What Does Verizon FiOS Stand For?

The term FiOS is an acronym for "Fiber Optic Service." The term arose with the decision by Verizon to create a completely fiber-optic network in 2004 at a time when most other major Internet, phone and TV providers were using coaxial cables to carry their data. The decision was frowned upon by investors and the market as a whole at the time due to its extreme cost. Verizon estimated that the conversion of its entire network would cost around $4,000 per customer at a total of $23 billion. The goal of the conversion was to increase the load capacity and speed of the entire network so that it would provide better service now as well as the capability to carry the heavier loads of ever-increasing high definition and 3-D programming in the future.

Verizon FiOS TV is broadcast over an all fiber-optic network. The network is capable of greater bandwidth than coaxial networks and as a result it is able to carry more traditional channels, more high-definition channels and more On Demand services. FiOS is compatible with any type of cable-ready television but will require coaxial connections once inside the house. Verizon provides a receiver and the necessary wiring to operate your system. FiOS is not available in all areas so make sure to check with Verizon first.

Verizon FiOS Internet is designed to provide the greatest speed and bandwidth possible. Most Internet carriers use a method called "throttling" to maintain certain levels of usage on the network. By monitoring the amount of data flowing through the network these companies can then slow the passage of data to allow for more users to log on. The fiber-optic network does not require throttling. "Boosting" is another technique used by many carriers. Boosting provides greater speed to new data requests and slower speeds to existing transfers. The result is downloads that start quickly and drag out over time as new requests are made elsewhere on the network. The fiber-optic network does not require boosting.

Verizon FiOS Digital Voice also operates on the completely fiber-optic FiOS network. Because of the high bandwidth of the fiber-optic network and the enlarged data capacity it provides, FiOS users can make and receive calls through their cable-enabled telephone while watching TV and using the Internet. The network is cable of carrying all three forms of data simultaneously without the need for additional phone lines. The digital voice program also provides a series of calling features and the possibility to bundle all three main components of the FiOS network: TV, phone and Internet.