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Review by seriousfun 
Posted: 27 days ago
member for 6.7 years, 653 visits, last login: a few hours ago
 Los Angeles,Los Angeles,CA
 $59 per month (24 month contract)
 "ISP is stable and fast"
 "costly, and contract limits competition"
 "best service in my neighborhood --- for now"
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-I had Time Warner Cable at this location for one year before VZ FiOS came a-knockin'. They were being very aggressive, trying to convert as many TWC customers (and others) as possible. VZ's triple play would cost less for comparable service than TWC's even after the two-year contract price lock-in, higher-speed internet service tiers available at extra cost, more HD channels for TV, and a few more features for phone. They offered free installation and a $100 gift card - I signed on the dotted line.
- 10/2 speed works as-advertised
- Ordering was one quick phone call (subsequent customer and tech support calls...abysmal, as expected). Install took the better part of a day. The tech was thorough and did everything asked.
- Actiontec modem/router/wireless. Works fine.
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Review by mkaishar
Posted: 28 days ago
member for 8.9 years, 993 visits, last login: 1 days ago
Walnut,Los Angeles,CA
 Business customer
$220 per month (12 month contract)
 about 24 days
"fast, reliable, stable, wide open, unmetered, good business support"
"using 1 static ip for the westell 9100 for tv"
"worth it if you can get it, business provides static, unmetered, wide open connection"
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business static with 5 ip addresses 20/5
westell 9100em connected to 4 tv's
using my own pfsense firewall for the servers
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Review by MichaelWacey
UPDATED: 29 days ago
member for 4.8 years, 867 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Berwyn,Chester,PA
$50 per month (12 month contract)
about 21 days
"Very Fast, Professional Instalation, Nice Router"
"Loss of Copper Line, Echo on some voice calls, boxes required for channels over 49"
"This is the future and I wanted to try it"
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I was fine with Comcast. I had TV (no boxes) and Internet for Comcast for many years and was happy with the service. When the complete package of Phone, Internet, and TV became available from FIOS, I wanted to give it a try. I really do not like Cable Boxes. So, I am looking forward to Cable Card 2 becoming a reality. But I will not hold my breath on that one.
FIOS is a great deal. However, with all the extras (three boxes, sports package, faster internet), I will be paying more than with Comcast. I just keep telling myself that I am getting more for that extra money. Hopefully, Comcast, Dish, and Verizon will enter a full price war soon. I would like to see more flat rate pricing and less ala carte pricing.
I ordered the complete package in early January and had it installed on February 3rd. They would have done it sooner but I was not available until then. The two installers were very nice and professional. They did a very neat job. They put the ONT inside my house. I already have the house wired for Ethernet with 12 ports throughout the house and two Access Points. They easily connected to it.
I had to leave before they were complete. Interestingly, they disabled my wireless security to get everything working. It only took me a few minutes to get everything back the way I wanted it. My wife immediately noticed the speed increase from FIOS (15 down/2 up).
I have one Dynamic IP. The ActionTec router supports a free DynDNS account. I set this up but have not had to use it. For the past month or more my IP has stayed the same.
The phone works fine. However, if I call anyone on my street I hear an annoying echo. I have not had time to go through the trouble shooting process. I imagine that it can be fixed at the CO.
So far, I am very happy with everything. I may be shocked when I get that first bill.
Update 4/22/2009. I have been very happy with the FiOS service. Even their customer service and billing has not been a problem for me. I really hate the set top boxes. I have added and removed packages over the years. I now have Internet 20/5 and TV Premium with Setanta. I am looking forward to getting MLS Direct Kick when it is available for order.
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Review by rlmars
UPDATED: 30 days ago
member for 6.3 years, 1808 visits, last login: 17 days ago
Beaverton,Washington,OR
Contract price not specified. (12 month contract)
"Great package, Internet, TV, Phone"
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Great install, great tech, Westell9100, 20/15
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Review by rextilleon
UPDATED: 30 days ago
member for 5.9 years, 1639 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Pleasantville,Westchester,NY
$50 per month
about 7 days
"Consistent Speeds"
"None"
"Excellent"
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Excellent service from the get go. I have been with them since the early roll out days and I have never had a problem. I seldom have to call for anything and thus customer service is really not even something I think about.
