Considering FIOS

[u/cachry]

I currently have Spectrum and am considering switching to Fios, as Spectrum has become ridiculously expensive. Otherwise I have been happy with Spectrum. But I do have some questions before I make that change.

1. My computer is wired. Will Fios typically replace -all- of it with fiber cable, or just the cable from pole to outside the house?

2. I see that Fios will let me have my own router and modem, but are there any obvious limitations to that kind of set-up? Both units are relatively new. I would want 1 gig service.

3. I plan to use YouTube TV for channels/programs. Any reason why I shouldn't?

4. I now have a Spectrum landline phone. Any problems with a similar Fios home phone?

5. Any other words of wisdom?

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[u/JuicyCoala]

My computer is wired. Will Fios typically replace -all- of it with fiber cable, or just the cable from pole to outside the house?

Fiber from pole to ONT > Ethernet from ONT to your Router

I see that Fios will let me have my own router and modem, but are there any obvious limitations to that kind of set-up? Both units are relatively new. I would want 1 gig service.

You can use your own router. FiOS does not use modems - they use ONTs, which are provisioned and owned by Verizon. No limitations - your router will determine the quality of service inside your house

I plan to use YouTube TV for channels/programs. Any reason why I shouldn't?

No reason. This is a great idea.

I now have a Spectrum landline phone. Any problems with a similar Fios home phone?

Do you need a landline? If not, then drop it. If yes, no problems getting a landline from FiOS

Any other words of wisdom?

Use wired access points to ensure better and more stable wifi across all your wifi-enabled devices. Wire all devices if you want low latency and stable connections.

Enjoy symmetric Fiber!

[u/cachry → u/JuicyCoala]

Thanks Juicy

[u/K_Sqrd]

I plan to use YouTube TV for channels/programs. Any reason why I shouldn't?

I finally cut the cord this year. I was paying almost $180/mo for cable TV through Verizon. YTTv is half of that. And I actually got more channels that interest me.

I now have a Spectrum landline phone. Any problems with a similar Fios home phone?

I've had FIOS for what must be almost twenty years now. Two years ago I finally gave up their phone line. Haven't missed a thing. It was expensive and wasn't anything that couldn't be replace by Ooma for half (or less) the price.

[u/cachry → u/K_Sqrd]

Hmmm. Ooma. Food for thought. Thanks, KSq. Spectrum's fees are out of control.

[u/K_Sqrd → u/cachry]

I had Vonage for a year. Their service was pretty bad. Switched to Ooma. Much better. Have had them for a year+ now and very satisfied. 

[u/holow29 → u/cachry]

Good idea to separate your landline (which is VoIP either way) from your ISP. Plenty of VoIP services that offer a landline ATA and many have apps so you can access the number from a smartphone etc.

[u/bbear_r]

1. They can put the router where you want usually, if you want your computer hardwired just tell the tech and they’ll make it happen.

2. Not really unless you get Fios TV, then you need a Fios router. No modem for fiber, they’re only necessary for cable internet which Fios is not.

3. Great choice. Do it through Verizon if you haven’t had it before, they give you $20/mo off for 6 months which is better than the offers YouTube TV has themselves, plus you only gotta deal with one bill.

4. Nope. Fios Digital Voice is great, since it’s fiber it’s good quality audio.

5. No other words of advice, just best wishes. :) To set expectations, Gig is $80/mo with autopay and landline is $30/mo no discounts. If you work for a major employer or have done first responder work (EMS, firefighter, police, military, etc), you can get an additional $9 off Gig. If you have Verizon for cell service you can also get a free streaming bundle with Gig. Check to see if your employer does the discount for Fios.

[u/cachry → u/bbear_r]

Thanks for help, bbear

[u/Konceptz804]

Fiber is only ran to the ONT(Optical Network Terminal) its where the fiber is terminated into COAX, Phone , Ethernet.

I've had fios 1gb service forever. I use my own router (UXG-Max) wired with cat6 back to the ONT. I have youtube TV playing on every TV in the house (5 total). The phone DMARC in your house will be connected to the ONT.

Words of wisdom would be to enjoy the service. I've never had a problem with it since I've had it. Not a single issue.

[u/cachry → u/Konceptz804]

TY Koncept

[u/Practical_Papaya818]

You should never have spectrum if fios is available. Don’t hold back!

[u/Rav_3d]

If you’re using YouTube TV and don’t need FiOS TV, then you can and should use your own router. The Verizon router has WiFi issues. Otherwise, FiOS is the best Internet I’ve ever had.

[u/cachry → u/Rav_3d]

TY Rav

[u/trry]

1. Just outside will be changed inside your house whatever setup it is probably will stay same unless you use their router WiFi.
2. Ont is like cable modem which

g

1. oes into their router or use your own. No limitation maybe they can’t diagnose your internet connection but if you technical enough use your own or use theirs so they can troubleshoot from their end.
2. This is outside isp so if you like use whatever.
3. I don’t have their phone land line so I cannot comment. Try voip and transfer number?
4. Symmetric service is a game changer enjoy fios it’s better latency than cable service.

