Fios Compared to Dish

Dish Network is available nationwide whereas FiOS is available in just 16 states and D.C. As of 2011, Dish Network was serving more than 14 million subscribers compared with just under 4 million for FiOS. Dish Network service can be ordered from the company or from local authorized dealers that will install the satellite dish, receiver and any related equipment. However, while Dish Network is offered everywhere, those who live in apartments, condominiums or other shared living complexes and do not have exclusive use of an area with southern exposure, such as a deck or patio, may find FiOS is the preferred choice, though the FCC does have rules in place to enable residents of these complexes to receive satellite service if they so desire.

While Dish Network broadcasts by satellite, FiOS utilizes fiber optic cables to transmit TV, telephone and Internet signals as streams of digital data to and from the home through the network established by Verizon. Though both deliver high quality HD video, Dish Network may have a slight edge due to the uncompressed nature of satellite broadcasts and the fact that signal degradation can occur over extended lengths of fiber-optic cable. However, FiOS is not susceptible to signal loss during periods of inclement weather, as is Dish Network.

Both Dish Network and FiOS offer a variety of programming packages, allowing subscribers to select the one that best suits their viewing habits. As of 2011, Dish Network offers eight packages, from a basic plan of more than 60 channels to one with more than 315 channels, 140 of those in HD. There are three FiOS packages, with the smallest offering more than 195 channels and its largest providing 315, 95 in HD. Dish Network's prices are slightly lower than FiOS for comparable plans, though FiOS subscribers can receive a price discount if they bundle the TV service with telephone and Internet.

Both providers also offer several set-top receiver boxes, including HD and DVR options. Dish Network's top DVR, the VIP 922, offers one of the highest capacities of any in the industry, with a 1TB hard drive that stores 1,000 hours of standard definition programming. It also features Slingbox technology that lets you watch recorded shows on other devices. FiOS's HD DVR can store up to 80 hours in SD, but FiOS does offer a multi-room DVR service, where up to six TVs can be networked to the primary DVR to view recorded programming on each set.