What Verizon Fios is and how it reaches your home

Verizon Fios is Verizon's fiber-optic internet, TV, and phone service. It runs fiber-optic cables directly to your home instead of using the older copper telephone lines or cable lines that many other providers still rely on. Because fiber moves data as pulses of light through glass strands, it can deliver much faster speeds than those older technologies.

Verizon built its Fios network starting in the mid-2000s, and it now covers parts of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and some areas in the Midwest and South. Not every address has Fios available — the company had to install the fiber infrastructure neighborhood by neighborhood, so coverage is patchy. You can check whether Fios serves your address on Verizon's website by entering your zip code and street address.

When you sign up for Fios, a technician comes to your home and runs a fiber line from the street to a box called an optical network terminal (ONT), usually installed outside or in a basement. That ONT converts the fiber signal into the electrical signals your devices can use. From there, cables run to your router for internet and to a set-top box for TV service.

Key Takeaways

  • Verizon Fios uses fiber-optic cables to deliver internet, TV, and phone service, and it is only available in certain geographic areas that Verizon has built out.
  • Fios internet speeds are typically faster than cable or DSL because fiber can carry more data, though the actual speed you get depends on which plan you choose.
  • Fios bundles internet, TV, and phone together, and you can usually buy them separately or in combinations depending on what you need.
  • Installation requires a technician visit to run fiber to your home and set up the equipment, and this is typically included in your service cost.
  • Fios TV uses a set-top box and remote to access channels, and you can add features like DVR recording or on-demand content depending on your plan.

Internet speeds and what they mean for your use

Verizon Fios internet plans come in different speed tiers, measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Common plans range from around 300 Mbps to 2 gigabits per second (2,000 Mbps), though the exact plans and speeds available vary by location. The higher the number, the faster data moves to and from your home.

For most households, 300 Mbps is enough for streaming video, video calls, and web browsing on multiple devices at once. If you work from home, play online games, or have many people in your household using the internet simultaneously, you might want a faster plan. Verizon publishes the speeds you can expect with each plan, and those are the read speeds — the speed at which data comes to you. Upload speeds (the speed at which you send data out) are typically much slower.

One advantage of fiber is that upload and read speeds are often more balanced than with cable internet. This matters if you upload large files, stream yourself playing games, or do video conferencing regularly. Verizon does not throttle or slow your connection based on how much data you use in a month, unlike some other providers.

TV service and channel packages

Fios TV comes through a set-top box connected to your TV. You use a remote to navigate channels, access on-demand content, and manage recordings. Verizon offers different TV packages with different channel lineups — you can choose a basic package with fewer channels or a larger one with more. You can also add premium channels like HBO or Showtime for an extra monthly fee.

The set-top box includes a built-in DVR that lets you record shows to watch later. How many shows you can record at once and how much you can store depends on the box model and your service plan. Fios also offers on-demand content, meaning you can watch certain shows and movies whenever you want without waiting for them to air.

If you have multiple TVs in your home, you can rent additional set-top boxes from Verizon, though each one adds to your monthly bill. Some customers use streaming services like Netflix or Hulu instead of or alongside Fios TV, and Fios internet can support that — the fiber speeds are fast enough for multiple streams at once.

Phone service and how it works

Fios phone service is a landline that runs through your fiber connection rather than a traditional copper telephone line. You get a phone number, and calls work the way they do on any landline — you can make and receive calls, set up voicemail, and use features like call waiting or call forwarding. The service includes unlimited local and long-distance calling within the United States.

The phone line connects through the ONT and your router, so if your internet goes down, your phone may not work either — this is different from older copper-based phone lines, which often kept working during internet outages. Verizon offers battery backup equipment that can keep your phone working for a few hours if the power goes out, though you have to purchase this separately.

You do not have to buy phone service if you do not want it. Many people use cell phones instead and skip the Fios phone line entirely. Verizon lets you bundle any combination of internet, TV, and phone, or buy them separately.

Equipment, installation, and setup

When you order Fios, Verizon schedules a technician visit to install the service. The technician runs the fiber line to your home, installs the ONT, sets up your router, and connects any TV boxes. This installation is typically included in your service cost and does not require an extra fee, though Verizon may charge if you request an appointment outside normal business hours.

You own or rent the router and any TV boxes depending on your agreement with Verizon. Some plans include equipment rental in the monthly price; others charge a separate equipment fee. If you own the equipment, you keep it if you leave Verizon. If you rent it, you return it when you cancel service.

After installation, the technician usually walks you through how to use the remote, access your account online, and troubleshoot basic problems. Verizon provides a customer support phone number and online chat if you have questions later.

Pricing, contracts, and promotional offers

Fios pricing varies by location and plan. A bundle of internet, TV, and phone typically costs less per month than buying each service separately, but the exact price depends on which speed tier you choose for internet, which TV package you select, and what promotions Verizon is running in your area. Prices also go up after an introductory period — Verizon often advertises a lower rate for the first year or two, then the price increases.

Verizon sometimes requires a contract, typically for one or two years, though contract-free options may be available in some areas. If you cancel before the contract ends, you may owe an early termination fee. Read the terms before you sign up so you know what you are committing to.

Promotional pricing is common — Verizon frequently offers discounts for new customers. These deals change often and vary by location, so check what is available at your address. Some promotions require you to bundle services or commit to a certain plan length to get the discount.

When Fios is not available and what to do

Verizon Fios does not serve every area. If you check the Verizon website and Fios is not available at your address, you have other options. Cable internet providers like Comcast Xfinity or Charter Spectrum may serve your area, or you might have access to DSL through Verizon or another phone company. Some areas are getting fiber from other providers like Google Fiber or local utilities, though these are still not everywhere.

If you are interested in fiber but Fios is not available, you can check whether other fiber providers serve your address. You can also contact Verizon to ask whether they plan to expand Fios to your neighborhood in the future, though there is no may provide they will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a contract to get Fios?

Verizon sometimes requires a one- or two-year contract for Fios service, though contract-free options may be available depending on your location and the promotion running at the time. Check the terms before you sign up. If you cancel during a contract period, you may owe an early termination fee.

What happens to my phone if the internet goes out?

Fios phone service runs through your internet connection, so if your fiber line or power goes down, your phone may not work. Verizon sells a battery backup device that can keep your phone working for a few hours during a power outage, but you have to purchase it separately. Traditional copper phone lines do not have this problem.

Can I use my own router with Fios?

Verizon requires you to use their router or a compatible model they approve. You cannot bring your own router from another provider. You can rent the Verizon router or, in some cases, purchase it outright. Check with Verizon about what routers are compatible with your service.

How long does installation take?

A typical Fios installation takes two to four hours. The technician runs the fiber line, installs the ONT, sets up your router, and tests the connection. The exact time depends on how far the fiber line has to run and whether any obstacles are in the way.

Can I get Fios internet without TV or phone?

Yes. You can buy Fios internet by itself, or bundle it with TV, phone, or both. Pricing is usually lower if you bundle services, but you are not required to. Choose whichever combination makes sense for your household.