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Verizon Fios

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by AllyMG, Jul 29, 2008.

  1. volvo_nut

    volvo_nut New Member

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    Actually, we had some similar issues a couple months ago. As more digital channels are added, the stronger the signal needs to be. If you have more than 4 rooms with cable TV, you could possibly have too many splitters and weak signals. That was our situation. We had boosters put on and the quality is much better.

    The tech told me that it is only going to get worse as the signal strength requirements increase, impacting those with existing weak signals even more. So if you notice that HD or Non-HD channels don't come on or don't have audio or if some upper channels no longer work, you may need a booster or two.

    Example: HBO 300 HD worked for us but HBO 301 did not - the booster fixed weak signal frequencies.
     
  2. BigDog

    BigDog Member

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    Just got a note from FIOS yesterday. Starting September 22, 2008 - a bunch more HD channels and Big Ten Network.
     
  3. TigerFan

    TigerFan New Member

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    I was going to sign up online for FIOS last night looking forward to saving money and improving the quality of my services, but was surprised to find that FIOS would be more expensive. I currently have the Comcast Triple Play (Internet, TV and Telephone +1DVR), and was going to sign up for the same with FIOS; basic plans, no upgrades. My Comcast bill is currently $131.73, and FIOS would be $133.98, plus I would have to change my telephone number.
    Two questions: 1. Do I really have to change my home phone number? Comcast was able to keep my old Verizon number when we switched to Comcast telephone.
    2. What am I missing here with this fascination with FIOS?
     
  4. GeauxTigers

    GeauxTigers Member

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    In my opinion it's mostly a "grass is greener" thing. I admit I've had my share of issues with Comcast but on the other hand in the last three years I've lived here their service (internet and TV) has been more reliable than any service I've had in the past. FIOS offers faster internet speeds but the reality is after you get over several megabits, faster is hardly noticeable to most. Their TV offering may have more HD but Comcast has been actively adding in stations. On last count I think I noticed 30 something. All telcos/providers are going to have their share of issues. If you don't have many complaints about Comcast and your bill isn't going to change all that much, I'd recommend staying put.

    On the phone number, you should be able to keep it. The local number portability law should apply. That's the same law that let you take your number to Comcast in the first place. Unless you leave the area, your number should be portable to any service you choose.
     
  5. bakeram

    bakeram Broadlands Resident

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    Our work was performed on Friday and with Satutrday's rain we have a hole in the yard that our little guy could fall into. Be prepared for sinkage.
     
  6. TigerFan

    TigerFan New Member

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    Thanks for the info, I do like the idea of FIOS's DVR that you can watch on any TV, does Comcast have a DVR like the one Verizon offers?
     
  7. GeauxTigers

    GeauxTigers Member

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    I heard that the FIOS DVR feature that lets you watch on any TV is limited to only TVs with a non-DVR box. I am not sure how FIOS prices their boxes, but on Comcast once you pay for the DVR service, it's a minimal premium ($3 I think) to have a DVR over the standard box for your additional boxes.
     
  8. razng2grtboys

    razng2grtboys New Member

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    I just got a notice on my door yesterday saying that FIOS was available to my home. At the moment I don't have any issues with Comcast, although I've had my share over the past 18 months.

    Does anyone know what it would cost me with FIOS to have 2 HD receivers w/DVR + standard hookup to 2 other TV's + internet + phone? My Comcast bill is currently $157. I'm wondering if I should wait a while since my service is finally working as it should. Maybe Verizon will offer something better if I wait....
     
  9. jmuduke01

    jmuduke01 New Member

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    This is a question for any one whose had the FIOS contractors come rip up their yards - will they come back to fix the grass etc, or once they are gone are they gone and calls need to be made? They came through the end of last week and the area is still a mess - but its techically not on anyones property, just behind our plot lines. All the rain from Hanna made more of a muddy mess and there is still a lack of grass in my neighbors yard. I thought I read that the sod people come later but wanted to ask to see what others have experienced.
     