Update: Still getting consistent speeds and service from FIOS. I wish every service I use worked as well.
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Review by eDon
UPDATED: 34 days ago
member for 2.5 years, 12 visits, last login: 10 days ago
Hauppauge,Suffolk,NY
$55 per month (12 month contract)
about 45 days
"Fast, reliable - just plain works all the time"
"Impossible navigation of phone support IVR system"
"Couldn't be happier"
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I cannot comment on repair service because I have not needed any (10 months). The install tech was great and accommodated my requests for non-standard configuration and the central plant folks responded to my need to setup a non-verizon router (Linksys RV016).
I previously used OOL (15/5 $50/mo) and had constant problems with intermittent framing errors. I now keep OOL as a backup connection using a multi-WAN router but am considering dropping them altogether given the reliability of FIOS.
For me FIOS is unsurpassed in quality.
$55/mo for 20/20 connection is reasonable IMO.
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Review by suggy2004
UPDATED: 34 days ago
member for 5.9 years, 203 visits, last login: 1 days ago
Conshohocken,Montgomery,PA
$131 per month (12 month contract)
about 4 days
"Great installers"
"none as of yet"
"Great for the money & options"
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Had Verizon DSL for EVER, no problems
Verizon rolled out Fios 3- 4 years ago, waited until now to sign up for it (Still to new)
They advertised there $99 for Quad play, I quickly jumped at it
From order to activation 4 day, order it online late Friday was able to get installed as early as Wednesday, b/c of work I opted for Thursday, Sent them an email they confirmed the date on Sunday
Details of my contract
Verizon freedom essentials - $49.99 / month
Activation - free
Fios internet 25 /15 - $64.99 / month
Install internet - free
Equipment - free
Fios TV extreme HD - $87.99 / month
high def media DVR - $19.99 / month
Standard def STB - $5.99 / month
Quad Play savings -($67.97) / month off / one year
$150 Visa prepaid card - free
free high def media DVR for 3 months
Total $130.98 Not including fees
Internet is Rock Solid / Tv is Awesome / Phone is Crystal Clear
Rec'd a call the day before install - install take 4 -6 hours
rec'd a call day of - installers will be onsite 12:30 - 1:30
Installers showed up ontime, very professional , very helpful
They had it installed in an hour
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 Review by wifi4milez
Posted: 35 days ago
member for 5.3 years, 2031 visits, last login: a few hours ago
New York,New York,NY
$50 per month (12 month contract)
about 30 days
"Good connection, low ping times"
"Horrible back end with regards to billing and rates"
"FIOS is honestly not any better than cable, the "speed" difference is not noticeable at all."
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Some people wont like this review, but it needs to be said. FIOS is a decent internet service, but its not the amazing product some think it is. The reality is that the internet isnt noticeably "faster" on a 20/5 FIOS connection than it is on a 5/512k cable connection. In fact, many home devices cant even handle the increased speed FIOS provides so its pointless in that regard. Unless you are constantly downloading files via P2P, I would suggest only switching to FIOS if you get a really good deal.
Followup comments:  
keyboards
join:2001-02-14
Doylestown, PA
 ·Verizon FIOS
 ·Comcast
| Speed is Internet server limited Actually, most home computers can easily handle the speed (assuming a 100 Mb NIC and running Verizon's optimizer to set a few parameters). The problem is that there are very few Internet sites that can support the FiOS available speeds. I was able to download the whole XP SP-3 ISO (350+ MB) in just a few minutes because Microsoft's site supported the speed (and was done at an off hour so it wasn't overly busy).
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REMEMBER: Stupidity should be painful !! | |
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Ignite
Premium,VIP
join:2004-03-18
UK
clubs: | Re: Speed is Internet server limited Ah ok. My last 3 routers were all capable of over 20Mbit, even my venerable old Buffalo. | |
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Zero
join:2009-07-01
Collegeville, PA
| 20/5 vs. 5/512k I can't say that I fully agree with your comparison. If you have multiple internet users then you're going to see a difference between those 20/5 and 5/512k connections. I do agree that the switch from cable to FiOS is not nearly as noticeable between to switch to cable from DSL.
