FiOS Vs. High Speed Internet

The basic difference between FiOS Internet and other high-speed options is technological. While most providers use fiber optic cables to transfer data at central locations or servers, FiOS is the first major service contract that includes installation of fiber optic cables directly to individual homes. Most other services use combinations of other cables or connect fiber optic hubs to existing copper and cable wire connections already in your home infrastructure. This means that all your data travels over fiber optic cables, rather than switching to different cables with lower capacities during transfers.

In addition to individual services for telephone, Internet and cable TV, FiOS also offers bundled options that provide all three services. These bundled programs are not necessarily cheaper than contracting the three services separately in some areas, but bundling will simplify bill paying and add some connectivity features between the three services. FiOS for instance, allows bundle users to access Internet programs such as social networking sites through their TVs or send videos from their computers to their TV, integrations made possible by the installation of a combined fiber optic system through which data for all three services can pass. Many high-speed Internet and digital cable providers also provide bundled services, often at more affordable prices, yet the more limited use of fiber optic cables in these systems -- usually for central distribution -- can limit the connectivity options between services.

The added capacity of fiber optic cables when compared to other telecommunications cables means that more data can move faster through a FiOS system. FiOS achieves upload speeds of up to 20 Mbps and download speeds of up to 50 Mbps, compared to high-speed rates usually around 5 Mbps for uploads and 20 Mbps for downloads. That means that uploading photos, talking to friends and downloading content will be smoother and faster over a fiber-optic system. Additionally, because cables with reduced capacity can often become saturated leading high-speed Internet providers like cable DSL to reduce upload and download speeds when the system is too busy, the extra capacity of fiber optic cables makes these controls less necessary.

The operation of a more technologically advanced system requires different and additional equipment to most high-speed Internet providers. FiOS customers will need a special wireless router to use the system and must contact Verizon to schedule installation of a fiber optic connection in their home. While Verizon is in the process of expanding coverage, fiber optic connections are still not available across the country and many homes will not be able to connect to FiOS in the near future. Of course, this extra equipment also makes FiOS Internet somewhat less affordable than many high-speed Internet options. In the case of other high-speed Internet options like cable Internet, the equipment and wiring is already installed in most homes, increasing national availability of the systems and sometimes reducing installation times. Equipment requirements vary from provider to provider, but still involve at least some cables and a router.