Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv in Verizon FIOS TV http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r17401196 en Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:11:56 EDT Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:11:56 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18269470 TheOtherPete :
said by patmondor See Profile :

I'm fortunate to have an older ONT with a CAT 5 run and a COAX run for the TV. How do I introduce my own router into my network? I want to keep the Actiontec for MoCA and the Internet on a new Netgear Range N router for DHCP and everything else. Any info is greatly appreciated.
You have to setup your Netgear to pull an address from VZ, either by PPPoE or DHCP, whichever you are configured for. Connect the ONT ethernet to your Netgear WAN port. If you are using DHCP to get an address you have to release the address from the Actiontec first before switching in the Netgear, I'm still PPPoE myself so I dont have first hand experience but I've read a lot people have trouble with doing that.

Once that is up and working connect the WAN ethernet port of the actiontec to a LAN port on your Netgear.

Then you have to reconfigure the Actiontec (using a PC temporarily connected on a LAN port of the Actiontec), in my case I changed the actiontec lan segment which was 192.168.1.0/24 to 192.168.3.0/24 because I am using 192.168.1.0/24 on my existing network and you cant have the same network on both the WAN and LAN sides of the Actiontec.

Next I assigned the Actiontec WAN port a static IP, e.g. 192.168.1.43 - you can also allow it to pull a DHCP address from your netgear, I prefer to lock things down so I went with a static.

So my network is ONT -> Cisco ASA -> (Lan1 192.168.1.x) ActionTec -> (Lan3/Coax/Moca 192.168.3.x) STB's

The set top boxes (STB's) pull addresses from the Actiontec's 192.168.3.x/24 DHCP pool but everything else in my network is on Lan1, e.g. 192.168.1.x space.

A text description of the relevent (changed) parts of the "Full Status/System wide Monitoring of Connections" page is

Rule "Network (Home/Office)" : IP Address 192.168.3.1, Mask=255.255.255.0, IP Address Distribution=DHCP Server

Rule "Broadband Connection (Ethernet)" : IP=192.168.1.43, Mask=255.255.255.0, Default GW=192.168.1.1, DNS Servers=71.252.0.12 & 71.242.0.12, IP Distribution=Disabled

Rule "Wireless Access Point", Status=Disabled (my preference, not required, I have another router for wireless)

Rule "WAN PPPOE" & "WAN PPPOE 2", Status=Disabled

Let me know if you need anything else

Edit: aa2k, you should have left your diagram posted - it gave a good visual representation of how to hook it up]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18269470 Wed, 02 May 2007 13:43:13 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18269449 aa2k : TheOtherPete,

OK, here we go, I thought your explanation was a lot better... You use the Actiontec WAN but if you connect it to the LAN port I believe it should work as well...
Click for full size
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18269449 Wed, 02 May 2007 13:38:47 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18269393 patmondor :
said by TheOtherPete See Profile :

said by xgman See Profile :

I would have preferred they had upgraded me to the Mocha ONT, so that only the coaxial needed to come into the router...It's too bad you can't maintain your own internet router without having to piggy back on the actiontech though.
If you have a separate ethernet from the ONT to the actiontec then you can in fact use your own internet router.

Place the actiontec behind your own router so that only the set top boxes use it for data - you can continue to use your own router for all rest of your data needs.
TheOtherPete,

I'm fortunate to have an older ONT with a CAT 5 run and a COAX run for the TV. How do I introduce my own router into my network? I want to keep the Actiontec for MoCA and the Internet on a new Netgear Range N router for DHCP and everything else. Any info is greatly appreciated.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18269393 Wed, 02 May 2007 13:25:46 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18267202 JTRockville :
said by NXChew See Profile :

It'll be installed tomorrow, which reminds me gotta call and cancel comcast.
Don't forget that you pay Comcast in advance. So you're due a refund (unless you cancelled on the day your bill is due).

Lots of VZ FiOS activity on Troy Road today. Some homes just sold and it looks like the first thing folks do is get lit.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18267202 Wed, 02 May 2007 00:41:13 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18265544 TheOtherPete :
said by xgman See Profile :

I would have preferred they had upgraded me to the Mocha ONT, so that only the coaxial needed to come into the router...It's too bad you can't maintain your own internet router without having to piggy back on the actiontech though.
If you have a separate ethernet from the ONT to the actiontec then you can in fact use your own internet router.

Place the actiontec behind your own router so that only the set top boxes use it for data - you can continue to use your own router for all rest of your data needs.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18265544 Tue, 01 May 2007 19:38:39 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18264649 NXChew : The operator that I spoke to regarding my order mentioned it to me, and I made sure she documented it, and I have the reference number. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18264649 Tue, 01 May 2007 16:48:59 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18264404 xgman : where was the amex gift card offer?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18264404 Tue, 01 May 2007 15:57:23 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18264398 xgman : one less feed and they say it's a little more robust, but who knows . . . anyway it turns out that the rj45 feed from the ont to the router was the problem in my case. I think the Mocha also supports the ethernet feed if needed. I just wish the net and tv could be separated completely at the ONT.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18264398 Tue, 01 May 2007 15:56:12 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18262947 NXChew : I live in Damascus (20872), and just got a 15/2 internet and Fios base package for 69.99.

We've had the internet for some time now, and FINALLY can get rid of cour comcast bill which is now upwards of $150!?

So we've got 5 TV's, 2 HDDVR's, 1HD, 2SD, HBO, Movies Package and the internet for 130/month. lol amazing that Comcast still has customers choosing their service over verizon when they can get it.

It'll be installed tomorrow, which reminds me gotta call and cancel comcast.

Oh in addition I'm getting a $100 AMEX gift card for switching from comcast and my first month's TV for free.

Can't wait!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18262947 Tue, 01 May 2007 11:40:50 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18262728 aa2k : Would it make any difference using coax or ethernet connection from the ONT to the router (data)? the signal quality should be the same right?, I would guess having ethernet gives you the choice to use a different router if you want or needed (or if the actiontec dies and you don't get a replacement for a few days), any other advantage or disadvantage?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18262728 Tue, 01 May 2007 10:55:06 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18262635 xgman : last week, after 3 days of tedius installation problems, finally everything works. I would have preferred they had upgraded me to the Mocha ONT, so that only the coaxial needed to come into the router, but the picture is noticibly clearer than any comcast channels and didn't need the booster amplifier that I needed with comcast. The Motorolla hi def boxes are a little shy on some advanced features that even the comcast boxes had, buit I guess they will get better as they mature the software. It's too bad you can't maintain your own internet router without having to piggy back on the actiontech though. All in all, even though the installers had signal and wire problems initially, the follow up vy the superviosrs was very good and they simply didn't stop till they got it right.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18262635 Tue, 01 May 2007 10:33:50 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18236297 rfalls : These went live in Montgomery County over a week ago. If you don't have them, you need to call.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18236297 Thu, 26 Apr 2007 08:52:08 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18236203 achilleX4 : Some of you might have seen my post on the other thread on "New HD Channels" so I apologize for another post here but for those of you living in Montgomery County, MD, does channel 840 (Food Ch.), 841 (HGTV), and 845 (Lifetime) broadcasting yet for you? I called VZ CS last night and they acknowledged those are indeed the new HD channels but the CS I spoke to wasn't sure if it was turned for our area yet. He sent a signal to both my HDSTBs but no luck. It displayed the program info on the info bar but no, pix or audio....just curious. Thx! ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18236203 Thu, 26 Apr 2007 08:21:27 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18230089 JPL : I would still plan on a 5 - 6 hour install. It took them close to 5 hours just to do my internet (which I had done separately) - and, like you, the FiOS box was a straight shot over my lawn to where the ONT was installed. My lines are above-ground, and the pole is actually in the back corner of my back yard - although it is longer than 25 feet. When I ordered TV, it took the installer 2 hours to do that (and the TV installer told me "wow, this was the easiest house I've installed yet"). It doesn't look like alot of work, but it really is. I also only had a single installer come out each time - if you're getting full service, you may get 2, which will help to speed things up.

I will say, though, that the installers I had (both times) impressed me. Neither were subs (both were Verizon employees) and both knew what they were doing. There was no messing around - there was no question about what needed to be done. And I had a couple challenges. For example, I don't have a power supply near my ONT. And everything runs into my crawl space. So, he ran a power cable from the back of the house, through the entire crawl space (making sure to staple it up out of the way so that you can actually get into the crawl space), ran it out of the crawl space in my laundry room, around my water heater (he did a great job of hiding the cable as much as possible - and actually apologized for not doing a better job!) and into the power supply located on the front inside wall of the house. If your installer is anything like the 2 that I had, you're going to be very pleasantly surprised.

And you're going to love the service. Their internet service is consistent and fast (that's been my experience), and their TV service is incredible - the PQ is just out of this world.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18230089 Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:26:43 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18228203 aa2k : For now just net and Video, Ms Utility was here this morning and I have my front yard marked, I also found a note on my door from a Verizon tech, boy! they work fast! :-) I think I'll be happy with the new service... It should be an easy install, the FIOS box is about 25 feet away from where the ONT would be - straight shot over my lawn and I already have a ethernet drop from that location thru the attic to where the router would be (I did this last Sunday), they can top to the comcast cable located where the ONT will be; basically they just need to install and connect.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18228203 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 20:53:31 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225896 JPL : My apologies. Didn't mean to derail things. I'm done on that topic anyway :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225896 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 12:58:07 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225888 TheOtherPete :
said by JPL See Profile :

I gotta wonder what this does in terms of legislation, then...
Interesting, yes, but please keep in mind this is a thread about FIOS TV in Montgomery County, Maryland (in the FIOS TV forum).

Can you start a new thread in the general FIOS forum to discuss CLEC vs ILEC phone issues so this thread doesn't go off on a tangent?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225888 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 12:56:16 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225847 cmthru : Finally I was able to place my order. The only discount available was $5 a month for ordering the movie group. I did call Comcast and the best they offered was to give me HBO, Showtime (which is included with the Fios movie package) and Starz for a year. When I explained to the guy that I don't want those channels and asked if there was some other way to keep me as a customer he said "There's nothing else". So in a month I kiss Comcast goodbye.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225847 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 12:49:40 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225791 JPL : I stand corrected, then. Thanks for the clarification. I gotta wonder what this does in terms of legislation, then. At some point someone in government is going to figure out that there are many constituents who get stuck with phone service. Meaning, it's only a matter of time before someone wants to switch back, only to find that they get hit with a pretty big reconnection fee (to have to restring the copper), and you get a petition before the various state legislators calling for a change in the law. I would think that Verizon is just begging for legislative action if they don't allow other providers to carry their signals on their fiber. And when government gets in on the game... things can get ugly really fast. You end up with a whole new regulation regime.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225791 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 12:37:55 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225745 JTRockville :
said by aa2k See Profile :

Thanks guys for your replies, I will go for the change then, there is always cellulars right? :-)... I hope the install goes easy... (fingers crossed).
No "hope" needed. Verizon will send a qualified, knowledgable, professional installers! At least they did for the 'net.

Are you getting the whole package (voice/video/net)?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225745 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 12:29:42 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225744 SD6 : JPL, the rules are different for the fiber. Your brother was right. Once he goes to fiber, he cannot go back to copper even for phone service.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225744 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 12:29:35 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225432 JPL : Then it may be different for each state. Based on my understanding, around here Verizon is the company that maintains the phone lines. They're the ones responsible for getting the call to your home. The service provider you use just uses the phone lines that Verizon maintains. When we had MCI (before they got bought out by Verizon) we had two sections on our bill - one for the phone service, and one for wire fees. They all went to one place - MCI - but it was still Verizon that handled the actual transfer of phone calls to my house. Of course that was all under copper - you may be correct with regard to fiber.

Sort of like power suppliers. When they deregulated electricity in this area, they made available other electrity providers to get in the game. PECO was still responsible for getting the power to your house. And really, you weren't necessarily getting power from that other supplier, per se. PECO was required to purchase electricity in accordance to what the customer base was using. So if 10% of the electricty used in the area was from customers who had, say, Green Mountain Energy, then PECO was required to buy 10% of the electricity transmitted from Green Mountain. That's they way I understand telephone deregulation around here to work as well. I could be wrong - but I thought that, by law, Verizon couldn't prevent another company from using its lines to get phone calls to your house. In fact, as the de facto phone utility company for this area, they're required to allow the calls to go through. Again, that's my understanding, and if I'm wrong, please feel free to correct me (I'd rather have the right answer :)). And the mechanism that Verizon chooses to get service to your home is separate from the service provider you choose.

And as for removing copper - you're correct. They're not removing it everywhere. I was talking about the run from the pole to your house (our wiring is above-ground). They removed the copper coming from the pole to my house and replaced it with the fiber run.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225432 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 11:31:12 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225243 TheOtherPete :
said by JPL See Profile :

My response "no, that's not true - around here, anyway, Verizon is responsible for maintaining the actual phone lines. It's their job to get the call to your house, no matter WHO your service provider is... the mechanism that they choose to use really shouldn't matter - whether fiber, copper, or morse code - as long as the call gets through to your house, that's all that matters - and that's what Verizon would be providing. If you want to sign up with a different phone company for service, it'll still be Verizon that handles the phone lines for you."
As an aside to your earlier post, in my area they are not removing copper (its underground) and they are leaving the original NIDS where the copper terminates so copper is not being ripped out everywhere.

Anyway, I don't think you are correct above, if you are referring to local telephone service (not sure, maybe you meant long distance service)?

If they remove the copper and you want local dialtone service from different a company like Cavalier then Cav must pay to have copper installed - Verizon is under no obligation to allow CLEC's use the fiber to offer services (they may choose to do so but they are not required, unlike the copper infrastructure)

At least that's what I've gleaned from a few years of reading stuff here...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225243 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 10:57:05 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225067 JPL : I don't think that's true in PA, either. You can probably make the arrangement with the installer when he comes to do the work. Some will leave the copper, I'm sure, if you request it. But when they did my install, the phone box I had on the outside of my house went away - the replaced it with the ONT to handle all the stuff over the fiber lines. Even if they kept the copper strung to your house, I would imagine that they would disconnect the actual phone line attached to your house, and everything would still go through the fiber (this is based on my rudimentary understanding of this technology).

My brother, who lives in NJ and who also just got hooked up with FiOS, was a little concerned about all this. He thought "this will tie me into Verizon's telephone service." Never mind DSL, he was concerned that he wouldn't be able to switch phone providers if he wanted to. My response "no, that's not true - around here, anyway, Verizon is responsible for maintaining the actual phone lines. It's their job to get the call to your house, no matter WHO your service provider is... the mechanism that they choose to use really shouldn't matter - whether fiber, copper, or morse code - as long as the call gets through to your house, that's all that matters - and that's what Verizon would be providing. If you want to sign up with a different phone company for service, it'll still be Verizon that handles the phone lines for you."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18225067 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 10:24:17 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18224586 achilleX4 : aa2k,

You will absolutely love FIOS. I went home to watch FIOS TV for the first time and was totally amazed. The PQ was out of this world. Also a surprise treat, 3 new HD channels (HGTV, Food Network, and Lifetime) will be available by the end of this week.

