Verizon FiOS vs Comcast Internet
Hi John, I’ve been a Comcast cable subscriber for hi-speed Internet and tv for the last 10 years here in Northern NJ. We use Verizon only for our phone services and pay an average of $95/month that includes a second (business phone) line. Our upstairs tenant recently subscribed to the Verizon FIOS package plan, which includes fiber-optic tv, Internet, and phone service for $95/mo. Now we’ve received a “limited time offer” in the mail for the same package deal (including a free LCD HDtv).
My question(s) is: As far as you know, have they ironed out all the wrinkles with the FIOS technology, and do you think it is much of an improvement over cable hi-speed Intenet access? Secondly, does their package offer of $95/mo. sound to you like a potential ‘bait-and-switch’ where after 6 months to a year we can expect to be paying a lot more?
Lastly, would switching over to Verizon FIOS cause any major disruptions? For one, I have a website and webhost and solicit a lot of business through my site – which is operational through Comcast’s TCP/IP server configurations. So far my wife is all for it, but I have cold feet because I don’t know what I’m potentially getting myself into, and I know Verizon sales reps at the 800 number are not going to tell me anything negative, even if it turns out the cons do outweigh the pros.
Anyway, I’d appreciate any feedback on the subject as soon as you have the chance.
- Scott, November 10, 2007 (name changed for privacy)
Hi Scott, there’s quite a bit to reply to, so I’ll try to chunk it up and answer as briefly as I can.
Do you think the Verizon FiOS high speed internet service is much of an improvement over cable high speed internet service?
Yes and no. Other factors aside, you generally pay for internet access Speed. You will need to read the details of the Verizon FiOS special offer, and realize that Verizon FiOS adjusts it’s internet access speed in relation to price, similar to what DSL providers do. Verizon FiOS at $29.99 or $39.99 monthly, for example is Up to 5 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload. So if you are planning to cancel Comcast internet at 6 Mbps for Verizon FiOS at 5 Mbps, you may not improve upon your internet access speed. If you like the overall package deal, consider upgrading your internet access speed to the 15 Mbps for $49.99 monthly. Then you will more than double your speed, making the change really worth while.
Have they ironed out all the wrinkles with the Verizon FiOS technology?
I realize these days we all tend to avoid our neighbors, but if at all possible ask to test out your tenant’s Verizon FiOS service. While you’re doing that, go to Youtube.com or another website where you can download or view a video file. Compare your experience to that on your Comcast internet service. Also ask your tenant about his Verizon FiOS installation experience.
Most of the complaints I’ve heard about Verizon FiOS revolve around pricing and features, not the technology. For example, promotional pricing is often quoted 1st month free, just $29.99 monthly for months 2-7. That’s for 5 Mbps and doesn’t include a static IP for business or internet phone use. The Verizon FiOS technology is said to be capable of 100 Mbps high speed internet service. Verizon FiOS internet is already surpassing cable at 15 Mbps and 30 Mbps, and should continue to do so. The same can’t be said about DSL.
Would switching over to Verizon FiOS cause any major disruptions, website and webhost?
I’ve created quite a few websites over the years, using different webhosts from year to year. Website hosting is plentiful, cheap and continuously improving. Your website Hosting and Domain Registration services can reside anywhere in the world that you’d like. For example, I transferred 6 websites last month to a new server maintained by a new company, because I got better pricing, better features, and better customer service. Once you figure out how to liberate your online business in this way, you won’t have to worry about who is hosting it. Of course if you’re a Fortune 500 company you can’t keep moving your business, but for most small to medium size websites you shouldn’t be stuck somewhere you don’t want to be.
Call Comcast and ask for stand alone pricing of their hosting services. If you chose not to stay with Comcast as a website hosting service, you should talk to someone about moving your website prior to making a mess of things. I am using Hostgator.com for website hosting. Various website hosting plans exist. Call them up and ask which is right for you, get a price quote, and ask if they can assist in your transfer of files, free or fee based.
I recommend using what’s called cPanel with WHM (Web Hosting Manager) website hosting services, which is what Hostgator.com uses. It’s popular, easier and faster to use than Plesk, and you can find cPanel books online or at your local book store.
I register my domain names through Godaddy.com. Keeping domain name registrations separate from hosting saves me money, and keeps me from getting stuck with a bad website hosting service. You can transfer domains into Godaddy.com if you need to, give them a call or browse their online help.
I think I covered most of your questions, if not email back.
- John
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