Comparison of Verizon Vs. Comcast

by Kay Bosworth, Demand Media

Consumers now have many choices for TV, Internet and phone service.

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Single cable services once held monopolies in the areas they served but changing state laws in some areas have opened up competition, allowing companies like Verizon to expand into new markets and forcing existing services to compete. Now consumers may have a choice of TV, Internet and telephone services, to be purchased either individually or bundled. Consumers in areas where multiple services are available should check out all the services for the most up-to-date information.

Verizon FiOS

Verizon FiOS uses fiber optic technology to provide its television, Internet and telephone service. FiOS TV offers over 130 HD channels and access to over 24,000 movies and programs on demand. FiOS TV also has an interactive media guide and allows subscribers to access their Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as YouTube, from the TV set. Remote DVR access lets users program their DVRs from the Internet or a cell phone.

Comcast

Comcast is presently the biggest cable operator and home Internet provider in the U.S., with approximately 24 million subscribers. Comcast uses coaxial cable technology and offers cable TV, Internet and phone services to residential and commercial customers. Comcast provides content on its own networks, including E! Entertainment, Comcast Newspapers and Comcast SportsNet, as well as those from competing TV providers. Its XFINITY service offers on demand capabilities and network shows as well as high speed Internet service and unlimited telephone service in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.

Pros and Cons

Verizon FiOS TV offers over 130 HD channels and 535 digital channels with 24,000 on demand titles. Comcast's XFINITY offers 60,000 on demand choices and 8,000 HD choices on TV and online. HD is free with all HD Triple Plays.. Verizon's FiOS may not be available to all residences in communities it serves. Verizon FiOS received higher recommendations than Comcast for faster broadband connections from Consumerbroadband.org.

Prices and Packages

Verizon currently has three TV packages: Prime HD, Extreme HD, and Ultimate HD. These packages can be purchased independently or bundled with Internet and phone services. An online Triple Play exclusive offers a discount for ordering TV, Internet and phone service together. Comcast offers telephone and Internet service individually and also offers several online exclusive packages. FiOS offers graduated price packages for different Internet speeds. Plans start at .5 to1 Mbps download up to 7.1 to15 Mbps download, while Comcast has download speed up to 20 Mbps with PowerBoost. Verizon and Comcast telephone services both offer similar rates for unlimited calls and additional lines

References

  • Consumerbroadband.org: Verizon FiOS vs Comcast Cable
  • Verizon FiOS: Go beyond the ordinary
  • Comcast

About the Author

Kay Bosworth was a reporter, staff writer and copy editor for newspapers in northern New Jersey, covering municipal government. She also worked as a proofreader for Pearson Education, wrote lingerie catalog copy for JCPenney and copy edited for "Cue" magazine and the McGraw-Hill book company. Bosworth received a B.A. in English from Transylvania College.

Photo Credits

  • Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images