Tip: When I called Comcast last night to cancel my service, they tried persuading me to stay and was willing to reduce my monthly service cost. For those of you still waiting for FIOS why not give Comcast a call and tell them you are thinking of leaving maybe they will offer the same discount. In fact, I called maybe a month or so ago and just told them I would be switching to FIOS once its available. They immediately gave me the HBO channels for free. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18224586 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 08:23:53 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18222593 aa2k : Thanks guys for your replies, I will go for the change then, there is always cellulars right? :-)... I hope the install goes easy... (fingers crossed).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18222593 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 20:47:41 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18222531 SD6 :
said by bbarrett See Profile :

If you have existing voice or DSL service from a CLEC like Cavalier, Covad, etc. then they can't touch your copper. But it's pretty difficult to keep Verizon residential POTS service on copper when making the switch. In order to still have a copper voice line after ordering FIOS, you'd have to have 3 or more lines, a business line, or a special medical "lifeline" requirement of some kind, I think.
Not true, at least in NY. There's no option for keeping your phone on copper when ordering, but you can make those arrangements when the day of installation rolls along.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18222531 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 20:38:37 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18221177 bbarrett : If you have existing voice or DSL service from a CLEC like Cavalier, Covad, etc. then they can't touch your copper. But it's pretty difficult to keep Verizon residential POTS service on copper when making the switch. In order to still have a copper voice line after ordering FIOS, you'd have to have 3 or more lines, a business line, or a special medical "lifeline" requirement of some kind, I think.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18221177 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 16:41:19 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18220834 JPL : Yeah, I don't think you have a choice. When we first ordered FiOS internet some 15 months ago, I got into a discussion with the sales rep on the phone, who told me that when you make the switch to fiber for internet, you make it for your phone too (can't have the first without the second). One issue that some folks have is that if they switch to FiOS internet, and then decide that they want to go back to copper for DSL that they can't since the copper is no longer strung to their house.

Personally I can't tell any difference in phone quality. Once the fiber gets to your house, the signal goes over your normal copper wires anyway.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18220834 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 15:35:26 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18220324 JTRockville :
said by aa2k See Profile :

Hi,
Did you get the phone lines moved to FIOS? is it ok? ...
Hi aa2k See Profile, I had FiOS installed a few months ago and they moved the phone line to the FiOS network. I only ordered the internet because TV wasn't available at the time, but I don't think it should matter - the phone transition is the same whether or not you order TV.

Frankly, I can't tell the difference - same crystal clear quality I've always had.

There is a teeny tiny small issue though - now my really old antique phone won't ring. It still functions fine otherwise. I can DIAL a number (it has a METAL dial) and the call goes through. I can answer a call with the old phone, but it no longer rings so I have to rely on the other phone's ringer to know a call is coming in. I don't use it much, but it's fun to have around, especially if it works.

Bottom line: I've no regrets.

---
I still want to know who's *brilliant idea* it was to design a state-of-the-art fiber system with a *lower* REN (or anything else) than the copper system.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18220324 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 13:59:19 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18220212 achilleX4 : aa2k,

We got rid of our land line 5 yrs ago when we got the family share plan on Verizon Wireless. It was great since we no longer got those annoying tele-marketer calls. Reading from other post, your work order is pretty routine. They just transfer your phone line from copper to fiber. I'm not sure if they resolved the power issue when the electricity goes out though. I heard the backup battery only has a 3 to 5 hour life so basically you wouldn't have phone service when there is no electricity and the backup battery power is drained. Maybe others who have experience w/ this can shed more light on it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18220212 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 13:40:56 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18220111 aa2k : Hi,
Did you get the phone lines moved to FIOS? is it ok? I did order on line and it seems they will move it, I am planning on calling and see if I can have that changed and leave the pots as it is... I am not sure how reliable that is.. I have my setup for 5/11...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18220111 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 13:23:10 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18219784 achilleX4 : Finally got the house lit for FIOS TV today. Talk about quick, called Friday, 4/20 when I found out we can order FIOS TV, arranged the install for today, 4/23. Tech arrived a little past 10, rollin by 1115. Now, I can use the HDMI connector from my tv to the HD STB. Couldn't do that on Comcast since they only offered HDMI on their DVR/STB. My wife said the pix qual is super! Attached is the HD STB specs.
Click for full size
MOTOQIP6200.pdf 785,272 bytes
6200 specs
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18219784 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 12:32:42 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18218990 TheOtherPete : »biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070423/nym0···ml?.v=92

Nearly 32,000 Additional Households Can Choose FiOS TV as Verizon Expands Availability in Montgomery County, Md.

One-Third of County Households Now Have Access to FiOS TV, Delivered over Nation's Most Advanced All-Fiber Network Straight to Customers' Homes

SILVER SPRING, Md., April 23, 2007 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Nearly 32,000 additional Montgomery County consumers now can drop their cable provider for good, as Verizon expands its industry-leading FiOS TV service to portions of Ashton, Damascus, Germantown, Olney and Sandy Springs.
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18218990 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 09:37:15 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18207141 TheOtherPete :
said by rosh400 See Profile :

Depends on what you are trying to do. For ethernet connections, I have not had any problems with the actiontec but wireless performance is mediocre. So I hung my other wireless router as an access point off of the actiontec.

First you hookup the router you want to be your wireless access point and connect it as your primary router. Change the default IP address to an address that's in the actiontec IP distribution range but not assigned to any other devices.

Second, turn DCHP off on this router.

Third, hook your actiontec as your primary router. Turn wireless off and connect the your wireless access point to the actiontec going from LAN port to LAN port.

In advanced settings, assign the IP adress you chose for your access point as a fixed IP address.

Finally, type that IP address in your browser to access the interface, turn wireless on and configure your wireless settings.

I did this with my zyxel x-550 and it works like a charm eventhough zyxel said this router could not serve as an access point.
Thanks, I also am doing something similar to add wireless to my current network (using a DLink wireless router in a LAN-LAN configuration so its basically just a straight wireless AP) however I don't want the Actiontec to be my internet-facing device.

I have a PIX ASA that I use as my border device and I trust it a lot more then the Actiontec so really I want the Actiontec to do what it needs to do with the STB but other then that it wont be used in my network, nothing hanging off its LAN ports, wireless disabled.

From what I gathered from some reading other threads, I should be able to put the Actiontec behind the ASA (Actiontec WAN port connectioned to ASA LAN port) and it will work.

Of course I'll let VZ doing their normal install and reconfigure it that way after they leave.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18207141 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 18:43:13 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18207085 rosh400 : Depends on what you are trying to do. For ethernet connections, I have not had any problems with the actiontec but wireless performance is mediocre. So I hung my other wireless router as an access point off of the actiontec.

First you hookup the router you want to be your wireless access point and connect it as your primary router. Change the default IP address to an address that's in the actiontec IP distribution range but not assigned to any other devices.

Second, turn DCHP off on this router.

Third, hook your actiontec as your primary router. Turn wireless off and connect the your wireless access point to the actiontec going from LAN port to LAN port.

In advanced settings, assign the IP adress you chose for your access point as a fixed IP address.

Finally, type that IP address in your browser to access the interface, turn wireless on and configure your wireless settings.

I did this with my zyxel x-550 and it works like a charm eventhough zyxel said this router could not serve as an access point.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18207085 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 18:30:39 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18206091 JPL : Yeah, my old router is now collecting dust somewhere (whereever my wife moved it to).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18206091 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 15:23:01 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18205624 phugit2 : My understanding is the $9.99 discount is for one-year only cause you committ to one year.

I assume, and could be really wrong, that once your year is up you can recommitt to a year and still get $9.99.

Though I have only had TV for 10 days, so I can't be 100% sure.

I did have a question though for MC Fios TV installs ... did you get $100 credited on your bill?

My online bill has a line reading STB Hardware Credit .... $100? I am going to wait until I get the paper one to confirm what I see online.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18205624 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 14:00:16 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18205432 aa2k : If you order today you get a special rate of 29.99 for 6 months on 5/2 internet...
I am confused about the 9.99/m on FiosTV, is this for a limited time (6months or 1 year?) I cant find info on that...

29.99
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18205432 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 13:26:21 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18205429 TheOtherPete :
said by JPL See Profile :

They replaced my DLink router with an Actiontec. And they kept my existing ONT. They just basically tapped into the ONT with a coax. From there into my crawlspace, where they hooked up the coax to a splitter. They replaced my router with the Actiontec (which is huge, btw), and then he connected a coax from my router to the splitter as well. From the splitter out to my TVs. That was basically it.
Ok, I know I've seen other alternate configurations posted here where you use the Actiontec to do what it needs to do for the TV/VOD but still use your existing router for the internet - I never paid much attention to those posts until now, time to dig them up and see what I will have to do after the installer leaves...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18205429 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 13:25:51 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18205408 JPL : They replaced my DLink router with an Actiontec. And they kept my existing ONT. They just basically tapped into the ONT with a coax. From there into my crawlspace, where they hooked up the coax to a splitter. They replaced my router with the Actiontec (which is huge, btw), and then he connected a coax from my router to the splitter as well. From the splitter out to my TVs. That was basically it. Most of the time was spent waiting for the programming to download (and the time it took me to get my dog off the installer - no, she didn't attack the installer -- she's insanely friendly, and just wouldn't leave him alone...)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18205408 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 13:22:42 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18205311 TheOtherPete :
said by xgman See Profile :

Does any one know if I can keep my same Personal router on my computer and just uses their's for the TV service only? What would be the best way to not bog down my internet connection any further with more routers but still keep my Linksys?
Yea I'd like to know how they handle existing FIOS internet customers who are pre-Actiontec and pre-MoCA

I'm not using the supplied DLink router and I dont want to use the Actiontec at all. Will they swap ONT's as part of the install?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18205311 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 13:06:22 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18205176 xgman : I finally got a decent rate by calling the "billing" department and getting more specials. The other people at the reservation call # didn't have a clue on these good rates, or at least the person I spoke to. Anyway I called today and got an install appt. for this coming Wed morning. I hope they show since I have to take off of work. I am surprised that I didn't receive anything about TV being available in my Germantown (Fountain Hills) area like I did when I signed up for internet. Oh well. Does any one know if I can keep my same Personal router on my computer and just uses their's for the TV service only? What would be the best way to not bog down my internet connection any further with more routers but still keep my Linksys?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18205176 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 12:45:21 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204899 JPL : When I ordered I asked the salesman about the triple play (already had phone and internet service). He said I didn't qualify since I was already a verizon customer, or something like that. You may want to call and ask about it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204899 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 11:58:58 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204813 TheOtherPete :
said by achilleX4 See Profile :

You're right. I called and spoke to a CSR. Make sure you get an Order # when you make your order. I made my install date for, Monday, 4/23. In fact, if you try doing it online it now says web site is having some issues.
My first 2 online order attempts failed on the last step. I was using IE through a http proxy so I tried a 3rd time with firefox without any proxy setup and it worked fine - maybe it was just a coincidence that the 3rd time it worked.

I did receive a confirmation email with the order # though.

bbarrett, I too hope my install date holds :)

Does anyone know if we automatically get the "triple play" discount for those of us who already have FIOS internet and VZ landline - or is this something we have to request later on?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204813 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 11:43:20 EDT Re: FIOSTV Online ordering available for Germantown! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204687 bbarrett : Pete,

FYI, I ordered online. Given the wackiness being reported with the online install dates (you get May, others are told the website is having issues), perhaps my install date won't hold? We'll see I guess...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204687 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 11:19:58 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204657 achilleX4 : You're right. I called and spoke to a CSR. Make sure you get an Order # when you make your order. I made my install date for, Monday, 4/23. In fact, if you try doing it online it now says web site is having some issues.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204657 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 11:13:47 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204617 TheOtherPete :
said by aa2k See Profile :

Cool... I checked yesterday and it said unavailable, I just checked and look!! :-)
I bet the close installation dates are going to fill-up fast once the word gets out.

Lots of pent-up demand in Germantown if these forums are any indication.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204617 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 11:06:47 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204567 aa2k : Cool... I checked yesterday and it said unavailable, I just checked and look!! :-)

yes!
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204567 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:55:58 EDT Re: FIOSTV Online ordering available for Germantown! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204310 TheOtherPete :
said by bbarrett See Profile :

Pete,

Thanks for the heads up! I've been (manually) checking almost every day. I just ordered and I was able to obtain an install date of 4/26--less than a week away. Interesting that you'd be offered one almost 3 weeks further out...
Thanks for the info - did you call on the phone or do it online? Maybe I need to call them on phone and see if they have any closer dates...

Edit: I just called on the phone and that automated system offered me Apr 23rd (next Monday), I asked for Apr 28th instead (Saturday) and it accepted (no human involved - very cool) - I have no idea why the online system put me way out in May.

Big thanks for the heads-up bbarrett, you saved me a month of waiting!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204310 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:04:38 EDT Re: FIOSTV Online ordering available for Germantown! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204297 bbarrett : Pete,

Thanks for the heads up! I've been (manually) checking almost every day. I just ordered and I was able to obtain an install date of 4/26--less than a week away. Interesting that you'd be offered one almost 3 weeks further out...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204297 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:02:20 EDT Re: FIOSTV Online ordering available for Germantown! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204012 JPL : I have to say, if the Verizon installers/techs down your way are the same as they are up here you'll be pleasantly surprised. My installer showed up 15 minutes early (and was an actual Verizon employee - not a sub), and I got set up with TV in about 2 hours. Like you, I had FiOS internet already, and I just switched from DirecTV - actually my DirecTV account is still suspended through the end of the year, but I'm darn near 100% sure that I ain't going back. I really liked my DirecTV service, but the price they wanted for the HD DVR drove me to look at FiOS. And I'm real glad I did (I've been a FiOS TV customer for only about a week and a half now). The reason I'm hedging (holding onto my DirecTV account) is because I want to see where things go with:

a) DirecTV's new satellites - to see what HD offerings they'll have and to see if they start giving away their HD DVRs (doubt it). And to see if FiOS keeps up in terms of content.

b) To see what FiOS's new Interactive Media Guide looks like.

Couple notes to you - just to give you some indication of what to expect. Overall, I find FiOS superior to DirecTV in many ways:

a) Picture quality - DirecTV is good... FiOS is better. I got an HDTV about a month or so ago, and when I tried to watch SD programming on it, I thought there was something wrong with the TV - I couldn't quite get it to look right (I had DirecTV's SD DVR). Then I got hooked up to FiOS, and I realized - Nope, it's not the TV. The SD is amazing, and the HD is breathtaking. Plus no compression with FiOS's signal.

b) VOD - never thought that would be an issue with me, but I really like that feature. My kids watch the free VOD stuff all the time (have yet to order anything from it). I do have an issue with some pixelization on my one TV for VOD, but I'm working that with Verizon now.

c) Multi-room DVR - why DirecTV DOESN'T have this is beyond me. It's a super nice feature. I got tired of doing dual maintenance on my shows (same shows on two DVRs).

d) Customer service - I was a little concerned about this. Verizon has a reputation of pushing folks into a "black hole" of service. But they're doing this the right way. Every time I've called their FiOS service desk (Fiber Service Center), I've gotten through to a live person in a matter of a couple minutes - every person I talked to was nice as all get-out, and extremely knowledgeable. I'm no longer concerned on that front.

e) Local stuff - I really missed having things like Weatherscan Local - which I had with Comcast before going to DirecTV.

There are some downsides - the main one being that I don't think the Verizon hardware is nearly as functional as the DirecTV stuff was. What it does do it does very well, but it's missing some key functionality that I do miss not having. But they're rolling out a new Interactive Media Guide at some point (probably this summer) which will hopefully take care of much of that.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18204012 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 08:59:22 EDT FIOSTV Online ordering available for Germantown! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18203772 TheOtherPete : Another Germantown person here

I have my PC setup to check if FIOS TV is available for me every morning. To my surprise this morning instead of the usual "enter your details to be contacted when its available" screen I got the screen to allow me to place my FIOS TV order. Note: I am already a FIOS internet customer.

