What Is Needed for FiOS?

FiOS service isn't available in all areas. As of June 2011, FiOS is offered in various regions throughout California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia and Washington D.C. Prior to signing up for FiOS, you must check the availability of FiOS service at your address. To perform this task online, go to the "Can I Get FiOS" Web page on the Verizon (Verizon.com) website. Enter your address and click "Find Out." You can also contact Verizon by phone. The Verizon customer service representative will be able to tell you if FiOS is available in your area.

If FiOS service is available in your area, you must subscribe to use the service. You're given the opportunity to learn about the different FiOS plans offered in your area after checking the availability of service. This is true whether you conduct the check online or by phone. The availability of specific FiOS products and service packages vary by location. Select the plan that best meets your needs, preferences and falls within your budget.

The primary wiring needed to set up FiOS service has to be professionally installed by a FiOS technician. When you sign up for FiOS service an appointment is arranged to have a FiOS technician come to your home or business to perform the installation. Oftentimes a one-time set up fee is charged for this service. Installation time varies depending upon a number of factors. However, Verizon recommends that you reserve about four to six hours for the FiOS technician to complete the installation.

To set up FiOS TV service you need FiOS set-top boxes. To connect these boxes to your TVs you also need audio and video cables, which may consist of an a coaxial cable, set of AV cables or an HDMI cable depending on whether the TV is standard or high definition. If you don't wish to connect a set-top box to all of the TVs you want to hook up to FiOS service, you must arrange to have a FiOS CableCARD installed into those TVs that don't use a set-top box. Before installing FiOS Internet, verify that your computer meets the Verizon FiOS Internet service minimum system requirements. If you have a Windows 7 computer, for example, the computer must be equipped with 512MB to 1GB of RAM. And its processor must be at least 800 megahertz. You also need a Verizon FiOS router, the network cables required to hook up the router to your computer, and you must Install Verizon software on at least one of your computers. The only equipment you need for digital phone service is a telephone.