NEW YORK (AP) — Verizon Communications Inc. is boosting the speed of its FiOS fiber-optic Internet service in 10 states.
The FiOS service areas of California, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Washington will see new plans that nearly double Internet speeds, Chief Operating Officer Denny Strigl said in remarks to be delivered at a conference Wednesday.
The faster speeds were already available in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, where competition from cable is particularly fierce, and in Florida, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
With the speed increase, Verizon is now providing the same speeds in all 16 states where FiOS is available. It comes at a time when cable companies are preparing a big boost to their own Internet services.
I’m not a firm believer of Verizon FiOS. I currently live on Long Island which is currently the domain of Cablevision and am subscribed to their triple-play bundle which includes telephone, Internet, and cable television services. Cablevision does have its strong suits for service. In terms of my Internet connection I am subject to their 15/2 speed package and (late at night) can get connection speeds as high as 21 mbit/sec down. In the end FiOS and Cablevision service have their weak and strong points. However, at this juncture in time I would recommend Cablevision service over Verizon. Why? Currently Cablevision offers a $20/month discount to prevent users from switching to Verizon. Second, their technical support is excellent (since I have always talked to a knowledgeable representative). Third, my Internet connection is always up and rarely subject to blackouts. Fourth, Optimum Voice is quite reliable, and the difference between Cablevisions VOIP and regular hardwired phone service is difficult to tell. Fifth, Cablevision offers up to 60+ HD channels free of charge to its consumers.
Also, Cablevision is currently in the process of deploying its Wifi network. Did you know that? They have already setup Bel Air and Cisco access points which cover most of Nassau County, Suffolk, parts of New Jersey/Connecticut, etc. This service is free to all subscribers of Optimum Online. I do not see Verizon offering any type of complimentary service such as this, which allows users 1.5 mbps connection speeds.
As to Verizon I have heard that FiOs is extremely fast with the fastest speed being offered at 50 mbps down. However, I have heard from most users that there are problems. One, when you subscribe to Verizon you are locked into a contract. Second, you have to upgrade all of your equipment in the house. Third, their television service isn’t pure fiber but a coaxial/fiber hybrid like Cablevisions. Fourth, there are hidden taxes and fees which result in your bill skyrocketing after the introductory six month period. in the end you get what you pay for. The pipe is great or speed but the extra services aren’t what they’re cracked up to be. If you have a choice I say stick with Cablevision since there are no contracts, extra taxes, and hidden costs. Its a far better value than Verizons solution.