The earliest installation date available was May 15th but I wanted to have it done on a Saturday so I took the date of May 26th.

Fingers crossed that the date actually holds and I can finally kick Directv to the curb. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18203772 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 07:45:11 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18200018 legalaliens : I went from 5/2 to 15/2 awhile back and if I recall I did it on the phone and the change was immediate (did not require a tech visit).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18200018 Thu, 19 Apr 2007 15:43:35 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18199956 achilleX4 : xgman is right...I'm kind of having second thoughts on this whole thing. Although I am a loyal FIOS Internet customer (love the uptime and reliability), I made several attempts to increase my service from 5/2 to 15/2. You know what, up to now I don't have it. Never did I get a return call, although every time I called they said they couldn't process the order from their computers and someone would call me back. The increase in speed wasn't really a "must have" for me so I really didn't care one way or another but imagine if someone really had this requirement. Plus, reading the blogs from this forum, I see a lot of issues and broken promises. Maybe VZ is not yet ready for "prime-time", it might take them another 2-3 yrs till they get their act straight. Its kind of sad since I wrote numerous emails to the County supporting VZ in getting their fios tv franchise approved in the county. Oh well, at least it made Comcast offer more at a reduced price...so for that I am happy.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18199956 Thu, 19 Apr 2007 15:30:52 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18199498 rfalls : You need to ask for the Freedom bundles. Prices start dropping the more Verizon services you start adding (e.g., Internet, TV, Landline Phone, Wireless).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18199498 Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:00:40 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18198781 xgman : I just called and the rates have gone up lately when I call this pre-order #. For the same services & DVR's Comcast is almost $20 a month lower for me right now. I don't see how they call that competitive, especially for a new service that is likely to raise rates as they grow. No thanks, for now. They need to get realistic. I'm not paying $20 a month more even though the pciture quality may be better than comcast. They need to offer some specials and combo offers like comcast does. It's simple marketing 101. Jeeze . . . :uhh:]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18198781 Thu, 19 Apr 2007 11:52:05 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18186322 cmthru : That's the number I called. Seems there's some confusion as they don't really know when installations will begin.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18186322 Tue, 17 Apr 2007 13:05:00 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18185670 achilleX4 : I just called and I'm still on their "priority list". I first called them about 3 weeks ago. So far they still had all my info as to what I wanted to order once FIOS TV becomes available. Make sure you call 800-348-1728. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18185670 Tue, 17 Apr 2007 11:27:05 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18184775 cmthru : Just as an update I called them yesterday to check my status. No record of my previous calls in their system. Supposedly I am now on the list.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18184775 Tue, 17 Apr 2007 07:31:16 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18159563 xgman : I guess verizon is in no hurry to roll this out any faster because they probably can't keep up with the infrastructure requirements and proabably have fewer resources than they actually need to get this rolling. Probably better to go slow if they can't adequately service the area I suppose. I suspect I will have to wait many more months in the Fountain Hills area of Germantown for the TV. At least I already have the Fios internet.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18159563 Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:03:50 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18128108 cmthru : Here it is April 6 and still no return call from a supervisor. I called a short while ago and my info is not in their system. Fine, I can wait as Comcast has offered to cut my bill by 50% to keep me as a customer. Very tempting but I am looking forward to the superior picture quality of FIOS.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18128108 Fri, 06 Apr 2007 16:24:45 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18112291 jmorley01 : I am getting the TV service out of the Oakdale office in Olney. I will be getting the Premier and Movie (Starz etc not HBO)package, 1 HD DVR and 1 standard set top box for $63.97 per month. That is $ 8.00 more than what I had with DISH. And I didn't have a DVR with DISH. A bunch more channels and a DVR for $8.00 more. Not shabby. DISH was great, but I can't wait for FiOS!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18112291 Tue, 03 Apr 2007 19:42:51 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18109175 rosh400 : I would place the order by phone. Tell the CSR about the 9.99 discount for one year commitment (if you are interested). They are supposed to honor it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18109175 Tue, 03 Apr 2007 08:45:15 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18109115 JohnA :
We're not surprised. There were very few call backs from the online "sign up to be notified when it's available". When they happen, it's after the install schedules lighten up, from the flurry of activity caused when word gets out here, and from other sources.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18109115 Tue, 03 Apr 2007 08:25:45 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18109049 TheOtherPete : Why not just wait until you can actually just place the installation order? This "priority signup" sounds like VZ marketing-speak for collecting a list of customers who want the service when its available. Hint: It's not available yet.

I'm sure as soon as its really offered in Gtown there will be a flood of people announcing it here on the forums.

Until then just sit back, wait and keep checking the site. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18109049 Tue, 03 Apr 2007 08:01:39 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18105738 cmthru : I just called to see if I'm still on the list. Not in the system. This does not bode well for Verizon.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18105738 Mon, 02 Apr 2007 16:09:03 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18105532 CMFernandez : I got the letter and called to sign up for priority installation. I called the following day with a question and my name and information were nowhere to be found on the system. I was told that a supervisor would call me in 24 hrs.
It's been three or four days now and I'm still waiting for the call. It seems like Verizon customer service is not ready for prime time.

Charles]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18105532 Mon, 02 Apr 2007 15:27:04 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18105143 phugit2 : FYI - I'm in Olney and was able online to get "Good News"
... not sure if order will good through as I'll wait till tonight to finalize it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18105143 Mon, 02 Apr 2007 14:12:03 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18104029 cmthru : That's what they told me when I called them. I found it rather strange myself.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18104029 Mon, 02 Apr 2007 11:10:01 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18094329 bksmith5 : I am a bit surprised that they told you that Verizon needs "permission" to begin installing in Germantown. Verizon received franchise rights for all of Montgomery county. Since Germantown isn't incorporated there is no local government to "get in the way" of Verizon deploying FiOS TV here.

Am I misunderstanding or missing something here?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18094329 Sat, 31 Mar 2007 12:50:11 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18093654 cmthru : I was replying to BKsmith5, not foundation00.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18093654 Sat, 31 Mar 2007 10:22:03 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18093650 cmthru : Looks like you got the same letter I got. Mine also said priority installation. They said I'd get a call in six weeks, but only if the county gives them permission to begin installs in Germantown. Yesterday I called them for a follow up and was told they don't know exactly know when installs would begin. However, I was told that I am on the priority list.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18093650 Sat, 31 Mar 2007 10:20:48 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18092145 bksmith5 : Looks like FiOS TV is a "go" for Germantown in a few weeks. I received a letter notifying me that I can call in for "Priority Installation."

I called the number and began the process. I was told that I can expect a call from a Verizon rep sometime in the next 6 weeks. Not as fast as I would have hoped.. but it's still progress! :D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18092145 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 22:17:46 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18082164 tender : I have had a little more time to play around with the FIOS TV since the install yesterday. I have 2 TVs, both HD, one a 55 inch and the other 46. I have always been disappointed with the picture quality of Comcast. When I moved into my house a couple years back, Comcast had to replace the cable from the street to the house because there was not a strong enough signal....and that is only the last part of the cable run. FIOS, being fiber, should be able to deliver a much better picture the entire run...and it is much better, even my wife who does not know HD from non HD said so.

The guide is very nice, but I have to learn all new station numbers. No page up/down button is a bummer, but I have heard that will be fixed soon. And, no ads in the guide like Comcast.

Changing stations is much faster than Comcast and On Demand is light years faster than Comcast. Even the remote all on/off button works faster than the Comcast remote.

The DVR functions also work much faster than Comcast. Both use Mot STB, but it appears that Verizon is doing much more with them. For example, Widgets and the Whole House thing are examples of good technology that I have never seen from Comcast.

When the installer arrived, the first thing he did was to put a sign on my lawn during the install that said something like "FIO TV is here". The installer used to work for Comcast. As of now, FIOS TV and Comcast cant be compared....FIOS is way way way better. Comcast will need to change if they want to keep up and not lose more users.

Oh...again, the picture quality is WOW.

Bruce is not right any more, 57 Channels and there are things on ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18082164 Thu, 29 Mar 2007 09:02:55 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18077664 xgman : Still nothing in Fountain Hills, Germantown :(]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18077664 Wed, 28 Mar 2007 13:17:01 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18077374 tender :
said by tender See Profile :

I am in Randolph Hills with FIOS Internet and now an install date this week for TV. Gooooodbye Comcast!
...and installed today. My very first take is that the HD picture is better than comcast ever was. ESPN was almost always pixelated a little, FIOS TV is much clearer.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18077374 Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:24:02 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18077257 SD6 : Could easily be a few months. achilleX is in goshen, which I thought was part of Gaithersburg, and a little ways from downtown damascus. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18077257 Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:01:35 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18076581 aa2k : Thanks, I called and I was told it can take months until they offer FiosTV, I could sign up for priority installation now but they cant tell when it will be ready.... its almost like who knows.... It seems like they just want to see how many are interested on it first... oh well, wait a bit longer.... please keep us posted if you get news... I'll do the same...

Thanks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18076581 Wed, 28 Mar 2007 09:43:39 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18072798 rosh400 : The installers finished at about 3:30. They had to wait until all the boxes initialized. They had to reboot one of the boxes because the color came up green. The reboot fixed it.

The installers were friendly, courteous, relatively fast, and from what I can tell so far, they seem to have done the job right. I was working at home while they were doing their job so I haven't had much chance to check things over thoroughly but all the sets have a picture, the PQ is great, I have the guide, and I'm getting all the channels. I haven't tried VOD or the DVR yet but that will have to wait until tonight along with deleting mega number of channels from the guide. So far I am very pleased. I'll give a few days before I call Comcast and say "later folks.". So far VZ gets a clear 2 thumbs up rating. By the way, on my main sets, I am using harmony remotes so I won't have any of the remote issues people have been complaining about.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18072798 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 16:35:08 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18071580 rosh400 : I had a 12 to 5 installation window for TV service today. I arrived home from work at 11:50 and the truck pulled up at 11:57. They had the order correct as far as number and types of boxes. We toured the house to show the location of existing cabling and outlets and where the DVRs and SD STB's go. They are now working at it. I will post and update when they finish. Should be a couple of hours. I'm served by BTHSMDBD wire center which was lit for video last week.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18071580 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 12:32:05 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18070464 achilleX4 : aa2k, I live down Kings Valley in Goshen Oaks. You can call VZ CSR at 1-800-348-1728 and tell them you want to sign up for the priority installation. I'll keep y'all posted in about a month, hopefully sooner.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18070464 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 09:15:30 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18070439 achilleX4 : I live on the East side of Ridge Road, Goshen Oaks community. If you live in Damascus, why not call VZ and get on their priority list 1-800-348-1728.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18070439 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 08:05:38 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18068813 JohnA :
They're rubbing it in, JT. you get to send another email to your favorite Rockville officials.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18068813 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 21:42:36 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18068659 aa2k : It would be nice.. Are you downtown Damascus? I am in Damascus too, Sweepstakes section by Kings Valley and still nothing for TV... bummer... how long?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18068659 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 21:17:17 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18066615 JTRockville : Wow! I didn't know TV was already available in Randolph Hills. Excellent news tender See Profile. Thanks!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18066615 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:10:30 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18065687 tender :
said by JohnA See Profile :

Verizon announced Thursday (March 22) that its industry-leading FiOS TV service is available to 19,000 more households in Potomac, Chevy Chase, North Bethesda, Randolph Hills and the Montrose area.
I am in Randolph Hills with FIOS Internet and now an install date this week for TV. Gooooodbye Comcast!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18065687 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:36:34 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18065683 SD6 : wow, in damascus already. Which side of ridge road are you on?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18065683 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:36:18 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18064803 achilleX4 : I live in Damascus and just got my notification letter on Saturday....YES! I just got off the phone w/ CSR and he said more than likely it will be around 3-4 weeks when I get a call back to confirm the installation. He said 6 weeks but on average they have been seeing a 3-4 week turnaround. I've had FIOS Internet for a while now so I can say good bye to Comcast for good!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18064803 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 09:32:10 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18058611 phugit2 : They will use your existing coax cables in your house. They'll just connect the fiber outside to a box which then connects to the one cable that enters your house.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18058611 Sat, 24 Mar 2007 22:11:52 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18058050 anon : Install question: Do they use existing wires (directv coax)within the walls once they run the fiber to the house? Or will they have to replace all the wiring also? Thanks]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18058050 Sat, 24 Mar 2007 20:10:41 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18055567 anon : Well. Fios TV was installed yesterday. The install was not as easy as the Comcast cable card install for me Tivo Series 3s (that install took about 40 minutes). Verizon (2 people) arrived at 5:00 p.m. and left at 9:00 p.m.

It first took them a good 2 hours to set up an configure the Verizon Actiontec router. Yes, Verizon FIOS TV requires their own router in order for it to communicate with its boxes (we got one standard STB for our TV that doesn't have Tivo).

I complained because I didn't want to use this router for my wireless (it is G and I have a Belkin N that is already configured with my Tivos and Apple TV). They then had to figure out how to make their router work just as a modem with the wireless disabled. After calling a few tech support people, they finally figured it out with my assistance (the Verizon installers never had been faced with this request).

Installing the STB and and the cable cards took another hour, which put us at 8:00.

Then the tricky part. Activating everything. Unlike Comcast, who calls in for activation, FIOS TV activation is first attempted through the installers laptop.

They typed in the data they needed from the cable cards (POD ID, Host, Data and SN numbers). Tried this numerous times with no success of activation. Then called the fiber support line, who tried the activation from their end.

Long story short. They ended up being able to activate everything but one of the cable cards. They attributed this to that cable card being a bad one. Unfortunately Verizon does not let installers have extra cable cards in case one is bad so I am now on the schedule for them to come back out Monday at 5:00 to install a cable card.

First impressions are that the HD channels seem the same in terms of quality as the Comcast HD channels. Non-HD channels appear much better.

On the Verizon STB, their version of On Demand seems less buggy but the interface is much less user friendly than the Comcast platform. Selection is also much less. No HD on demand and no networks on demand.

Other pluses of FIOS TV are that the channel grouping makes rational sense (e.g., all sports channels together, all kids channels together, all news channels together). This is much better than the Comcast line up that is all over the place.

With the premium package, you also get all premium movie channels (i.e., Showtime, TMC, Starz) except for HBO and Cinemax.

I haven't gotten my first bill, but I think it will be about $20 cheaper than my Comcast bill based on what the CSR told me when I ordered it ( this probably reflect the promo discounts I got plus further discounts I got being a FIOS Internet, phone and wireless subscriber).

Other thing that that the installer told me was that because of the need to carry the TV signal, my line capacity coming in was upgraded from 15MB to 30 MB. However, using some speed tests, the speed appears to still be 15 MB so if this is true, the Internet portion appears to still be kept at 15 MB by Verizon.

That's all for now. :)
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18055567 Sat, 24 Mar 2007 10:49:57 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18050933 cmthru : I have had the 5/2 FIOS since Dec 2005.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18050933 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 12:57:18 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18050680 rosh400 : That's precisely what happened with me. It's a positive sign, though. It means that you are getting close. They are probably starting to equip your wire center for video. Does your neighborhood already have FIOS internet?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18050680 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 12:16:01 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18050289 cmthru : Just got off the phone with customer service. The letter is for pre-ordering only. They have not secured permission to install in the Germantown area. However, they expect to begin installs within the next few months.

