I grabbed the light: FiOS

December 24, 2006

This is going to sound like a commercial for Verizon and maybe it is.

Verizon FiOS (Fibre Optic Service) was available in our neighborhood several months ago. Since we run our business from our home and incorporate all the necessary technology to support our clients, I was hesitant to make the switch, especially since everything I have is working fine. Everything is (was):

• Verizon local service (3 lines, 2 for voice and 1 for Fax) ~$100/mo.
• AT&T long distance (I've been a loyal customer since dirt) ~$25/mo.<\li>
• DirecTV (I was an early adopter 13 years ago since cable was not available, and still isn't). We were hooked on DirecTV. A great service except in severe weather. ~$100/mo.
• SkyNetAccess for broadband internet access. DSL was never available. SkyNet provides DSL like service over microwave. Without it I would have had to resort to satellite which was not a good alternative. SkyNet speeds averaged 1.5Mbs down and 0.750Mbs up. Certainly adequate. ~ $60/mo.
• Total monthly cost: ~$285/mo.

On December 21st I made the switch. After about a 4 hour installation in the afternoon, FiOS was cut over without a glitch. I experienced a couple of hard issues both of which were my problems; one with Outlook email accounts and the other a network storage hard drive that had addressing issues.

I 'm here to report that the service is everything advertised! Same quality phone service (now with unlimited domestic long distance), blazing fast internet at 5Mbs down and 2Mbs up (this is the entry level service) and a superior television feed with high definition and receivers that have integrated DVR. WOW is an understatement (so far). More capability for less cost (estimated service cost is ~ $250/mo.). Now that's a value proposition. I may change my tune when we experience the first power outage. That's supposed to be protected too with battery backup.

I also use Verizon Wireless for cell coverage and I am told that I can get a 10% discount (~$20/mo.) on that bill (~$200/mo.) since I am totally Verizon dependent.

My Verizon service calls are always first rate. I hear horror stories about all cable companies. Verizon is betting the company on this service with $Billions$ in infrastructure investment. Looks to me like a good bet.

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