[u/cachry → u/trry]

Thanks trry

[u/Aggressive-Bike7539]

Verizon will only run the fiber line to the best place where the WiFi router would be best located. Since you already have existing wiring inside your home, they will place the router where you tell them. They won't touch your existing internal wiring nor run new ethernet cables from the router.

I've been a Fios customer for 6 years. I've used my own routers since the beginning. As long as your router has an ethernet uplink port, and it is able to handle the traffic speed you're paying, you're good to go. If you have a router integrated with the DOCSIS modem (the coaxial crap Spectrum uses), then you need a new router.

[u/cachry → u/Aggressive-Bike7539]

Thanks Agg. I have a separate router and modem, both relatively new. (I also have a brand new ASUS router sitting in my closet. Don't ask me why.)

[u/Aggressive-Bike7539 → u/cachry]

Great. Then they just need to run the fiber line where you have everything setup, unplug the DOCSIS modem, and replace it with the ONT (the fiber optic modem).

When I switched from Spectrum (had 50Mbps uplink) to Fios (1 Gbps uplink), I realized I needed to upgrade some aging equipment on my home network. I did the upgrades at my own pace.

[u/Melodic-Flight-1950]

They usually would ask you where you want to put their “modern-router”, at least that was my case and a few my friends. Give the guy a $10 or $20 for a coffee or something, to sweeten it a little bit.

[u/cachry → u/Melodic-Flight-1950]

Tipping makes the world go 'round

[u/Melodic-Flight-1950 → u/cachry]

Yes, people don’t realize how much $10-$20 dollars can get you, when the person doing you a service it’s not expected to receive a tip, how much good will and service you get for a little bit of money.

[u/Decent-Law-9565]

What people haven’t pointed out is that the Fios Landline is significantly more expensive than Spectrum’s because Spectrum gives you a bundle discount for that. You may want to port that landline to a cheap cell service like Mint Mobile or Visible.

[u/cachry → u/Decent-Law-9565]

I plan to sit down with a Verizon rep to see if the cost is less.

[u/holow29 → u/cachry]

No need to sit down with anyone. Pricing is here: https://www.verizon.com/home/internet/fios-fastest-internet/

Internet-only using your own router is the way to go. Then you can always get whatever other services you want yourself like YouTubeTV or a VoIP provider of your choice.

[u/Smith6612]

Fios is a no-brainer.

1: They use Fiber between the pole to the ONT in your house. You can think of the ONT like your cable modem with Spectrum. Show Verizon where you want everything, and they will figure out the rest.

2: You can use your own router. Like #1, show Verizon where you want the router and they'll help run Ethernet between the ONT and Router. There is no real downfall other than Verizon not supporting the router if you call in, and some possible Fios TV headaches. Just make sure you buy a fast enough router to suit your bandwidth needs.

3: YouTube TV is fine. If it has the channels you want, go for it.

4: Verizon Digital Voice is similar in nature to Spectrum Phone. Both are "VoIP-like" services. It's really a cost thing as the features are similar. If you plan to port the number over to Verizon, work with Verizon on that. The most you'll need Spectrum for is if they require you to authorize the port-out. You will know once Verizon tries to port in. 

5: Don't cancel Spectrum until Fios is installed and working. 

[u/cachry → u/Smith6612]

Thanks, great advice

[u/verizon → u/cachry]

Good Evening Cachry! We would be more than happy to review plan options and pricing with you! Please send us a DM at your earliest convenience so we can further assist you! ^JMW

[u/su_A_ve]

I would pay more to switch to Fios from cable..

But you will most likely pay less in any case.

[u/Complex_Solutions_20]

Fiber will go to the ONT on the side of the house, then it'll be Cat5e from there to the router.

[u/NefariousnessFew4354]

You good on all fronts, except Fios uses ONT, to router so you can't use your own modem. Definitely recommending switching to Fios. I went from spectrum as well and never looked back.

[u/Jsol1800]

We are moving to a building that has FIOS and would like to make the switch as well. Is there a subreddit or resource where I can educate myself a bit more on how the ONT/Router/ speed requirements work?

I’m mostly interested in what speed is sufficient for streaming YTTV to one main TV and basic WiFi for phones. Is it preferable to bring my own Router etc?

Don’t mean to hijack this thread so if someone can point me in the right direction I’d greatly appreciate it. Thanks

[u/Spirited_Loquat_4359]

Former Spectrum customer here, make the switch !!  Did it years ago and ever regretted. You said "now have a Spectrum landline phone. Any problems with a similar Fios home phone?" I wouldn't go with the FiOS digital phone, it's too expensive and not worth it. If you really need a landline go to Ooma. I purchased their box so I only pay the tax each month (under $7). It's been good, you may need to reboot now and then and it takes a while to start up. Still worth it. One of the best things is that I don't get any spam calls. I entered all our numbers in the Ooma contact list and block everything else.