I also asked about the movie channels like Encore and Sundance and was told they are not in the premier package. For $13 extra they offer 40 movie channels. Although that would boost the price close what Comcast charges me now it's still a good deal.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18050289 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 11:01:58 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18049813 bbarrett : I came home to that same letter last night. I took it as promising, but ultimately I don't want to call a number to get put at the top of the list when the service is available. I want to call and get an install date. I have a feeling rosh400 See Profile is right. It looked like a marketing ploy to keep you on the hook until they do finally get video installed at the Germantown CO. We may not be 2-3 years away from service, but we might be 2-3 months still.

When I try to qualify by address, it brings up a page with the banner "FIOS TV is available in your area", but the page actually says: "Our records indicate there is existing phone service at this location. Please enter the Verizon home phone number associated with this address so we can show you the specific high speed options available." When I enter my phone number, I still get the hated "Future Notification" page. This has been the same for months.

Let us know, cmthru See Profile, if they call you back with an install date. But my guess is we're still at least a month or two away from service, like rosh400 See Profile says.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18049813 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 09:19:50 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18049514 rosh400 : That happened with me but it was about 2 more months before TV was available.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18049514 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 08:00:57 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18049498 cmthru : Out of curiosity I checked online to see if service is available to me. By using the phone number alone service is not available, but when I check by address it is available. When I get to work I will call the customer service number to follow up.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18049498 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 07:53:26 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18049437 cmthru : I'm located near McNair Elementary. When I called I did ask when the TV would be available and was told in a few weeks. Yet according to a map that was in the paper some months ago it looked like Germantown would not be getting TV service for 2-3 years. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18049437 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 07:25:37 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18049264 anon : Where in Germantown are you?

You say you got a letter? I talked with VZ yesterday and they said they didn't know when TV would be available in Germantown.

I love my FIOS but this TV stuff is driving me bonkers.

I want to get rid of Comcast in the worst way.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18049264 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 05:23:31 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18047352 cmthru : I'm in Germantown and got the letter today. Rang them up and I am expecting a call tomorrow for an install date. I'll pay $35 less a month for more service than I got from Comcast. Sweet.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18047352 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 19:59:37 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18046606 rosh400 : For those of us that already have FIOS internet service, I believe we could get the installs sooner because they don't need the second crew to run the fiber from the street to you house. I already have FIOS internet and was offered tomorrow and then Monday. Neither was convenient. I have no afternoon meetings on Tuesday so I can leave early and work from home.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18046606 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:48:35 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18045761 anon : Also, to those who upgraded from DSL to FIOS internet, are you paying $25 for 6 months and $39 thereafter, or did you get some other deal?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18045761 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 15:25:28 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18045730 anon : How did you get them to come out tommorow? The lady on the phone said it would take 10 days to my location in potomac?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18045730 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 15:18:48 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18044146 anon : yes. I just ordered also and they are coming out tomorrow.

I have 2 Tivo Series 3s so I ordered the service with just the cable cards and no boxes.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18044146 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:05:03 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18044079 rosh400 : I just placed my order on the phone. I am also served by the Bradley wire center (BTHSMDBD). Because I already have the data service, my install date is sooner. I could have had tomorrow but we are leaving from NY in the afternoon so that wouldn't work. They are coming on 3/27. Yippie. I will post after that to let you all know how the install went and what I think of the picture quality and the functionality of the DVR. I currently have Comcast preferred basic so my expectations are to be delighted with the additional programming and better SD quality. I expect that the HD quality will be about the same and that the DVR will have some plusses and minuses. Currently I pay $75 per month for Comcast preferred basic with a DVR and an HD receiver -- about $70 without the taxes and fees. For FIOS TV I will pay 42.99 plus 25.98 for 2 HD DVRs and 9.98 for 2 SD STB's minus $5 discount for data service or $73.95. For this addition $3.94, I get nearly twice as many stations (granted, only about 20 that I may watch) and an additional DVR. I also get an additional discount for an annual agreement of 9.99 per month which brings me down to $63.96 per month.

The only downside is that I have to have an STB for my kitchen TV which is a pain in terms of space but I will survive. I will figure something out.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18044079 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 09:49:17 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18043953 anon : FIOS TV is now available at my address in Potomac. My CO is the Bradley CO (Seven Locks and Bradley).

Calling to order right now.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18043953 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 09:24:08 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18043877 bbarrett : Where is the love for Germantown? And Olney? And Damascus?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18043877 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 09:04:48 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18043739 JohnA :
Looks like Verizon stuck their finger in Rockville's eye again, by getting TV up quickly in Randolph Hills.

Verizon announced Thursday (March 22) that its industry-leading FiOS TV service is available to 19,000 more households in Potomac, Chevy Chase, North Bethesda, Randolph Hills and the Montrose area.
»biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070322/nyth···ml?.v=75]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18043739 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 08:27:42 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18041399 cua83 : All those Potomac customers connected to BTHSMDBD (Bradley and 7 Locks), The CO is now wired for video and Verizon's web site is accepting orders. I have a 469 telephone number and I just placed my order with an installation date of 4/3. I am a happy man now.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18041399 Wed, 21 Mar 2007 19:27:39 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18032208 pstauff : Yeah, I don't know what is going on. Why would they slow down in MoCo? Maybe it's a weather-related issue? Maybe they will have a bigger list in April.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18032208 Tue, 20 Mar 2007 06:51:51 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18031627 vince99 :
said by agoldhammer See Profile :

Does anybody know when Verizon will begin to carry "local" channels? There is nothing up on the website regarding timing of this.
If you are referring to County Cable Montgomery and the PEG channels, I just spoke to the county cable office about that last week.

Verizon's franchise agreement with MoCo gives them six months after signature to provide these channels up to FiOS subscribers. So that would be around June of this year. Vz is currently installing fiber lines to the county studios.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18031627 Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:34:14 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18029302 rosh400 : Do you mean the local affiliates of the networks. They already do. Analog is 1-49 and Digital/HD is in the 800's? How come you don't think they carry locals?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18029302 Mon, 19 Mar 2007 17:35:33 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18027930 agoldhammer : Does anybody know when Verizon will begin to carry "local" channels? There is nothing up on the website regarding timing of this.

Alan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18027930 Mon, 19 Mar 2007 13:33:08 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18000182 rosh400 : VZ needs do to two things to bring data and video to your house: connect your house via fiber to the wire center (CO) and install the required equipment in the wire center. My understanding is that all Mo Co communities that are in the initial phase for rollout of video already have fiber in their community and data service or are in the process of getting fiber. They are generally waiting for the video equipment to be installed in the wire centers. If you already have internet service, the construction schedule doesn't tell you anything regarding the availability of video. That will depend on the schedule for "lighting" your wire center for video. That schedule is not published.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18000182 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 13:23:14 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18000008 jammmin : They do not have separate construction schedule for internet and TV.

They are construction schedules to dig up street, lay conduit and possibly run fiber lines to carry both internet and tV.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18000008 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 12:54:44 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17999602 anon : It's unclear whether this construction schedule is for FIOS Internet or TV. My hope is that it is for Internet and Verizon is behind for posting whatever they need to do in the COs to light the fiber to handle video.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17999602 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:39:46 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17996370 jammmin : Does anyone know why the posted construction schedule for Montgomery County looks so pathetic every month compared to every other county. All the counties listed in the link have a franchise agreement but Montgomery county street listing is pathetic compared to the others.

Something must be wrong.

Maryland march construction schedule
»www22.verizon.com/about/communit···ion.html]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17996370 Tue, 13 Mar 2007 19:39:40 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17980067 picardlx : I live in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring (apartment on Colesville Rd & Georgia Ave) does anyone know if Verizon FIOS is available around here? I don't actually have a telephone so when I goto verizon.com I'm not sure if its right when it says it's not available.

Thanks for any help.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17980067 Sat, 10 Mar 2007 20:35:59 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17965367 rosh400 : I would go ahead and get FIOS internet installed. First, this is a great service and if its available, I wouldn't wait. Secondly, once you have the data service installed, the video service installation should be easier.

I've had FIOS internet for nearly 15 months now and it has been bulletproof. No outages. Starting in the mid 90's, I had AOL briefly and left as soon as real internet access was available when I switched to Erols. I think I was one of their first 1000 customers. When they went south, I switched to ATT worldnet. I was then overseas with a dialup provider but swore when I returned to the States it would be broadband. DSL was unavailable so I had Comcrap cable internet for a bit over 3 years before switching to FIOS. Hey, I'm no VZ fan but FIOS internet is one of the best services of any kind I've ever had.

I would recommend that you do not wait. Pickup the phone and order.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17965367 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 09:44:27 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17965325 nauticax :
said by rosh400 See Profile :

Germantown is in the initial phase. According to the franchise agreement, VZ has up to 3 years to offer TV in the intial area.
up to 3 years :( I hope its near the beginning of that 3 instead of the end. I have been holding off on gettiong Fios Internet because I want both installed at the same time.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17965325 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 09:36:42 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17962966 rosh400 : Germantown is in the initial phase. According to the franchise agreement, VZ has up to 3 years to offer TV in the intial area.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17962966 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 21:13:46 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17962951 rosh400 : yes. You have to have fiber linking your house to the wire center. The wire center (Back end) also needs to be equiped for data (internet) and video (tv).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17962951 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 21:12:09 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17962820 anon : On that construction schedule, I thought they installed the fiber optics in my neighborhood (potomac) last year. Could that be true? I am confused as to what they have left to do.

I think there are two major parts, putting the wire in the neighborhood, and then getting the equipment running on the backend?? Is this correct? Trying to understand what I am waiting for!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17962820 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 20:55:25 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17961279 xgman : I'm starting to give up on this. Doesn't seem like Germantown will ever get Fios TV. Verizon seems overwhelmed with it's own business plan. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17961279 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 16:41:08 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17929147 rosh400 : I was checking the franchise agreement. Both Potomac and Germantown are in the initial service area. Unfortunately, VZ has up to three years to connect the intial service area for video. Maybe we will both be lucky and be among the 50 percent who will be offered service in the first year.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17929147 Fri, 02 Mar 2007 10:38:00 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17924889 jammmin : This is the Mongtomery County construction schedule from February. I am not sure why its so much smaller than any other county in Maryland. PG , Howard and AA have much bigger construction schedules.

»www22.verizon.com/about/communit···ofeb.doc]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17924889 Thu, 01 Mar 2007 16:29:41 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17922174 rosh400 : Your welcome. Unfortunately, it is impossible to get information from VZ on when a particular wire center will be lit for video. I hope you will have it sometime this year. As I said, that will give VZ additional time to get the bugs out of the system. After all, they have been in the video delivery business for a bit over a year now.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17922174 Thu, 01 Mar 2007 08:35:54 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17922158 dariena : Ah ok thanks for that explanation.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17922158 Thu, 01 Mar 2007 08:31:36 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17918939 rosh400 : That's what I thought too but they need to install equipment for video at the central office or wire center that serves your area. Only 2 or 3 wire centers have been wired so far. However, those of us already with fiber are way ahead of those communities that don't have fiber yet.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17918939 Wed, 28 Feb 2007 18:18:02 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17918596 dariena : Well I understand that rosh.. but we already have FIOS Internet where I live... I've had it for awhile now so there shouldn't be any additional wiring necessary in our area.... at least not that I thought...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17918596 Wed, 28 Feb 2007 17:18:32 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17918125 rosh400 : That's because we love Comcrap so much.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17918125 Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:50:51 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17918021 agoldhammer : I talked with the installer who did our work in Bethesda. he said that demand has been so great in Montgomery County that they are diverting Virginia crews just to keep up with the volume (he was one of the divertees).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17918021 Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:33:03 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17917277 rosh400 : The deployment shows that the first phase could take a year or more and that's in areas that already have fiber. We all wish it would be sooner but we need to be patient. On the plus side, more time for VZ to get the bugs out.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17917277 Wed, 28 Feb 2007 13:27:26 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17916672 dariena : I expected things to happen quickly after the lawsuit was resolved but that doesn't seem to have been the case... I wonder what the holdup here in Germantown is now?!?!?!? :(]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17916672 Wed, 28 Feb 2007 11:38:20 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17902556 nauticax :
said by bksmith5 See Profile :

We're a few short days away from the month of March. Has anyone heard anything about the status of FiOS TV deployment in the COs/areas where the FiOS data service has already been deployed?

I'd have thought that there would be broader deployment of the TV service in the Montgomery County area by now! :)
Yeah whats up with the slow FIOS TV deployment in areas that can already get FIOS Internet? Anyone know how much work is required from VZ to make those areas be able to get FIOS TV?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17902556 Mon, 26 Feb 2007 09:35:21 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17901078 bksmith5 : We're a few short days away from the month of March. Has anyone heard anything about the status of FiOS TV deployment in the COs/areas where the FiOS data service has already been deployed?

I'd have thought that there would be broader deployment of the TV service in the Montgomery County area by now! :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17901078 Sun, 25 Feb 2007 22:58:48 EDT Re: MOCO Cable Rates Going Up/Went Up (Comcast & VZ) http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17899926 DufiefData : There have been rumors of quiet fiber-laying in several corners of the county that are unlisted on the VZ website. Details hopefully to come.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17899926 Sun, 25 Feb 2007 19:58:11 EDT Re: MOCO Cable Rates Going Up/Went Up (Comcast & VZ) http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17883005 anon : Does anyone have any news of expansion into any other COs in Bethesda or Potomac? I see a lot of press about PG County, but it appears to be radio silence for MC.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17883005 Thu, 22 Feb 2007 19:14:04 EDT Re: MOCO Cable Rates Going Up/Went Up (Comcast & VZ) http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17868477 rosh400 : So once I switch to FIOS, my savings will be even bigger.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17868477 Tue, 20 Feb 2007 15:42:43 EDT MOCO Cable Rates Going Up/Went Up (Comcast & VZ) http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17867847 achilleX4 : See WashPost article attached.
washpost article.zip 6,012 bytes
(washpost article.doc)
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17867847 Tue, 20 Feb 2007 13:43:06 EDT Re: FIOS TV for the rest of MOCO (When???) http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17830491 rosh400 : Did you call 4244400 when you were told about that offer. I called yesterday (2/13) and the CSR didn't know anything about this.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17830491 Wed, 14 Feb 2007 10:43:59 EDT Re: FIOS TV for the rest of MOCO (When???) http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17803267 rosh400 : I think the opposite is true. The site says my address qualifies but my number does not. After extensive research it appears that I do not qualify.

P.S. I do have FIOS internet ready. Just waiting for Verizon to complete work at my wire center.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17803267 Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:11:21 EDT Re: FIOS TV for the rest of MOCO (When???) http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17799786 Netlinkguru : I think you may be better off checking the site than calling. Using your address the site will accurately tell you if the service is ready to order. Humans, they probably get the info after the machines..Sad :-)
--
»www.fioscentral.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17799786 Fri, 09 Feb 2007 01:01:32 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17798094 rosh400 : why?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17798094 Thu, 08 Feb 2007 19:56:35 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17797016 anon : IM GOING TO SUE VERISON !!!1111]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17797016 Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:12:47 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17796174 xgman : this wait is getting very old. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17796174 Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:43:23 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17753150 anon : Amen to that brother. Just got Comcast as a bridge so I can use the Tivo Series 3's that arrived at my house last week. Look forward to switching out the cable cards to Verizon.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17753150 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 18:49:47 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17753088 foundation00 : I have about the same setup as Vince and agree with his comments. I had fios tv installed for almost two months and there has been no downtime. The picture is very good and the HD is out of this world. Comcast HD does not compare to fios HD. By the way, I like Vince, used the phone when placing my order.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17753088 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 18:43:28 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17751533 rosh400 : Fellow residents of Potomac served by the BTHSMDBD (Bradley and 7 Locks) wire center. Keep your fingers crossed. The website says my number doesn't qualify for FIOS TV but my address does. I just got off the phone and the CSR said that there is a good chance it will be available in about a week. Stay tuned.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17751533 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 14:30:49 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17748359 vince99 :
said by Brittany See Profile :

Could some of you lucky video users who have used the service for a few weeks post reviews? Thanks.
I had FiOS TV & internet installed in December and it's been great. Great picture on all channels. I have one HD-DVR and two SD STB's, premier package & movie package, internet 5/2 and phone service. Installation was smooth, took about 4 hours. There was some initial delay in getting all the STB's remotely configured by the central office, but no problems since then.

