Verizon FIOS? Anyone have it yet?

[gallowsCalibrator]

Originally Posted by Emrak

As a (very) long-time Cox subscriber in the past, I just have to ask...how much are you paying for that 30mb speed??? I was paying 50 bucks a month for high-speed Cox internet and they said my max speed was 10mb(not that I ever reached speeds so high when I ran online speedtests). I'm now paying 55 a month with FIOS and get 25 mb. Much, much better.

I just checked the Cox site. Their highest priced residential plan only states max speeds of 20mb. I'm sure if anyone could potentially hit 30mb they would have that listed as a max speed. You have to be on a business plan.

It's called PowerBoost, which the site gives a relative estimate of what it can do. No, it's not a business plan. As for what I pay? $50. When I get home (which won't be until late), I'll make sure to post the results from a speed test.

Now, I'll admit that if Verizon gets the right infrastructure going, they can easily drop 50mb or better for residential customers. They're still in the install phase (which, my address is not even a "valid address" in their system), so I'm waiting to see what happens when they've finished the install phase and moved up to the next phase. Until then, Cox is quite comparable for someone, like myself, who really only uses the internet service.

I'm also waiting to see how Broadband over Power Lines picks up.

Oh, and something I find funny (and I'm sure you will, too) is when people think that just because they have a faster internet connection, that all websites and downloads should match that speed.

[NJR]

Originally Posted by Rita Mordio

I ran a speed test of my internet last night. I'm pulling around 30mb. I don't think I'm gonna switch to FIOS anytime soon.

I get everything I want already.

Best idea, though, would be to change the IP address of your secondar router to something like 192.168.2.1 - that way you can access both routers with no issue. This is extremely easy to do and will save a lot of headaches.

Rita unless you have a business line, I think your test may be off.
Try this link
MCS MyVoIP - VoIP Quality Test

This will test not only download & upload speeds but voip phone quality.
Cox residential is maxed at 20mbps.

I agree, if you are satisfied with your service, why switch. You are probably at the front end of you neighborhood. The last connections suffer greatly. I was the 2nd to last in my area.

As far as the router goes you are correct, but some routers (like the Verizon router) will not allow change of IP address. Not knowing that persons infrastructure or level of expertise, I kept it basic. Actually unless there is some special condition they can just replace their original router.

[NJR]

Originally Posted by Rita Mordio

It's called PowerBoost, which the site gives a relative estimate of what it can do.

Oh yes I forgot to mention. Cox provides powerboost. This will give you a false reading. Powerboost works for the fist few minutes of a download then stops. So of course the test will be skewed. It does not apply to uploads. It works great for normal use. I really noticed the difference when my son goes on you tube or play online games (they eat your bandwidth)
With cox I saw a definite slowdown & my phone quality was bad (clicking) With Fios it is clean & fast. I am shocked at how much faster my son can play games like Quake & Doom

These is my current test with him now playing Quake online & my wife on the phone

Speed test statistics
---------------------
Download speed: 24818232 bps
Upload speed: 18671320 bps
Quality of service: 94 %
Download test type: socket
Upload test type: socket

BTW just to mention, my brother works for Cox, so I did consult him.

[citydweller]

These are good comments. I think I am making a good switch.

[gallowsCalibrator]

Originally Posted by NJR

Oh yes I forgot to mention. Cox provides powerboost. This will give you a false reading. Powerboost works for the fist few minutes of a download then stops. So of course the test will be skewed. It does not apply to uploads. It works great for normal use. I really noticed the difference when my son goes on you tube or play online games (they eat your bandwidth)
With cox I saw a definite slowdown & my phone quality was bad (clicking) With Fios it is clean & fast. I am shocked at how much faster my son can play games like Quake & Doom

These is my current test with him now playing Quake online & my wife on the phone

Speed test statistics
---------------------
Download speed: 24818232 bps
Upload speed: 18671320 bps
Quality of service: 94 %
Download test type: socket
Upload test type: socket

BTW just to mention, my brother works for Cox, so I did consult him.

Powerboost does indeed only last a few minutes - skewing download results. But it does show the potential that Cox has to offer (should they upgrade infrastructure). Base speed does sit at around 20mb. ((Which is not exactly bad))

I've never had a single problem with the phone clicking - even when all of us are playing online games. I also rarely use the TV - with exception for PBS Sprout for my little girl. No need for 500 channels - 'cause there'd still be nothing to watch.

But different areas/neighborhoods have different levels of activity and stability. I've got a stable and working service, so why fix it?

And don't we all know somebody who works for Cox?

These are good comments. I think I am making a good switch.

Good to hear.

As far as technology and upgradeability goes - Verizon has the edge. Fiber Optics has a lot more potential than copper. When Verizon's Internet has reached the 50 mark (and not for $100+), I'll be looking to switch, also.

Until then, they're comparable for my needs.