  10. Silence Dogood99

    Silence Dogood99 New Member

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    If you have a problem with the grass in your yard, just stroll or drive through the neighborhood and find the work crews. Talk to one of the supervisors--they are usually sitting in their trucks or talking amongst each other. They are super nice and the last thing they want are any headaches or bad reports going back to Verizon--these are lucrative contracts for them. My bet is that if you approach them nicely and ask for some help, they'll send someone over to fix your yard.
     
  11. GeauxTigers

    GeauxTigers Member

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    They are supposed to fix it. On the common ground next to my house, they managed to kill the grass in several spots. Their generator/compressor that they are using to power the tunneling device seems to emit a lot of hot air underneath. Anywhere this machine sits, expect the grass underneath to be burnt beyond recovery.
     
  12. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    At $133.. that sounds like a promotional rate from Comcast, is it?
    Portability should still apply AFAIK
    The internet service from FIOS is much faster then comcast (notably on the upload side even on the low plans). Ask for a channel lineup and compare there as well..

    Not the multi-room DVR
     
  13. BigDog

    BigDog Member

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    For me, the fascination with FIOS is this:
    - the internet speed is MUCH faster than comcast; and definitely noticeable.
    - the internet is not a shared connection like comcast. when your comcast neighbors all start using the internet, your speed will slow down. with cable, i believe when they watch cable tv, your internet slows down, too (don't quote me on that).
    - the picture quality is WAY superior to cable and dish network-I've had them both for 10 years.
    - the phone service is not voice over ip (VOIP), so you phone isn't down when the cable goes down. in fact, they put a battery backup on the system.
    - for me, there was a cost savings over verizon phone, dish network, comcast.
    - now I only have to deal with one annoying company instead of 3 annoying companies.
    - on September 22, 2008 they are adding a bunch of new HD channels and the Big Ten Network with no extra charge.

    Just my humble opinion :)
     
  14. TigerFan

    TigerFan New Member

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    I had better luck with my FiOS pricing by actually calling the number on the flyer. I was able to keep my home phone number, and when they wanted to sign me up over the phone I said I wanted the online signup discount of $10 per month, so he gave me $35 per month for 3 months off the $104.99. So for 3 months I'll save $50 over Comcast Triple Play and months 4-12 will be $15 cheaper than Comcast. Next year FIOS will be $5 more than Comcast when I have to start paying for the Home Media DVR service.
     
  15. Buffettbassman

    Buffettbassman Troll Extrordinare'

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    Have FIOS for about 6 months. I'll warn you about their billing practices. They SUCK lemons! Really bad.
    Haven't had a SINGLE bill right.
     
  16. razng2grtboys

    razng2grtboys New Member

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    I sure hope they don't have price creep like Comcast does. It seems like every bill the price goes up just a little. I'm counting down the days now until FiOS is installed (12/8). I'm so fed up with Comcast...here's my latest rant:

    Last week I called them to schedule my disconnect. I got the runaround and transferred around and then finally someone said I didn't have to anything except take all of my equipment to my local Comcast office the day I wanted to disconnect. Great, thanks for telling me that up front. Anyway, something must have been noted on my account because my Internet stopped working sometime Friday night/Saturday morning. When I called they told me there must have been a change to my account that suspended my service, but they couldn't tell me what changed. Finally Sunday morning I called back and they did "push a signal" to unlock my modem and all is well again, but still won't tell me what caused the outage. If this is how they intend to keep me as a customer, they have another thing comin' I'm saying goodbye to Comcast for good in just 2 weeks!

    By the way, when I was signing up for FiOS last week, the gentleman helping me repeatidly suggested that I call back about every 12 months to see what the ongoing promotion is and they will always give it to you if you ask. That was a nice tip so I thought I'd pass that along to all of you. If anyone is coming up on one year since you signed up, give Verizon a call to see if this actually works.
     
  17. SkylerOfBlueridge

    SkylerOfBlueridge New Member

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    I know with Comcast I called as I wanted to take a few things off my bill to save money and the sales rep ended up giving me the current sale price saving me 40 bucks a month for 6 months. I am definietly ready for FIOS and we have had the lines down for a year but no end in sight... sigh.
     

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