The remote control that Verizon provides (mfd. by Philips) is generally OK but is missing a few features (e.g. Page Up/Down command while using the program guide). I find it's only a minor annoyance. Vz is supposed to distribute a firmware upgrade soon for the DVR and that may address some of the remote issues. For my HDTV/home theater setup I got a Harmony universal remote and it provides all the needed commands for the DVR.

If you place an order, I suggest you do it by phone, not thru the website. Sometimes the web orders get lost in the system.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17748359 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:09:41 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17745644 Brittany : Could some of you lucky video users who have used the service for a few weeks post reviews? Thanks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17745644 Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:59:29 EDT Re: FIOS TV for the rest of MOCO (When???) http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17733297 anon : when it's available trust me they will be knocking on your door so save your time and VZ's time...no need to call everyday!''
said by achilleX4 See Profile :

Good day! Just wanted to let y'all know, that I've been calling the FIOS TV customer rep almost everyday to see if Damascus is ready for the FIOS TV rollout....unfortunately all I hear is "soon" or "any day now". I'm pretty dissapointed since I wrote countless of letters to Doug Duncan, the MOCO council, congressman and senators advocating VZ FIOS TV for MOCO. Oh well, I'm happy the rest of my "down county" neighbors are now starting to enjoy FIOS TV. I've had FIOS Internet and I can't wait for FIOS TV. One nice thing w/ FIOS TV rolling out in MOCO is Comcast is now feeling the competition on its heels. I had an issue w/ my Comcast Cable over the weekend and I just happened to ask if they had any specials for the premium channels. Lo and behold she said yes, HBO (yes, all the HBO channels including HD HBO)is FREE for 12 months (through Jan 2008) yes, FREE! No strings attached, you don't have to stay and be a Comcast customer for 12 months. So at least while I wait for FIOS TV, I can enjoy something for free. Competition....ain't it great???
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17733297 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 18:54:55 EDT Re: FIOS TV for the rest of MOCO (When???) http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17731122 rosh400 : Not all of your downcounty friends. Us folks hooked up to the wire center at Bradley and Seven Locks which serves North Bethesda and Potomac do not have service yet. There were some charges that Verizon was redlining and cherry picking. I don't think that's the case since parts of Silver Spring got service before us.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17731122 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 13:14:09 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17731052 tender :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

If tender See Profile hasn't moved recently, it's RKVLMDMR (the infamous "Montrose Road" CO).
yes...still there on RKVLMDMR

-tender]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17731052 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 13:02:41 EDT FIOS TV for the rest of MOCO (When???) http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17730133 achilleX4 : Good day! Just wanted to let y'all know, that I've been calling the FIOS TV customer rep almost everyday to see if Damascus is ready for the FIOS TV rollout....unfortunately all I hear is "soon" or "any day now". I'm pretty dissapointed since I wrote countless of letters to Doug Duncan, the MOCO council, congressman and senators advocating VZ FIOS TV for MOCO. Oh well, I'm happy the rest of my "down county" neighbors are now starting to enjoy FIOS TV. I've had FIOS Internet and I can't wait for FIOS TV. One nice thing w/ FIOS TV rolling out in MOCO is Comcast is now feeling the competition on its heels. I had an issue w/ my Comcast Cable over the weekend and I just happened to ask if they had any specials for the premium channels. Lo and behold she said yes, HBO (yes, all the HBO channels including HD HBO)is FREE for 12 months (through Jan 2008) yes, FREE! No strings attached, you don't have to stay and be a Comcast customer for 12 months. So at least while I wait for FIOS TV, I can enjoy something for free. Competition....ain't it great???]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17730133 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 10:19:24 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17690930 meb :
said by potomacdude :

...I called verizon and the lady confirms this but says the legal issue has to be resolved, and that is the only thing holding it up. ...
Call back a few times, get a new rep and ask the same questions. I'll bet you can get at least 3 different answers to each question. It's a Verizon thing.

The legal issues are resolved and the franchise done. Your CO is not equipped for video yet. You can read about many other Montgomery County installations.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17690930 Mon, 22 Jan 2007 17:28:27 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17690863 anon : Question for you guys..I am in potomac off of democracy. They laid the fiber optics months ago and FIOS internet is available, yet they say FIOS tv is unavailable. I called verizon and the lady confirms this but says the legal issue has to be resolved, and that is the only thing holding it up.

I thought it was already resolved, because people in potomac already have FIOS apparently right?? Am i missing something? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17690863 Mon, 22 Jan 2007 17:20:09 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17686520 JTRockville :
said by tender See Profile :

The tech also said that there were lots of installs scheduled for my neighborhood. Thats great.
I'm glad to hear that. I've been reluctant to make that call because I wanted to wait until all the kinks were worked out. (plus I'm so happy with my current provider that I'm not in a huge hurry)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17686520 Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:51:50 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17686440 JTRockville : If tender See Profile hasn't moved recently, it's RKVLMDMR (the infamous "Montrose Road" CO).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17686440 Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:37:48 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17682899 rosh400 : What's your CO?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17682899 Sun, 21 Jan 2007 12:06:46 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17682441 tender : I got 15/2 installed on Dev 19th. The tech was on time and very nice. He cleaned up outside and inside after the install, and even wore booties to cover his shoes when he was inside (Comcast never did that). So far, I am very happy with the FIOS. I even had the tech cut my old copper. I can notice a huge difference in the quality of my voice line. The tech also worked with me on the placement of the boxes inside and out. No TV yet, but both Verizon people on the phone and the tech said Feb or March is when the CO will have TV. The tech also said that there were lots of installs scheduled for my neighborhood. Thats great.

so far, its great!
tender]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17682441 Sun, 21 Jan 2007 10:29:18 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17633931 anon : That was what was confusing to me. We were one of the first neighborhoods to get fiber (we have had FIOS Internet since April 2004) so it would seem odd if we were one of the last to get FIOS TV.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17633931 Sat, 13 Jan 2007 10:45:12 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17631218 rosh400 : Not according to a verizon exec in MD that I talked to. Could depend on the part of Potomac but we already have fiber and are shown on the map in the initial phase of the rollout.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17631218 Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:46:14 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17630438 anon : I also served by the BTHSMDBD CO (River Falls neighborhood in Potomac). I hope it is March/April for Fios TV if not earlier. The Potomac Almanac story this week isn't encouraging (statement attributed to Verizon that they will roll out in Potomac within 4 years). ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17630438 Fri, 12 Jan 2007 17:32:58 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17624736 rosh400 : I wonder if Harmony is a border, with houses on the west being fed by the Rockville CO and houses on the east fed by the Bradley CO. We have friends who live on the west side of Coldstream and they have FIOS internet so I would think that rules out Coldstream as the dividing line.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17624736 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:05:50 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17623399 Grayson73 : Not sure. Harmony is very short. It's closer to Victory than Liberty.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17623399 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 16:24:46 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17622862 rosh400 : I'm 299. Yup, we are on different CO's. Are you on east or west side of Harmony?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17622862 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 15:02:13 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17622830 Grayson73 : 301-762]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17622830 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:57:06 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17622737 rosh400 : No, but it's easy enough to do on your own. All the websites have channel lineups and pricing.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17622737 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:41:20 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17622732 rosh400 : I knew it sounded familiar. We walk there sometimes. I live on the other side of Coldstream. That is very weird that you are on a different CO than us. There is no major road or other physical feature between our houses. What's your phone exchange? I just checked the map again at verizon.com/maryland at it looks like the border may lie between your house and mine. That would really suck. I am so sorry. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17622732 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:40:24 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17622672 Grayson73 : Harmony Lane is near the intersection of Falls Rd and Victory Lane. Close to Montrose/Falls intersection.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17622672 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:32:48 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17622570 Brittany : Does anyone know of a site that does a direct comparison of the programing offered by Verizon, Comcast, Direct TV and Dish?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17622570 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:20:28 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17621793 rosh400 : I think you mean "discord."

It runs parallel to melody drive.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17621793 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 12:15:59 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17621766 BarneyBadAss :
said by rosh400 See Profile :

P.S. Where is Harmony Lane? Sounds familiar but I can't place it.
It's on the other side from Discourse Street :D
--
---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17621766 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 12:10:21 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17621252 rosh400 : Jeez man, I think you are screwed. Don't blame Verizon. Blame City of Rockville which refused to grant permits to VZ to install fiber. From what I read of the county hearings, Rockville officials were clueless as to why fiber was not bein laid in their boundaries. I think they are working that out now but they will first have to lay fiber.

I'm sure you're saying to yourself but I don't live in Rockville. Doesn't matter. Most of the City of Rockville is served by this CO, which is what matters. Those outside of the city limits get screwed by the decisions of the Rockville city government. It's analogous to taxation without representation.

Fiber will be laid and the CO will eventually have fiber internet and TV but I would say you are going to have to wait 3 years so unfortunately you are stuck with Comcast. I feel your pain. If I were you, I would wait it out and not move to satellite. I am told that the HD service on satellite is crap -- highly compressed signal. Also you have to purchase HD DVRs plus pay for the monthly service.

Comcast may not be great but at least their HD quality is okay.

P.S. Where is Harmony Lane? Sounds familiar but I can't place it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17621252 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 10:35:52 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17621115 Grayson73 : Says I don't qualify for either Internet or TV.

CO distance says 17702 feet, RKVLMDRV.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17621115 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 10:11:40 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17619614 JTRockville :
said by JohnA See Profile :

October 6 was the loop coming out of aerial conduit on Ashley. Was that the first? I was looking too far back earlier. »Construction Schedule in MC Maryland

Don't forget to send Doug an email, after you get it.
Ah yes, that one roll on Ashley at the beginning of October was the first fiber I spotted in Randolph Hills. It sat untouched for almost a month. The "big parade of trucks" didn't show up until the very end of October. So, if we go by tender See Profile's qualification, I think it was almost exactly 2 months.

Poor Doug. I wonder if Verizon made any progress getting permits from Rockville. Does anyone in this topic live within the city limits?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17619614 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 00:31:20 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17619569 JTRockville :
said by SteveK See Profile :

Congratulations, JT. I hope your experience with FIOS Internet will be as good as mine has been. I've had FIOS almost 1½ years, and I don't know of one single loss in connectivity. Prior to that, in my last three months with Comcast I had loss of connectivity almost every day, often for hours.

I haven't had occasion to post here for some time, since I haven't had any problems to solve!

I plan to wait a couple of months until the initial rush is over before I switch to FIOS TV.
Yeah, I can't say I miss that flaky Comcast connection one little bit. Unfortunately (in a way), I'm spoiled now. I'm used to dedication. FiOS has some big shoes to fill. I must admit I'm a bit worried. Not yet ready to panic. But worried.

It's really comforting to hear people praising FiOS for reliability.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17619569 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 00:19:24 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17619533 JTRockville :
said by ctbarker32 See Profile :

Hey JT,

Welcome to the Fios Club. I don't know if you remember me but I was the one you contacted to testify with you against Comcast at a County Council meeting many moons ago?

I've been on Fios Internet for a year and a half. Just got Fios TV the second week in December.

I've not had one problem with Verizon. Their service rocks IMHO.

-CB
Yes I do remember! I'm looking forward to joining the FiOS Club. I think I'll call tomorrow. Thanks for the warm welcome. :D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17619533 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 00:12:42 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17619364 DufiefData : That's interesting: I also live in North Potomac and we've had DSL for over 1 year now. Actually when a technician had to come to the house he said our line was "almost perfect" in terms of its DSL quality.

I'm pretty sure they're running the DSL here out of a remote terminal box.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17619364 Wed, 10 Jan 2007 23:39:37 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17618047 rosh400 : I live in Potomac too. I don't know about DSL but I have FIOS internet service. I am served by the BTHSMDBD CO and I am told that March will be the earliest for TV.

According to the service map, most of Potomac (20854) is served by this CO. TO find out which CO serves your house to to the Find Svc link on the homepage, click on CO distance and enter in your street address and phone number. It will tell you the CO and the distance. If you are served by this CO, you may be able to get FIOS internet. When you say that online you don't qualify, is that for FIOS internet or TV?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17618047 Wed, 10 Jan 2007 19:53:58 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17617986 rosh400 : reliable in terms of better cost effectiveness for maintaining the lines. Fiber is more durable than copper and needs less maintenance.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17617986 Wed, 10 Jan 2007 19:46:07 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17617701 JeffRed :
said by rosh400 See Profile :

The only exceptions they make is if you have some kind of service that requires 24/7 service such as a burglar alarm or home health care hardware.

Bottom line is that they want to get rid of copper because it is much less reliable to expensive to maintain. When they have an opportunity to get rid of copper as in the case of any FIOS install, they take it.

It's your choice, copper phone line or FIOS TV. You should probably take the TV. In 10 years the copper is going to go bye bye anyway.
I disagree about what you said about Fiber being more reliable. Fiber does not have the track record (or a track record--this is new technology) that POTS(plain old telephone system) has. POTS has been around more than 50 years and is very reliable in my opinion. The fact that Verizon makes exceptions for cases that involve Safety and Security tell me what? Is this just because of a issue with FIOS maintenance shutting down the system for a few seconds? What if I needed to call 911 at that exact time?

I do agree that Fiber is generally better than copper for getting a clean signal thru. I realize all the electrical issues involved with copper transmission. I know a lot of reasons fiber is better than copper. But I disagree with you about copper going away. The world may be going digital but that still needs power. Go look for yourself at the many places on this site that discuss how long the battery back up for Verizon's FIOS Phone last. Not in my home.

I do have alternatives that allow ME to customize what I want for phone service.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17617701 Wed, 10 Jan 2007 18:59:41 EDT Re: Realistic expectations http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17617599 JeffRed : I think you missed the point. I was never given the option to decide to switch my phone service. It was just shut off. If Verizon wants to eliminate copper and save money,fine but give notice. The phone system has competition and I can go order from another company to get the service I do want.

It was not my mistake of putting any of Verizon on my Credit Card....Verizon took that info for the initial deposit. I never did authorize them to charge my Credit Card and I tried in vein to have that fixed. That was a different time they disconnected me...I didn't loose the phone then...just the internet...and then I got it reconnected while still having a copper line.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17617599 Wed, 10 Jan 2007 18:40:45 EDT Re: Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17617375 nasadude :
said by Grayson73 See Profile :

I live in Potomac, MD (Harmony Lane) and online it says I don't qualify. If you're in Potomac and you do qualify, let me know where you live.

Right now, I'm stuck with Comcast Cable and High speed internet. Can't get DSL here.
if you can't get DSL, you might be on the RKVLMDRV CO. I live in North Potomac, am on that CO and have never been able to get DSL either. However, it does look like they are/have been stringing fiber around here, but I don't know if that CO is lit yet.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17617375 Wed, 10 Jan 2007 18:04:55 EDT Potomac http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17617112 Grayson73 : I live in Potomac, MD (Harmony Lane) and online it says I don't qualify. If you're in Potomac and you do qualify, let me know where you live.