However, even if its only a single user on that 20/5 connection you should still be able to notice faster download transfers compared to a 5/512k cable connection. You won't see a difference in web browsing, email, and simple internet tasks from cable because a 5/512k cable connection is adequate of bandwidth for those kinds of simple tasks.
With any downloads/uploads or other bandwidth intensive activities you will see the increase in speed and less transfer time with that 20/5 connection - if the server can support those speeds. | |
| | | | | davidplatt
join:2003-02-13
Herndon, VA
1 edit | Re: 20/5 vs. 5/512k Well I certainly don't agree. There is a huge, noticable difference in speed with FiOS over cable.
I had a 15/2 cable connection from Cox and when I switched to FiOS at 30/5 (now 30/10) there was a gigantic difference. Especially using remote desktop from my office to my home PC or from my home PC to my office.
When I am remoted into my work pc, it's like I was in the office. Not so when I had cable. | |
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wifi4milez
Big Russ, 1918 to 2008. Rest in Peace
join:2004-08-07
New York, NY
·Verizon FIOS
 ·Sprint Mobile Broa..
·RoadRunner Cable
 ·BroadVoice
| Re: 20/5 vs. 5/512k said by davidplatt :Well I certainly don't agree. There is a huge, noticable difference in speed with FiOS over cable. I had a 15/2 cable connection from Cox and when I switched to FiOS at 30/5 (now 30/10) there was a gigantic difference. Especially using remote desktop from my office to my home PC or from my home PC to my office. When I am remoted into my work pc, it's like I was in the office. Not so when I had cable. You are confusing a few things about RDC and the public internet. Unless you are running some sort of high bandwidth streaming media program (or CAD program) via remote desktop the bandwidth difference shouldnt make a difference. More than likely the FIOS connection had lower ping times to the remote machine. This could be something as simple as both machines being on Verizons network for example.
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"If it's to be a bloodbath, let it be now. Appeasement is not the answer."
-Ronald Reagan-
»www.theadvocates.org/quizp/index.html
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Zero
join:2009-07-01
Collegeville, PA
| said by wifi4milez :First, as I mentioned in my review, unless you are doing a lot of P2P the average user wont notice any difference at all. Almost any download in general, large or small, should benefit from faster speeds on any connection - not just FiOS. It should transfer quicker and take less time period. With a small download it may not be too obvious but it will complete sooner than on a slower connection.
said by wifi4milez :Second, you are correct about the remote server needing to be able to support high bandwidth (which most dont) Generally speaking however, even having multiple computers/users wont reveal the difference between cable and FIOS unless all of the users are downloading video (or other large files) at the same time. Popular and active servers tend to have more bandwidth available to meet the demand and typically those are the sites that users will visit. Unless the user is communicating with a less popular server then they probably will be able to use their extra bandwidth.
As I stated before, web surfing and email won't see any difference. If that's what you call "average user" then you're correct.
Also, it takes just one user doing a large download/upload that's using up the majority of the bandwidth to affect everyone else on the same connection. Even simple web surfing users would see their pages start to load slightly slower depending on QoS and how badly the connection is being maxed out. | |
| 
rexbinary
Mod King
Premium
join:2005-01-26
Plano, TX
·Verizon FIOS
1 edit | Usage It depends on your usage model.
I move a lot of data. For instance I purchase most all software online, especially huge games that average around 8GB+ in size. I get my full 25MB download speed with FiOS from all the product sites I use, such as Steam, Fileplanet, Impulse, etc. My bandwidth saves a ton of time.
So I see no issues locally or on the backend, I get my full speed on all computers from all the sites I go to all the time.
If you just browse the web and check email, yes just about any broadband will work for you.
So yes there is a huge difference between cable speeds and FiOS speed, you usage model doesn't take advantage of your new speed.
