Cox Vs. Verizon Internet

by Carolyn Kaberline, Demand Media

For many customers choosing an Internet provider is related to download speeds.

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In the quest to gain more customers for their Internet services, some providers have added a variety of features and services to entice you to their plans. Among these offerings are low introductory rates, free equipment and the option of adding television and telephone subscriptions to Internet services. This is noticeable in areas where both Cox cable and Verizon DSL services compete to expand their customer bases.

Speed

The best Internet service often comes down to speed. While Cox High-Speed Internet download speeds will vary with location and package, the top download speed is 30 megabits per second. Verizon's top DSL download speed is only 15Mbps with its enhanced plan. However, under Verizon's FiOS plans, which use a fiber-optic network instead of the copper telephone wiring for traditional DSL services, the top download speed is 50Mbps.

Equipment

Verizon DSL plans all include a wireless router so that multiple computers can use Internet services. Home support is also offered with all plans. Verizon's FiOS Internet plans also include Wi-Fi connections with plans offering speeds of over 15Mbps. None of Cox's plans offer Wi-Fi service or routers, as of 2011.

Features

In addition to Internet service, both Cox and Verizon FiOS offer television and telephone plans as well. Here the differences are pronounced. As of 2009, Verizon FiOS services offered more than 385 television channels with more than 125 of them in high-definition. Cox offered more than 156 standard channels and 78 HD channels. Both companies offer premium channels such as HBO as well as music channels. Verizon FiOS and Cox Cable also offer digital video recorders and video on demand services as well as unlimited telephone service. Those who subscribe to Verizon Internet only will have nine email addresses and 10MB of personal Web space. Both Cox and Verizon offer anti-virus software.

Cost

Verizon and Cox offer a variety of Internet plans to fit almost every budget. Verizon's lowest priced DSL plan is $25 a month with a one-year contract, while the lowest price plan under their FiOS label is $50 a month, as of June 2011. Cox offers a value Internet plan for $20 per month for three months. Bundling Internet services with telephone and television plans results in an $90-per-month price for one year for Verizon FiOS customers, while Cox customers will pay $110 per month. Cox customers will also pay an extra $8 per month per receiver including the first one. Verizon offers a month-to-month contract, while Cox doesn't require a contract.

References

  • Consumer Broadband: Verizon FiOS vs Cox
  • Verizon: High Speed Internet
  • Cox Cable Deals: Cox Internet
  • Verizon FiOS: FiOS Internet

About the Author

Carolyn Kaberline has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her articles have appeared in local, regional and national publications and have covered a variety of topics. In addition to writing, she's also a full-time high-school English and journalism teacher. Kaberline earned a Bachelor of Arts in technical journalism from Kansas State University and a Master of Arts in education from Baker University.

Photo Credits

  • Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images