Right now, I'm stuck with Comcast Cable and High speed internet. Can't get DSL here.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17617112 Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:23:49 EDT Realistic expectations http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17616747 cbrain :
said by JeffRed See Profile :

...
I asked in the county commission hearing for a new high speed internet service provider to contact me to provide me with affordable, good quality service. I hope I won't have to ask the same for a new phone company.
Good luck with that new phone company thing. And thanks for getting us FiOS. ;)

I've expressed myself often on both Verizon and Comcast over the years. Both companies do plenty of frustrating things to their customers, but both satisfy most of their customers. Verizon offers fiber at a residential price in order to eliminate copper and expand their revenue base. A past news article here on BBR suggested Verizon saves over $110 per year by eliminating copper. Asking them to give you the best of both at the residential price is asking more than is beneficial for Verizon and a problem in the making. Both companies are way too big to customize a program for you and get it right. Had you billed your FiOS to the phone line and gone phone fiber, you wouldn't need a credit card and never lost your phone service. Did this save time or effort over having a backup battery?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17616747 Wed, 10 Jan 2007 16:24:45 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17616444 SD6 :
said by rosh400 See Profile :

I don't know how you managed to keep copper when they installed the internet but when I had the internet service installed 12/05, they would not let me keep the copper. It's part of their business plan. The FIOS TV install gives them a second bite at the apple which the are insisting on taking if you want the TV service. Sorry but I don't have alot of sympathy. I raised my issue to Verizon HQ in NY and eventually gave in. The only exceptions they make is if you have some kind of service that requires 24/7 service such as a burglar alarm or home health care hardware.

Bottom line is that they want to get rid of copper because it is much less reliable to expensive to maintain. When they have an opportunity to get rid of copper as in the case of any FIOS install, they take it.

It's your choice, copper phone line or FIOS TV. You should probably take the TV. In 10 years the copper is going to go bye bye anyway.
Verizon certainly wants to get people off of copper. Nevertheless, there are many people on this forum who have reported keeping copper POTS while getting FIOS Internet.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17616444 Wed, 10 Jan 2007 15:39:17 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17616301 ctbarker32 : Hey JT,

Welcome to the Fios Club. I don't know if you remember me but I was the one you contacted to testify with you against Comcast at a County Council meeting many moons ago?

I've been on Fios Internet for a year and a half. Just got Fios TV the second week in December.

I've not had one problem with Verizon. Their service rocks IMHO.

-CB]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17616301 Wed, 10 Jan 2007 15:12:44 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17615982 rosh400 : I don't know how you managed to keep copper when they installed the internet but when I had the internet service installed 12/05, they would not let me keep the copper. It's part of their business plan. The FIOS TV install gives them a second bite at the apple which the are insisting on taking if you want the TV service. Sorry but I don't have alot of sympathy. I raised my issue to Verizon HQ in NY and eventually gave in. The only exceptions they make is if you have some kind of service that requires 24/7 service such as a burglar alarm or home health care hardware.

Bottom line is that they want to get rid of copper because it is much less reliable to expensive to maintain. When they have an opportunity to get rid of copper as in the case of any FIOS install, they take it.

It's your choice, copper phone line or FIOS TV. You should probably take the TV. In 10 years the copper is going to go bye bye anyway.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17615982 Wed, 10 Jan 2007 14:22:45 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17615865 JeffRed : I am going to give a review of my experiences with Verizon.
I had the FIOS internet installed two years ago. The system never had any outages except one. That one occurred when I had to change Credit Cards. Verizon failed to bill me to my home as asked but instead put it on my Credit Card--it was only to be for deposit purposes. I changed my card because I am a Veteran and had unusual activity on my card during the data loss fiasco of the Veteran Administration. My internet was shut off. One notice was send to my home. It was not noticed since family members were in the hospital at the time. I was annoyed with Verizon about them turning off the internet service without a voice follow up call. It was sheer hell to get it turned back on.

During the initial install, I failed to notice that the Moron installers got lazy and rather than bury the fiber line under a tree root, they simply ran it over the top of the root above ground. They also failed to in any way to attach the fiberwire to the telephone pole where the drop is. I did finally get the wire attached to the pole when I flagged a truck down on the street, but I had made many calls to verizon before and after this and the fiberwire is still above ground over the tree root. It is not even in my yard. It is in my neighbor's yard who has 3 kids. All they have to do is step on the fiberwire and I will have to have my entire yard reinstalled since you cant splice fiber.

I Ordered FIOS TV (/rude to the Verizon folks who promised me they would let me know when it was available--I had to find out in a booth at the mall). I checked the NO box about ordering FIOS telephone service. I did not want to put my phone system on a fiber that the kids next door might break. I also don't want the FIOS phone because I know that changing phone service means changing the responsibility of who maintains the power back up system for my phone. I suck at maintenance. I don't want to have to monitor a battery, I will forget. I wanted to keep my copper phone line and let the phone company who can afford it to monitor the power back up for my phone system.

Here is another problem....the telephone(s) are in my wife's maiden name and repeated attempts by us both to change that and consolidate the bill have not been successful. So Verizon turned off the copper phone two days later after the install(so it ain't a cut wire!). All day on the phone talking to the stupid computer again and again telling my phone number each time a person at verizon needed to transfer me to another dept. Billing sent me to Repair, Repair sent me to the FIOS dept, Fios would send me to Billing and around and around I would go--while having at times to stand on my front porch to get a signal for my Verizon cell phone. I finally got the phone turned back on late Friday night after I told Verizon I was going to report them for slamming the phone to the FCC. It got fixed within 30 minutes......Then they shut off the phone again Tuesday. After more than 10 hours of phone time, Verizon keeps telling me I have to switch to the FIOS Phone service. I kept asking them who authorized any change to my service and asked them why I was given NO notice of changes to my copper wire phone service. I also asked them why My TV service would change the phone service of some other person(my wife's maiden name is the name on the phone) since they are not billed together. I am still without service. Verizon want to send someone out to my home, despite being able to turn the phone on without a visit Friday. I suspect they are trying to sneak in a FIOS phone install. I made one last call to a Verizon complaint number I got after I did call the FCC. The FCC referred me to a local state agency(not all states have this--mine did). The state agency gave me a phone number to Verizon that I had yet to try. I am still waiting for my phone to be turned back on.

The thing that most annoys me is that I have gone to bat for Verizon during the county cable commission hearings. I was rooting for Verizon. My old internet and TV provider was terrible. I wanted so much for Verizon to work out and now they are sucking almost as bad as my old crap-tastic carrier. It also annoys me that I had to spend all day one the cell Friday with Verizon. My plans for that Friday were to return the old cable TV boxes to my old company but maybe I will hold onto them till I get this issue resolved.

I asked in the county commission hearing for a new high speed internet service provider to contact me to provide me with affordable, good quality service. I hope I won't have to ask the same for a new phone company.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17615865 Wed, 10 Jan 2007 14:00:39 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17613164 SteveK :
said by JTRockville :
!!! OMG !!!
I checked today.

I qualify!
I qualify!


Congratulations, JT. I hope your experience with FIOS Internet will be as good as mine has been. I've had FIOS almost 1½ years, and I don't know of one single loss in connectivity. Prior to that, in my last three months with Comcast I had loss of connectivity almost every day, often for hours.

I haven't had occasion to post here for some time, since I haven't had any problems to solve!

I plan to wait a couple of months until the initial rush is over before I switch to FIOS TV.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17613164 Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:12:41 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17611646 JohnA :
October 6 was the loop coming out of aerial conduit on Ashley. Was that the first? I was looking too far back earlier. »Construction Schedule in MC Maryland

Don't forget to send Doug an email, after you get it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17611646 Tue, 09 Jan 2007 20:14:17 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17609376 JTRockville : I'm not planning to use Verizon's email, so I won't notice those glitches. Everyone I know who has VZ service echoes your sentiments.

It's really good to hear.
:)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17609376 Tue, 09 Jan 2007 14:39:31 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17609329 rosh400 : I hope your experience with the service will match ours. I'm served by BTHSMDBD (Bradley) and have had FIOS internet for almost 13 months (15/2 service) and it has been 100 percent reliable. Always provides contract speed, never down. Occasionally the email servers are down but only for a few minutes and VZ's spam blocker can be a wee bit over aggressive but it can be turned off if it becomes a bother.

Now I wait until they light Bradley for TV. Then adios comcast.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17609329 Tue, 09 Jan 2007 14:31:55 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17609256 JTRockville : Seems like it's only been a day or two since the start. But if I go hunt down the pics I took, I'll probably find it's been around two months.

I haven't set up an appointment yet.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17609256 Tue, 09 Jan 2007 14:22:41 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17607125 JohnA :
Sweet. How long has it been, JT, since they started wiring Montrose Rd.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17607125 Tue, 09 Jan 2007 08:15:10 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17603383 JTRockville :
said by tender See Profile :

JT...did you qualify your number for FIOS?
!!! OMG !!!
I checked today.

I qualify!
I qualify!

[att=1]

RKVLMDMR Montrose Road is LIT
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17603383 Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:23:02 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17563906 JTRockville : That's fabulous news tender. I'm going to find out when my T1 contract is up so I can start planning for the switch.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17563906 Tue, 02 Jan 2007 11:11:30 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17563755 tender : I also signed up for email notifications, but never received any. I called today to inquire about FIOS TV. I was told it is not available today, but I can get FIOS Internet. The phone rep said I could order the internet and that by the time of my install date, the TV should be ready.

I have an install date of the 19th.
Fingers are crossed.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17563755 Tue, 02 Jan 2007 10:29:46 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17561452 pxc0 : For what it's worth, I also signed up for e-mail notification, but never received any word of FIOS TV. Once Montgomery County approved the franchise agreement, I tried qualifying my number daily until one day I was able to order. Long story short, I got the TV service installed last week and so far am loving it.

My guess why no notification has been sent out is that Verizon does not yet have enough qualified FIOS TV installation and support personnel to handle the volume of new subscribers that will be signing on once the ad blitz is on. I do know that tech support is working a lot of OT until more trained personnel is brought in.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17561452 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 20:42:51 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17560871 JTRockville :
said by tender See Profile :

JT...did you qualify your number for FIOS?
I haven't checked recently. I signed up for email notification years ago, and gave my # to one of the deployment crews in December (the one who had "ask me about FiOS" on his bucket truck), but I haven't heard a peep.
:huh:]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17560871 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 18:38:52 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17552677 rosh400 : There are a number of CO's in the county that currently provide FIOS internet but not TV like mine which is the Bradley CO. I am told that I may have to wait up to three months before the install the TV equipment in my CO.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17552677 Sun, 31 Dec 2006 10:30:05 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17552459 tender : My CO is RKVLMDMR and as of yesterday I can get FIOS Internet, but no TV. Anyone on RKVLMDMR able to get TV? I plan to call verizon to ask about dates for an install.

JT...did you qualify your number for FIOS? Yesterday I was able to get FIOS, but just the day before it said I could not. Some something has changed for the better.

thanks
tender]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17552459 Sun, 31 Dec 2006 09:29:48 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17543242 rosh400 : My understanding is that you can also select which channels you want to appear in the guide so for example, if you don't watch home shopping channels, you get deselect them. Under the menu there is probably a setup option. You can narrow down the 3 hundred channels to the 50 to 60 you might watch. You can than use page up and down to jump 5 or 6 stations at a time. It makes it much more manageable. I don't have FIOS yet but from my understanding of the guide software, the way favorites works is much better than Comcast.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17543242 Fri, 29 Dec 2006 16:13:39 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17541640 anon : You don't need a page up and down. If you hold the up/down arrow keys down, the guide will scroll through the line-up at pretty quick speed. I wondered too about the page up/down and then accidentally found that holding the key down does automatic scrolling.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17541640 Fri, 29 Dec 2006 11:25:27 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17541400 Flojomojo :
said by JohnA See Profile :

If you had been home, you'd be raving about getting installed within hours.
That much is true for sure! Unfortunately, shattering expectations didn't happen this time.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17541400 Fri, 29 Dec 2006 10:38:00 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17541261 JohnA :
said by Flojomojo See Profile :

I'm perfectly comfortable with new technology,
New technology is not the same as the bleeding edge of technology. FiOS TV in your area involves new people, systems, and these kind of glitches. Unfortunate that it was you, but it happens. If you had been home, you'd be raving about getting installed within hours. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17541261 Fri, 29 Dec 2006 10:11:05 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17541061 Flojomojo :
said by JohnA See Profile :

An online order with no install date is not an order. From that point, you should have known that things were gummed up in the system. You got the wrong phone message, but no one attempted an install on the same day you put in an internet order with no date.
You are incorrect. An installer came to my house hours after I placed the order. He left two messages on my machine from his cell phone and he marked my order as "no access," which was verified by both the dispatch and business offices.

It's true that I got the wrong message, but the burden should be on the servicing company, not the paying customer.
said by JohnA See Profile :

Might I suggest that the leading, bleeding edge of technology is not a place you're comfortable.
I think it's much more accurate to say that I expect a better level of service than Verizon seems capable of delivering. Secretarial staff have been scheduling appointments for decades. Logging tickets is not the "leading, bleeding edge."

I'm perfectly comfortable with new technology, but it's only as good as the delivery mechanism. In this case, product that is not delivered is the same as not existing at all. There's no need to apologize for the company that can't meet demand and blame the interested consumer.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17541061 Fri, 29 Dec 2006 09:24:54 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17541009 JohnA :
An online order with no install date is not an order. From that point, you should have known that things were gummed up in the system. You got the wrong phone message, but no one attempted an install on the same day you put in an internet order with no date.

Might I suggest that the leading, bleeding edge of technology is not a place you're comfortable.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17541009 Fri, 29 Dec 2006 09:09:21 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17539252 Flojomojo :
said by rosh400 See Profile :

Perhaps you should be more realistic in your expectations and a little more patient. VZ just got their franchise approved. That have new CSRs and new installers. There are going to be hiccups. You should be grateful that you can even schedule installation. There are many of us that have fiber but won't have TV service available for atleast 3 more months. Many in the county won't get it for a year. Sorry, but many of us are not interested in your whining. I had ordering hiccups to a year ago to get FIOS internet but I'm glad I did not let the problems turn me off to the service because it has been great and totally blows Comcrap away.
I think you're missing my point ... you think I should be grateful that this major telco will reschedule me for their missed appointments? That I should be thankful that at least I can waste time in the hopes of getting service? It's not going to blow anything away if they can't get the truck to my house.

They can't seem to coordinate a simple installation appointment -- not even on their own terms. My FIOS internet installation was flawless. If Verizon can't deliver what they're offering, then perhaps they should let up on the advertising until they can. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17539252 Thu, 28 Dec 2006 22:15:07 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17538425 rosh400 :
said by ScottF12345 See Profile :

Anyone with FIOSTV can you answer this question for me please?

With comcast (WHICH I HATE) I only have one STB. All my other TVs are just connected direct through coax (cable ready). I get most of the channels I want like that. Can I do the same with FIOS? I called the MD # and they say I only get channels 2-50 which does not include ANY cable channels like ESPN or the such. If this is the case the added cost of STBs may not make sense for me as much as I HATE COMCAST!

You'd think you could at least get channels 2-99 like with other cable. Am I wrong? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
You need the STB to get anything other than SD locals and PEGs but even adding that cost, you still come out ahead.