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Verizon FiOS subscriber since 2005 | Mac owner since 1990 | Fedora user since 2006 | CentOS user since 2007 | "Anyone who is unwilling to learn is entitled to absolutely nothing." - graysonf | EDIT: I seldom post without an edit. | |
| 
The_ANoN
@verizon.net
| Wow.. What do you do online? Just check email? There's a huge difference between 5/512k and 20/5 (I have 25/15).. My HD movies on Netflix load up MUCH faster, I can DL game demos on Xbox Live MUCH faster. I dled a 1GB file in 7-8 mins. I dont think that would happen on a 5/512k cable connection. | |
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 Review by vz_jake
Posted: 36 days ago
member for 36 days, 16 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Seffner,Hillsborough,FL
$220 per month (24 month contract)
about 12 days
"The very best Internet and TV product available"
"Unable to transfer recorded shows from one stb another when a replacement is needeed"
"Best product on the market"
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In the last 2 years I have had to replace 1 router and 1 dvr. both were sent via UPS. replacement was easy and the service is outstanding. I have a 20/20 internet package which has never failed me (except when the router went down). i have 5 computers using the service, 3 hardwired and 2 wireless in a two story house. Speed is consistant on all wired machines and speed on the wireless is acceptable considering it IS wireless. Able to stream movies from my hardwired PC to a wireless Xbox360 with no buffer issues. Install was clean but they did install the router in my garage which I wish had been located closer to the computers. Again, even people who have had technical issues or billing problems agree...nothing else on the market today compares to the quality and speed available through Fios.
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Review by old_wiz_60
UPDATED: 37 days ago
member for 4.5 years, 1384 visits, last login: 1 days ago
Bedford,Middlesex,MA
$141 per month
"Stable Connection, good speeds, good quality TV."
"Billing Service abominable!"
"FIOS works well most of the time."
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I have had FIOS for 1 year now in Bedford Mass. I was an early adopter. Installer was not familiar with my MAC, but I handled that part of it. I have only lost the connection once or twice and that was due to local power failure that left the entire neighborhood dark. I have not used tech support at all, so my rating for tech support is a guess. I have the lowest tier, 5MB, which was fine since I was on dialup. I have the dlink 624 router. Their website said it would not work wireless with a MAC, but it worked just fine. I suspect they say this so they don't have to try to do tech support. I don't use the verizon e-mail or their 'verizon central'. A little confusion on the install, they did it in two days, first day installed wire and the box outside, 2nd day inside. I ordered via web.
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Updated 12/11/07. We upgraded to triple play with FIOS TV on 12/3/07. Interesting setup, needed new router (which they provided) since the schedule is received via the net. Saved a bit of money due to triple play (had Comcast before for cable). They were late arriving, but did call, and techs apologized and said other install went over expected time. Contrast to the original install, the techs knew more about the system (which isn't surprising as they've had time to learn the newer stuff). FIOS Tv runs fine, at least as well as Comcast, and we get more channels for lower price. No problems since install.
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Update July 25, 2008. Now we have billing issues. In May, they raised the price of the internet connection by disconnecting and reconnecting, ignoring the fact we signed for two years. (Billing tried to fix it, but apparently they can't.) This apparently caused rest of system to think we no longer have the triple play. Our monthly bill went from $ 138 to $ 180! I'm now planning to dump FIOS TV; it's not worth the new prices. The billing people try to help, but they are stuck with a computer system that is hideous. FIOS TV is now $80 per month, where before it was $62. I can't figure out how they can get away with raising prices after agreeing to keep the price for 2 years!
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Updated July 28. After speaking with a Verizon rep they told us the billing system is known to screw up like this. They apologized and told me they would issue a credit and it will be correct next month. I'm happy they can correct the billing - the service is great otherwise.
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August 25, 2008. Not surprisingly, the Verizon billing is STILL screwed up! Despite repeated calls and "promises" to fix it, Verizon is unable or UNWILLING to fix it. Our bill should be 141 per month according to the Verizon reps, but this time it is $169. They are simply unable to fi x the billing system and I am getting very very tired of having to call them EVERY SINGLE MONTH to complain. The billing people TRY to help, but they are totally stuck with a system that . I guess it is time to finally file a formal complaint with the State public utilities. Verizon is simply unable to fix their own errors, or unwilling to do so.!!!!!
