There have been some complaints that when Verizon installs Fios, they strip the location of copper, preventing users from downgrading back to cheaper DSL - should they run into a hard financial patch. Granted the Fios have-nots will scoff at the worry, but it was a concern some users had.

When we discussed this in October, we wondered if such concerns could be solved by Verizon offering a "lite" Fios tier. Come this morning there's some rumor chatter in our Verizon forum that such a light tier is being considered.

"My father works for Verizon and told me he was informed they would be offering a new FIOS option for $14.95.," he claims. "The down speed will be 1Mbps, but he couldn't remember what the up will be." The poster is unsure whether or not this would be a competitive-market specific offer, and our contacts at Verizon cannot (read: won't) confirm such a tier.

The reason many cable outfits refuse to sell slower tiers, is the fear it will cannibalize profit made off of more expensive tiers. Many users simply use broadband for browsing, e-mail, and music - and would downgrade. Cable's solution has been to offer these tiers only when customers threaten to cancel, thereby minimizing impact on revenue.

It wouldn't be surprising then to see Verizon pitch a light Fios tier quietly, and only in markets with competition. It could also be trumpeted, since once Verizon has wired your home with Fios, you're likely a broadband, television, and phone bundle customer for life.