Comcast cost me 54.15 for preferred service (nondigital). To get HD channels, I need an HD converter and remote for my 2 high def TVs. That's $64.75. With VZ, I pay $39.95 for the basic service which is digital and includes about 80 more channels than I get now including some with decent programming. I add 27.80 for 2 HD STB's and 2 SD STB's and subtract $5 for FIOS internet discount and that totals $62.75. It's less than Comcast's non-digital service even with the STB's. And for HDTV owners, VZ's HD lineup is far better. We get both WETA and WMPT in high def (Comcast offers only WETA) plus National Geographic High Def, Universal High Def, NFL Hi Def and HDNET Movies. To get comparable service from Comcast, I would have buy their digital service and two more STB's which would add another $35 per month or about $100 per month. From my perspective, FIOS beats Comcast easily.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17538425 Thu, 28 Dec 2006 19:44:54 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17538356 rosh400 :
said by Flojomojo See Profile :

DEPRESSING FIOS TV INSTALLATION STORY FOLLOWS

Perhaps your experience will be better, but I give up for now. This shouldn't be so difficult, should it?

Thursday, Dec 28th afternoon: I am transferred to Mr. Smith in Verizon billing. I state that after this experience, I am unwilling to wait without any guarantee that anything will get better. I cancel my FIOS TV order. (10 minutes)

Total customer time spent = 3 hours, 15 minutes
Money collected by Verizon = none
Product delivered = none
Annoyance and frustration = high
Perhaps you should be more realistic in your expectations and a little more patient. VZ just got their franchise approved. That have new CSRs and new installers. There are going to be hiccups. You should be grateful that you can even schedule installation. There are many of us that have fiber but won't have TV service available for atleast 3 more months. Many in the county won't get it for a year. Sorry, but many of us are not interested in your whining. I had ordering hiccups to a year ago to get FIOS internet but I'm glad I did not let the problems turn me off to the service because it has been great and totally blows Comcrap away.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17538356 Thu, 28 Dec 2006 19:33:32 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17537823 rai : glday2003

I seriously suggest that you start a new post for this. You'll get much more visibility. Also provide more info as to the exact version of remote that you have (or don't have).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17537823 Thu, 28 Dec 2006 18:00:20 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17537521 anon : I just had my FiOS TV installed yesterday(I've been a FiOS Internet subscriber for a year) and I am very pleased with the service so far. I wonder if any other Montgomery County subscribers can help me with...the remote control. At the risk of sounding stupid, how can you access page up/page down functions from the Phillips remote? Most of the documentation and help on the tv/website is for a different remote (which already has separate page up/down buttons) and what documentation there is makes no mention of the feature. I even went so far as to call FiOS tech support, and to my surprise they had no idea how to do it. I *know* the function must exist--they can't expect people to hit the down cursor arrow key 300 times to go through the program guide! Can someone here help a clueless FiOS TV newbie figure this out? I love what I've seen of FiOs so far but this remote is truly horrible. Basic functions should not be opaque to the user!

Thanks,
glday2003 ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17537521 Thu, 28 Dec 2006 17:08:14 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17537161 Flojomojo : DEPRESSING FIOS TV INSTALLATION STORY FOLLOWS

Perhaps your experience will be better, but I give up for now. This shouldn't be so difficult, should it?

Monday, Dec 18th morning: I place an order for FIOS TV service online. No installation date is provided. Website ordering is picky about which browser to use, but is easy enough. (15 minutes)

Monday, Dec 18th afternoon: I listen to a message from an installer saying that since no one was home, the order is suspended. I call their home office to see what's going on, they're surprised that anyone acted that fast. I wait on hold while they see if someone can come back while I'm there, but they can't do it. Reschedule for the morning of Dec 30, with the advice that I confirm the appointment on Dec 29th "just to be sure." (90 minutes total)

Thursday, Dec 21 evening: I pick up a phone call from Verizon featuring a recording of James Earl Jones, who tells me to wait for a representative. I wait for a few minutes. This is stupid, my order was placed and everything should be fine. They called me, but no one is there. I hang up. (15 minutes)

Wednesday, Dec 27th evening: Receive another call from J.E.J. asking to call back. (5 minutes)

Thursday, Dec 28th morning: I return Verizon's call, I speak with someone named Shannon. She looks into the situation, calls me back and leaves a message on my cell phone. (15 minutes)

Thursday, Dec 28th afternoon: I return Verizon's call, ask to speak with Shannon, get told by Robert that there are 250 phone reps in the call center and it's difficult to get the same person twice. I tell the story again, this time to Robert. Robert looks further into the situation, calls the dispatch center for an update. While we're on hold, Robert reads Shannon's notes, sends her some text messages, and realizes that Shannon was farther ahead with this case than he is getting.(30 minutes)

Thursday, Dec 28th afternoon: Shannon calls me back from Verizon. She tells me that the initial order for December 30 was never placed, and that the soonest installation date is January 13th, almost a month from the date of my original order. I explain my frustration about the installation coordination experience, and Shannon agrees but is unable to move the date up. (15 minutes)

Thursday, Dec 28th afternoon: I am transferred to Mr. Smith in Verizon billing. I state that after this experience, I am unwilling to wait without any guarantee that anything will get better. I cancel my FIOS TV order. (10 minutes)

Total customer time spent = 3 hours, 15 minutes
Money collected by Verizon = none
Product delivered = none
Annoyance and frustration = high]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17537161 Thu, 28 Dec 2006 16:05:11 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17537042 vince99 :
said by ScottF12345 See Profile :

thanks for the quick response. I did a quick search and read a bit and probably am being too lazy...if i am yell at me and tell me just to go search again but..... so even if I purchase the digital channels (not just local), without STB I only get analog chans up to 49?
That's correct. The analog channels include, in addition to the local OTA channels, News Channel 8, WGN Superstation (#29), TV Guide (48), a local weather channel (49), and the MoCo govt. channels.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17537042 Thu, 28 Dec 2006 15:45:06 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17536918 ScottF12345 : thanks for the quick response. I did a quick search and read a bit and probably am being too lazy...if i am yell at me and tell me just to go search again but..... so even if I purchase the digital channels (not just local), without STB I only get analog chans up to 49?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17536918 Thu, 28 Dec 2006 15:26:37 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17536864 rai : Go to the FIOS website and check out the local lineup. You'll be disappointed. Also, there are many discussions in the forum similar to your question. Go search and read if you haven't.

The way I see it, you'd have to get 3~4 FIOS STBs to break even with Comcast cost-wise. But with FIOS, you'd then have many more channels than you'd have with Comcast non-STB.

In my situation, I'm currently paying for limited Comcast at like $16 per month. I want to get Disney and other kid channels, though. The basic FIOS at $13 has fewer channels than Comcast limited, and obviously, no Disney channel, either.

So, to get Disney, with Comcast it's like $55 w/o STBs. For FIOS, it's $44 w/ 1 STB (no bundle discounts considered). FIOS wins. All the other channels are nice, but not part of my trade-off. Reported better pic quality for FIOS is also a nice extra.

Having to use the FIOS remote control & STB is a bit of a drawback, though.

edit - FYI, I noticed in the STB manual that stereo audio is not passed through the RF coax connection. (Yes, it matters for me. I'm still in the TV Stone Age... well, maybe the Bronze Age. My TV does have composite and L/R inputs.)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17536864 Thu, 28 Dec 2006 15:17:52 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17536639 ScottF12345 : Anyone with FIOSTV can you answer this question for me please?

With comcast (WHICH I HATE) I only have one STB. All my other TVs are just connected direct through coax (cable ready). I get most of the channels I want like that. Can I do the same with FIOS? I called the MD # and they say I only get channels 2-50 which does not include ANY cable channels like ESPN or the such. If this is the case the added cost of STBs may not make sense for me as much as I HATE COMCAST!

You'd think you could at least get channels 2-99 like with other cable. Am I wrong? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17536639 Thu, 28 Dec 2006 14:45:44 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17535049 TheOtherPete :
said by bbarrett See Profile :

Called yesterday and was told it should be available soon. Thanks...I knew that.
LOL, thanks for the update anyway.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17535049 Thu, 28 Dec 2006 09:23:48 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17535039 bbarrett : Called yesterday and was told it should be available soon. Thanks...I knew that. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17535039 Thu, 28 Dec 2006 09:21:35 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17525242 TheOtherPete :
said by bbarrett See Profile :

Has anyone out of the Germantown or Olney central offices been able to get an install date yet?
Anyone? Sure would like to get FIOS TV/HD in time for the superbowl.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17525242 Tue, 26 Dec 2006 13:06:37 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17506259 JTRockville : I posted a map and some details ~ 2 years ago of Verizon's initial deployment by wirecenter (aka "CO"). The "initial service area" for television deployment is identical to Verizon's initial deployment for FiOS internet.

Here's a link, in case it's easier for anyone to look it up by wirecenter or VZ-wired-phone extension:

»Re: FIOS in Montgomery County!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17506259 Fri, 22 Dec 2006 10:37:05 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17505901 oscarc :
said by jaums See Profile :

Have you seen the map? Olney looks like it's not in the "Initial Service Area".

»www22.verizon.com/about/communit···omap.pdf
Not sure what map you are looking at but Olney looks to be in the initial service area. Olney is further north then that green area labeled Norbeck.

I spoke to a FiOS rep at a kiosk in Columbia Mall last week. She told me areas that already have FiOS internet would be able to have TV service starting in January. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17505901 Fri, 22 Dec 2006 09:34:20 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17505661 jaums : Have you seen the map? Olney looks like it's not in the "Initial Service Area".

»www22.verizon.com/about/communit···omap.pdf]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17505661 Fri, 22 Dec 2006 08:33:08 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17503048 serg_leo :
said by bbarrett See Profile :

Has anyone out of the Germantown or Olney central offices been able to get an install date yet?
I'm checking VZ website every day, but my address still not available for TV service :(]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17503048 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 19:24:40 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17501616 bbarrett : Has anyone out of the Germantown or Olney central offices been able to get an install date yet?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17501616 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 15:43:51 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17501105 rosh400 : Those of us connected to the Bradley Blvd CO (intersection of Bradley and 7 Locks) will have to wait for our FIOS TV. My contact says March or April is the best guess. If anybody has any different information, please let us know what number you called. Thanks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17501105 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 14:35:05 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17500421 cbrain : I'm surprised at how fast things are going considering the agreement was just passed late last month.

How is on-demand? In another thread, it sounds like it could replace TiVo. What content is available?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17500421 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 12:44:39 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17500266 jaums : My FiOS TV went in yesterday Montgomery County, MD - standard interval Vz gave the County Counsel.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17500266 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 12:18:16 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17499460 vince99 :
said by xgman See Profile :

This MC TV rollout is extremely slow it seems.
The installer told me that Verizon is not yet doing FIOS TV advertising in MC because they can't keep up with the demand. They are very busy hiring and training new people.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17499460 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 09:46:49 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17495548 xgman : This MC TV rollout is extremely slow it seems.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17495548 Wed, 20 Dec 2006 16:52:50 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17493484 vince99 : I got the FIOS DVR with my installation last week. So far, it works great. The interface on the remote is straightforward and works well with the on-screen program guide. (The program guide could use a few tweaks, but that's another story.) I've used the guide to schedule overnight recording of several programs. I have also successfully recorded two programs simultaneously while watching a third, previously-recorded program.

Up to now I've recorded only SD programs (mostly movies) and they look fine on my 42" HD plasma set. Last night I recorded an HD program, so tonight I'll see how that came out.

I'm not familiar with Tivo equipment--they may have more bells and whistles.

BTW the remote that Verizon provided is not the one currently shown on the FIOS website. The new remote appears to have all the same functions, but the buttons have a different layout. The installers provide a manufacturer's instruction sheet which does not explain all the buttons. :uhh:]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17493484 Wed, 20 Dec 2006 10:42:10 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17492978 rosh400 : I have the comcast DVR which is similar to the Verizon DVR. From Tivo users say, the Comcast DVR has far fewer features than Tivo. Having never had Tivo, however, I can't really compare. All I can say is that the comcast DVR works fine for me. It records the shows I ask it to and I can easily find them and play them back. I think the chief disadvantage of the comcast DVR is that it is difficult, but not impossible to archive favorite recordings onto a PC. It can be done but from my understanding, this is pretty easy to do with Tivo.

On the other hand, with comcast and verizon, you don't have to buy an expensive piece of hardware, the monthly lease fee is less than the Tivo subscription fee, and you get the local channels in HD. On top of that, my understanding is that DirecTV compresses the HD signal alot so its quality is inferior. For the HD you do get, Verizon will probably offer you much better quality. My undertanding is that sat TV quality also suffers during times of heavy precipitation. You won't have that problem with Verizon.

I plan to switch to FIOS TV as soon as it is offered in my neighborhood (hopefully around the first of the year). On balance given what you gain, and what you lose, I would switch too. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17492978 Wed, 20 Dec 2006 08:57:13 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17490677 davechen : How is the FIOS DVR? I am on DirecTV and have the HD Tivo. I like the interface a lot. The only problem is that I don't get the local channels in HD. My OTA reception sucks.

So I'm considering switching to FIOS TV. I have FIOS internet, which I love, but I've here some pretty bad things about the DVR. Can anyone here compare it to a Tivo?

Thanks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17490677 Tue, 19 Dec 2006 21:00:25 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17488276 foundation00 : DC only.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17488276 Tue, 19 Dec 2006 14:32:03 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17487453 jammmin : For those with FIOS TV in Montgomery, do you get the DC locals only?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17487453 Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:07:35 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17487429 ctbarker32 :
said by HDMontgomery :

Also noted that the volume level on the TV used to be around 20 on previous services with Dish and Comcast, with FIOS the volume level is around 15.
You can adjust the volume in the Motorola box by going into the Settings menu and selecting Audio. The default seems to be Heavy compression and Surround sound. I have changed mine to Medium compression and Stereo. I think Heavy compression is too much and causes audible clipping. The lowest level compression should be best but I find is a bit too low. I would prefer no compression but the options are too crude in their adjustment. It's not clear what is happening with the stereo/surround option. I assume the surround is just a synthesized surround from two channel type effect. There also is an internal audio/mute control on the Motorola box that I happend upon when programming my remote. I don't know how to get to it normally.

-CB ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17487429 Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:03:03 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17486905 anon : Had my install on 12/18/06. Took a couple of hours. They replaced the router that I had with the FIOS internet with a wireless router. The only problem was the component cables that they installed with the DVR, the picture looked almost black & white. Replaced them with my Monster cables and the picture were bright and colorful. Also noted that the volume level on the TV used to be around 20 on previous services with Dish and Comcast, with FIOS the volume level is around 15. The picture quality is much better than what I used to get with Comcast and Dish. The DVR interface seems more clumsy that with Comcast. The price is definitely better than with Comcast or Dish. All in all the wife and I are happy campers.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17486905 Tue, 19 Dec 2006 10:34:10 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461362 vince99 : I had my TV & internet install today (Bethesda). Hardware installation went fine, but... still no digital TV channels 8 hours later! :( The STBs have been trying to download the software etc. for the digital channels since mid-afternoon. The installers said there is some huge backlog/glitch etc. affecting the whole east coast portion of the network. They think the digital channels should show up tomorrow.

This software downloading process for the STBs appears to be a real bottleneck in completing the installations. The installers say it's happening almost daily.

The installers were great. They located all the hardware where I wanted it. (Of course, it helped that I had pre-wired all the CAT5 and most of the RG-6!)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461362 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 23:04:05 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457984 cbrain : Verizon added state specific inbound numbers.