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September 8, 2008. We checked with Mass Department of Telecommunications, and they said to write to Verizon first, so we did that and got ahold of a supervisor who said the only way to fix the problem is to do a new Triple Freedom package. He went ahead and entered a new package. Today I get a e-mail from Verizon stating that we haven't accepted the TOS for our new package. I did this then re-read the mail from Verizon and found out that the new plan was for a ONE year contract, where the orignal plan signed in November 2007 was for TWO years. So Verizon has again managed to screw the billing. We're also going to be billed "partial month" for service change, which usually is not well pro-rated and costs more than it should. On top of all this, due to the disconnect/reconnect (again) we got a SALES call from Verizon trying to get us to 'come back' to Verizon! It is so sad, because when you talk to the Verizon people they REALLY TRY to help, but unfortunately they can't really fix the billing system. It is so frustrating since the service itself has been so good; phone, internet, and TV have all been top quality. We expect more hassle with Verizon to keep trying to get the original contract price and period, but I suspect we will just wait for next month's bill and go to the Department of Telecommunications and file a formal complaint.
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Update 9/15/08...Well, Verizon's Customer Advocacy people called us after I complained to Mass Department of Telecommunications (public utilities) and e-mailed two contacts provided here via IM from two Verizon friends or employees. I explained the situation, and they understood my point of view perfectly - I had a two year contract and they should honor it. Next a supervisor from billing called, and said that it is impossible to get the two year contract anymore, but instead they would give me the one year contract at the original two year price and then a credit so I'd pay that price for 2 years. They fully understand my reasoning, especially when I pointed out that if I was a contractor for Verizon and tried to get out of a two year contract they would never let me get away with it. They promise my monthly bill will be no higher than it should be for the term of the original contract. Our monthly bill goes out this week, so it should be interesting. I'm expecting to have to call them a few more times until the billing settles down. I suppose it's acceptable, but it just sounds like the billing system is causing them so much trouble. Why can't they fix it? I'm certainly not the only person having these troubles. The Verizon reps have all been polite and helpful and do their best, but it's sad to see they can't simply fix their billing system.
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Updated 10/20/08. Surprise? Despite promises from Verizon that my bill would be no more than 141, this month they charged me for $168! Verizon is very good at appearing to care, but in fact they really don't want to fix it. Despite complaint to public utilities, e-mails to various Verizon executives, they are overcharging and we have to call every **** month and argue with them again and again. If there was a workable alternative I would dump them in a heartbeat. Comcast is available, but they are probably no better or worse.
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11/11/08. Finally they have the billing straight. It only took from July to November, numerous phone calls, numerous e-mails, and not one but two complaints to Mass Departent of Telecommunications and Energy (public utilities). sheesh.
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11/3/09. Billing has been correct for almost a year now. However, I'm running out of the 'introductory' price, so I don't know if it will go up soon. The connection continues to be stable, good speeds, and TV works well.
Followup comments: 
Technogeez
Gone but not forgetting
Premium
join:2007-01-20 | Get the state involved Call your state's department of consumer affairs. | |
| vtec30cl
join:2004-01-07
Washington, DC | billing Call daily. Ask to speak to a manager or someone above a supervisor. verizon should be investigated by the FTC because EVERYONE knows they are messing up their billing and the practice is criminal. | |
| | nickfie
join:1999-11-23
Wynnewood, PA
·Verizon FIOS
| Renew Now Verizon offers VERY aggressive pricing right now. I renewed early a few months ago. It was a consumer fantasy:
Me: "I would like to see how much it would cost to get the 25 / 15 Internet speed instead of my current 15 / 5"
Agent: "We would have to move you to the new package to get that speed."
Me: "How much will that cost?"
Agent: (pause) "It looks like your monthly bill will drop about $40."
Me: "What about my TV channels?"
Agent: "We no longer offer the package you have now."
Me: "What do I get instead?"
Agent: "Our new package has MORE high-def channels."
Me: "Let me make sure I understand. If I want faster Internet I'm going to have to pay LESS every month and get MORE high-def TV channels?"
Agent: "That's right. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
Me: "Not unless you want to cross the state & give me a shoe-shine."
And it all came true. Though I did have to go on-line & cancel some add-ons she slipped in. | |
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