The Loose Change

Verizon FIOS Reviewed

October 3rd, 2008

I just recently upgraded to Verizon FIOS, both their Internet and their TV.   And the installation guy was here for about 2 hours.  They gave me a new modem and router which was just one integrated unit.  It was a pretty painless operation for me.  They use the existing coax cable in your home and since I had digital cable already installed, all he did was swap out the old DVR with their new one (both made by Motorola).

For the FIOS TV, there is a new menu system to get use to, plus a ton of channels.  I couldn’t tell a difference between COX Cable HD and FIOS HD, personally.  So it was about the same, except FIOS has more HD channels at this point.  Both HD’s are broadcast in 720p.  Right now only HD DVD’s and Blu Rays (including PS3) are capable of true HD at 1080p.  And of course you need a 1080p TV to get that extra detail.  So FIOS TV works just fine.

BUT… the real reason to switch to FIOS is the FIOS Internet.  As I am a web designer by profession, I can really use the extra speed this thing puts out.  I signed up for 20 up/ 20 down package.  And that’s actually what I get based on the SpeedTest.

 

I would have to put that in the SMOKING range. And I do feel a bit bad about leaving Cox. They were actually very good and reliable. But as a web designer, the difference between 2,000 kbps upload speed and 20,000 kpbs upload speeds is CRAZY good. Verizon FIOS internet is 10x faster than Cox in upload speeds. And for me uploading videos and huge files, that’s a major time saver.

I will say that for the average person who just surfs the web, it might not be worth it to switch.  Cox’s download speeds are 15,000 kbps.  Which is very fast.  It’s just the upload speeds that Cox is lagging behind.  And they are upgrading to 3,000 kbps, but that’s still nowhere near FIOS 20,000 kbps upload speeds.

Overall, my early experience with Verizon FIOS has been good.  It does what is advertised and even my PS3 wireless connection downstairs is a lot faster, which is good when playing online games.  Gives me a bit more of a competitive edge, which I could really use.  These 12 year olds are killing me online.

Entry Filed under: The Loose Change