MD 877-436-1491

»www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv···t+us.htm

Anyone have a review of Montgomery County service?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457984 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 13:11:44 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457688 anon : Bethesda Wildwood is up. I have an install date of Dec. 26 and they could have done it as early as the 21st.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457688 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 12:12:16 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457071 rosh400 : Just spoke to VZ sales rep who said that all CO's that already have fiber should be lit for TV within the next 30 days. I will keep all my fingers and toes crossed and anything else I can think of crossed as well.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457071 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 09:58:08 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17441390 cbrain :
said by Lenagainster See Profile :

...
So it looks like the total FiOS TV will be something like $39.99 + $2.50 (PEG fee) + $2.08 (FF) = $44.57 or about five bucks less than I am paying now. That's not enough to make me jump on the phone and place my order today, but it's something to think about each time the picture freezes or goes out with an approaching t-storm. I guess what will tip the scale is a careful examination of the channels available, and do they carry the ones we like. I hope Verizon comes out with some enticing ads that contain all the details in the fine print.
FiOS internet is a terrific service and I have every reason to assume their TV will be as good. Direct TV is also a great service and has TiVo, so I also feel little urge to switch.

Isn't it great to have such a choice! I hope this is the incentive Comcast needs to become as good.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17441390 Mon, 11 Dec 2006 20:44:53 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17440362 Lenagainster :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

...guessing... no "taxes"...a PEG/INet fee... $1.25/mo,..double that.;a Franchise Fee. 5.2% of tv-only portion of the bill.
Thanks JT. I'm currently paying DirecTV $49.99 for "Plus" programming and local channels, which closely resembles the FiOS premium plan of $39.99. I read there is a Set Top Box fee of $3.95/mo each, the first being waived with an annual agreement. I don't know if there is a discount for having both Internet and TV. (I already have the 5/2 FiOS Internet at $34.99).

So it looks like the total FiOS TV will be something like $39.99 + $2.50 (PEG fee) + $2.08 (FF) = $44.57 or about five bucks less than I am paying now. That's not enough to make me jump on the phone and place my order today, but it's something to think about each time the picture freezes or goes out with an approaching t-storm. I guess what will tip the scale is a careful examination of the channels available, and do they carry the ones we like. I hope Verizon comes out with some enticing ads that contain all the details in the fine print.

Lena]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17440362 Mon, 11 Dec 2006 18:27:01 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17438649 JTRockville : I can't give you dollars and cents Lena, and I'm mostly only guessing... so... take it with a grain of salt:

As far as I know there are no "taxes".

There will be a PEG/INet fee. Comcast customers pay $1.25/mo, but I think Verizon customers might have to pay double that.

There will also be a Franchise Fee. It will be ~5.1 or 5.2% of your non-internet, non-phone, tv-only portion of the bill.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17438649 Mon, 11 Dec 2006 13:41:25 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17428763 Lenagainster :
said by jammmin See Profile :

said by Lenagainster See Profile :

you will pay taxes in addition to franchise fees as stipulated in the franchise agreement. Don't forget, Verizon collect these fees on behalf of the respective state/local governments.
Let me clarify my question. Does anyone know HOW MUCH the taxes and fees are? In dollars and cents would be nice.

Lena]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17428763 Sat, 09 Dec 2006 17:32:53 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17428517 jammmin :
said by Lenagainster See Profile :

The website tells me I can get FiOS TV added anytime. (Four Corners area of Silver Spring) What it doesn't tell me (and I'm hoping someone on this forum from Montgomery County can) is if there are any fees or taxes added to, say, the FiOS TV Premium package of $39.99. I see where the $4/mo fee for the 1st STB is waived with a one year agreement. I'm concerned about taxes and perhaps franchise fees passed on to the customer.

Thanks for any insight.

Lena
you will pay taxes in addition to franchise fees as stipulated in the franchise agreement. Don't forget, Verizon collect these fees on behalf of the respective state/local governments.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17428517 Sat, 09 Dec 2006 16:44:28 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17428087 Lenagainster : The website tells me I can get FiOS TV added anytime. (Four Corners area of Silver Spring) What it doesn't tell me (and I'm hoping someone on this forum from Montgomery County can) is if there are any fees or taxes added to, say, the FiOS TV Premium package of $39.99. I see where the $4/mo fee for the 1st STB is waived with a one year agreement. I'm concerned about taxes and perhaps franchise fees passed on to the customer.

Thanks for any insight.

Lena]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17428087 Sat, 09 Dec 2006 14:59:42 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17422965 anon :
said by rai See Profile :

Could be "Woodacres". I just think of it as "Goldsboro".

Actually, I just went through this site's CO finder and "officially" the CO is:

CO BTHSMDWA (CLLI code)
Telco: BELL ATLANTIC - MARYLAND, INC - MD
Address: 6202 GOLDSBORO RD

So, you can call it Woodacres, I'll call it Goldsboro, but it's really BTHSMDWA, which is really hard to pronounce...

Thanks for the local package info ;)
Err, the code stands for Bethesda, MD WoodAcres]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17422965 Fri, 08 Dec 2006 16:06:25 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17421437 foundation00 : Keep bugging verizon, call again and again. Not everyone has the same information when it comes to fios tv installs. Most likely, every time you call, you will probably get a different tech and maybe get one that might know exactly what's going on in MC with installs. Request a Maryland office tech or find out their direct number. I don't have the number available now because I am not at my residence but will post later. Keep pressing, especially those who have fios internet already.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17421437 Fri, 08 Dec 2006 12:17:01 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17421348 foundation00 : Update: Four verizon techs came out 12/7 at 9:00am and install it within 3 hours. The picture is great, better than comcast. I have the HD box but no hdtv yet. Going to purchase one this weekend but if hd is better than what I am seeing on regular tv, this is going to be awesome. I live in Wheaton and have had fios internet for well over a year. Man, the wait was worth it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17421348 Fri, 08 Dec 2006 11:59:52 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17418960 rai : Could be "Woodacres". I just think of it as "Goldsboro".

I guess it's because I tend to confuse Woodacres and Woodhaven, which is over near the Landon School.

Actually, I just went through this site's CO finder and "officially" the CO is:

CO BTHSMDWA (CLLI code)
Telco: BELL ATLANTIC - MARYLAND, INC - MD
Address: 6202 GOLDSBORO RD

So, you can call it Woodacres, I'll call it Goldsboro, but it's really BTHSMDWA, which is really hard to pronounce...

Thanks for the local package info ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17418960 Thu, 07 Dec 2006 23:25:53 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17416179 anon : Just off River Road, served by the Woodacres CO. Install on Monday the 11th. Already have Internet access / POTS on fiber.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17416179 Thu, 07 Dec 2006 16:24:33 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17416122 anon : Any way to know when I will be eligible - I already have FIOS internet and I think my co is SLSPMDNW. I'm itching to switch and get get comcast out of my life.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17416122 Thu, 07 Dec 2006 16:15:54 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17415575 achilleX4 : I live in Damascus, MD (MOCO) and the VZ FIOS TV phone rep told me this morning (12/7/06)their "system" is not yet ready to schedule installs for MOCO. She took all my info (phone, # of set top box, channel lineup, etc.)and she said she would call me back in about 3 weeks ( I figured around January if I'm lucky). I will be saving around $20 compared to Comcast TV.

Monthly: $34.95 ($3 savings from normal price due to me being a FIOS Internet subscriber)
(2) Regular set-top box: $3.95/ea.
(1) HD Receiver: $9.95 ea.

Monthly Total: $52.80

I can't wait...I want my FIOS NATION!!!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17415575 Thu, 07 Dec 2006 14:54:00 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17415270 anon : I am in Bethesda in Sumner and just got an install date of 12/11. I already have Verizon phone and FIOS Internet, which may make it simpler.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17415270 Thu, 07 Dec 2006 14:04:21 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17415130 rosh400 : Did you speak to the tech on the phone? What number?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17415130 Thu, 07 Dec 2006 13:41:06 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17415064 anon : I spoke to a FIOS tech this morning and they are in the process of training technicians for making the install. They predict that there will be a big demand and they are getting ready for that.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17415064 Thu, 07 Dec 2006 13:30:32 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17414980 rosh400 : What tel number did you call to get that info? That would be terrific news if true.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17414980 Thu, 07 Dec 2006 13:12:59 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17414961 anon : Actually according to a Verizon tech, the 7-locks is all ready and they will take orders in 7 days (i.e. the 14).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17414961 Thu, 07 Dec 2006 13:09:00 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17414895 rosh400 : A verizon exec. I hope your source is better than mine.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17414895 Thu, 07 Dec 2006 12:58:08 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17414873 gleklen :
said by rosh400 See Profile :

Not such great news I'm afraid for those of us on the Bradley CO (seven locks and bradley). Bradley CO won't be lit for TV until mid 2007 so we will have to wait.
What's the source of this information? The Verizon rep told me 2 weeks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17414873 Thu, 07 Dec 2006 12:54:49 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17413861 rosh400 : Not such great news I'm afraid for those of us on the Bradley CO (seven locks and bradley). Bradley CO won't be lit for TV until mid 2007 so we will have to wait. Oh well, I've waited this long, I guess I can hold on 6 more months. Possible it could be sooner but I would not bet on it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17413861 Thu, 07 Dec 2006 09:44:07 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17411936 vince99 :
said by vince99 See Profile :

I'm on another Bethesda CO (Woodacres) and just placed an order online for TV service. Everything went smoothly and it gave me an order tracking no. and installation date. :)

Curious thing, though--I currently have DSL and POTS on copper, and the order system did not require that I order up FIOS internet & phone service. At the end of the TV order process, it provided a link to "Add FIOS Internet Service". I tried that link, but the ordering system was down. Maybe Vz is not (yet) insisting on the removal of copper in my neighborhood...?
Update...
It was too good to be true. The on-line order system is screwy. I was on the phone with Vz today and I do have to get FIOS internet service in order to get FIOS TV. So bye bye DSL.

The Vz people could not access the order I placed online last night. Huh? Then they cancelled it and placed a new order for both FIOS internet and TV. They were very nice, but the entire phone session took over an hour. They did give me an earlier install date--12/14.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17411936 Wed, 06 Dec 2006 22:13:31 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17410962 cmthru : Out of curiosity does anyone know if Comcast is offering to match or better the TV package from Verizon?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17410962 Wed, 06 Dec 2006 19:37:42 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17410607 foundation00 : New update: Verizon called to confirm fios tv install for tomorrow anytime between 8 and 5. I said to them that my install date is the 19th but they replied that the 19th is for the fios internet which I have already and the tv install date is the 7th. Don't get me wrong, I am not mad. This is perfect for me because my schedule was tight for the 19th. Also, I would like to thank those persons on this website who kept me inform of the fios progression in the montgomery county over the past year. You guys kept hope alive.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17410607 Wed, 06 Dec 2006 18:38:56 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17409485 vince99 :
said by rai See Profile :

I'm off River just inside the Beltway (Goldsboro CO). I just checked and the website says that FIOS TV is available for me! (So long Comcast!)

Anyone have confirmed details on the "Local" package? I presume that it's $12.95 for analog only (no STB required) plus taxes, etc. It's mentioned at the bottom of the page:

"Local service package also available. FiOS TV Local provides access to local TV channels, community and educational programming."
I'm on the same CO (I thought the official name of it is Woodacres, but maybe it's Goldsboro).

Yes, the local package gives you the analog channels only, up to channel 49, no STB needed. I'm ordering the Premier & Movie packages.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17409485 Wed, 06 Dec 2006 15:50:09 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17408650 rai : I'm off River just inside the Beltway (Goldsboro CO). I just checked and the website says that FIOS TV is available for me! (So long Comcast!)

Anyone have confirmed details on the "Local" package? I presume that it's $12.95 for analog only (no STB required) plus taxes, etc. It's mentioned at the bottom of the page:

"Local service package also available. FiOS TV Local provides access to local TV channels, community and educational programming."

I'll probably go with one of the Core offerings (to get Disney Channel for the kids); but I like to know all my options.

TIA]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17408650 Wed, 06 Dec 2006 13:28:14 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17407713 ctbarker32 : An update on my recent post about my Fios TV order in Kensington. Apparently my online order failed. It did not give me an install date. I called Verizon today and explained my problem and they redid my order and have set and install date for 12/11. I ordered 2 HD set top boxes and HBO standalone. Total price is $70 for the TV package. With my existing Fios Internet and minimal Verizon land line telephone the total comes to about $135. That's $5 dollars more than what I now pay for my current subscriptions that includes DirecTV. Not a great bargain but I now will have access to cable based HD on my two HD sets since I only had the non HD DirecTV service. I already have fantastic OTA HDTV reception so at first things won't improve drastically. I'm hopeful, with all the HDTVs selling this xmas, that it will light a fire under more channels to get their HDTV conversion underway?

-CB]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17407713 Wed, 06 Dec 2006 10:41:41 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17404055 vince99 : I'm on another Bethesda CO (Woodacres) and just placed an order online for TV service. Everything went smoothly and it gave me an order tracking no. and installation date. :)

Curious thing, though--I currently have DSL and POTS on copper, and the order system did not require that I order up FIOS internet & phone service. At the end of the TV order process, it provided a link to "Add FIOS Internet Service". I tried that link, but the ordering system was down. Maybe Vz is not (yet) insisting on the removal of copper in my neighborhood...?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17404055 Tue, 05 Dec 2006 19:46:12 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17403951 foundation00 : I called also and was told the same exact thing. They put me on a list and said it will be about two weeks before they will contact me. The next day I just happen to put in my phone number on the verizon internet page and "bingo", it read that my number was available for fios tv. I filled in all necessary info and was given an install date. Again, I've have had fios internet for over a year. I live in Wheaton. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17403951 Tue, 05 Dec 2006 19:28:46 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17403676 gleklen : No luck in Bethesda (Seven Locks CO).

I called yesterday and the helpful rep said she thought it would be 2 weeks before they began taking orders (and that she'd call me when there was availability).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17403676 Tue, 05 Dec 2006 18:45:32 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17403073 foundation00 : Did it on the internet last night 12/4. Have a confirmation number and all. I also called the verizon office this morning to confirm everything and to upgrade to the HD DVR set top box. I live in Wheaton.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17403073 Tue, 05 Dec 2006 17:17:58 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17403067 bbarrett : I'm on the Germantown CO, and I'm not feeling the love. Entering my Phone # at »www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv results in the hated "Future Notification" form.

Logged into my account online and I did not see FIOS TV as an available service to add to my account.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17403067 Tue, 05 Dec 2006 17:16:39 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17402932 ctbarker32 : I just ordered Fios TV to add to my existing Internet service via the web. Haven't received an install date. I guess that will come in an email?

I'm in Kensington. I've had Fios Internet for about a year and a half. It's been fantastic so far.

-CB]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17402932 Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:55:26 EDT Re: Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17401936 aa2k : What part in Montgomery County are you in? I just checked and it still reads unavailable..]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17401936 Tue, 05 Dec 2006 14:00:58 EDT Montgomery County, Maryland fios tv http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17401196 foundation00 : Just got my install date of 12/19. Signed up on the internet. Had fios 15/2 internet for over a year, it is great. Hope fios tv measures up to be the same. Ordered HD DVR Premium. Got package deal of regular phone service (with all the frills), 15/2 internet service and HD premium with one hd dvr and one standard box(free), plus $10 off my bill every month for 8 months. Total $120 a month. Can't wait. Now I can purchase the HDTV.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17401196 Tue, 05 Dec 2006 12:03:41 EDT