with an ONT that’ll be installed on your office’s exterior near an electrical outlet.
The router you’ll receive isn’t just for internet – it’s essential for delivering program information and On Demand content to your set-top box while maintaining service quality.
For the physical connections, you’ll need coaxial cable to link your ONT to your TV or set-top box. If you’re planning to enjoy HDTV service, you’ll need an HDTV, an HD set-top box, and HDMI or DVI cables with an adaptor.
The Fios Quantum Gateway router you’ll receive supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, and you can add Wi-Fi extenders if you need better coverage in certain areas.
The entire system operates on Verizon’s 100% fiber-optic network, with the ONT converting optical signals to electrical ones. You’ll want to confirm you have adequate electrical outlets available for both the ONT and router installation.
Learn about other internet service providers
- Spectrum Review
- AT&T Fiber Review
- HughesNet Review
- Cox Review
- Xfinity Review
- Google Fiber Review
- T-Mobile Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Keep My Email Address if I Switch From Another Provider?
Unfortunately, you’ll face some challenges preserving your digital identity when switching providers. ISP-based email addresses typically aren’t portable, which means you can’t transfer them to a new provider. While some companies offer temporary email forwarding services, you’ll likely need to establish a new email address. To avoid this issue in the future, consider using a provider-independent email service like Gmail or creating a custom domain email.
What Happens to My Service and Pricing During Power Outages?
During a power outage, your Fios service will be affected differently based on the service type. Your phone service will continue working for up to 8 hours through the ONT’s battery backup, but you’ll lose internet and TV services unless you power your ONT and router with a generator. Your regular pricing won’t change during outages, and service restoration depends on both your power and Verizon’s external equipment functionality.
Does Verizon Fios Work With My Existing Smart Home Devices?
Just like a universal key that opens many doors, Verizon Fios works seamlessly with most smart home devices through its standard Wi-Fi connection. You’ll find it’s compatible with popular brands like Ring, Nest, and Amazon Alexa. Your devices will benefit from Fios’s reliable fiber-optic network, symmetrical speeds, and consistent performance. There aren’t any special requirements or additional fees to connect your smart home ecosystem to Fios’s network.
How Long Does It Typically Take to Get Fios Installed?
You’ll typically need to allow 1-4 weeks for your Fios installation, though this timeframe can vary based on your specific situation. If you’re eligible for a self-install kit using existing coaxial or Ethernet connections, you can get connected much faster. However, if you need an ONT installation or face complications like required engineering assessments or landlord approvals, your installation may take longer.
Can Multiple Users Stream 4K Content Simultaneously Without Buffering?
You can stream multiple 4K streams simultaneously if you’ve got the right setup. You’ll need a media server that supports HEVC standards, 4K-compatible devices with high-speed HDMI cables (18G/sec certified), and sufficient bandwidth. While Fios’ fiber-optic network can theoretically handle multiple 4K streams, you might experience buffering if your equipment isn’t properly configured or if you’re using older STBs that don’t support HEVC.
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