Comcast VS Verizon
 

I am looking for some opinions. I have had Comcast for several years, the whole bundle thing and never had a problem. Nice and fast internet and phone and tv have been good too. No complaints. Contract is up and they want me to sign up for another 2 year bundle. Only problem is it is about 38 bucks more expensive this time for a 2 year deal. I have fiber optics on my street and Verizon has been courting me for a year now. Like I said comcast has been great just never had the verizon package and interested in any opinions, especially from those who have had both companies product. Paul

I have the Verizon FiOS and it is outstanding. Picture quality is great, the Internet Speed is fast and I've never had any problems with the phone.

I was going to start the exact same thread! Same question here.

Thanks Paul
:kewl:

i don't think you can compare fios
speed for the internet connection
to comcast speed
as i think one is way faster than the other
namely the fios
correct me if i'm wrong

verizon phone service seems kinda pricey...
these days...

the other thing to consider is that the digital revolution is upon us
starting next year and who's gonna be delivering the better digital
service and at what price...

keep that in mind before you sign a 2 year contract

We had comcast and switched to verizon fios 6 months ago and have had no problems. The tv picture is much better. We constantly had issues with comcast. Also there are additional discounts if you roll cell service and or long distance into that 1 bill.

I was told for Fios that they have to run new wiring /cable. Is that true?? If so who pays for underground or overhead to the house. Is it part of the hook up. Can you have multiple lines for phone?

I would think they would run everything for nutin. They had better or I would not even consider the service.

We have Fios and they use the same cable that's in the house. They run a new one from the street I think on their dime. We like it way better than cable, the internet in faster more reliable and the tv is way clearer.
We saved 40-50 bucks a month doing the package thing also.

Go for it Paul, get the free LCD TV offer too :kewl:

If I could get FIOS I would, everyone who can get it likes.

I'm thinking of making the switch too. I've had Comcast for several years without any problem, but if I can get a better picture and faster interweb, while saving about 30-40 $ amonth then why not?

I just got a bill for $168 from Comcast for phone, internet and cable. That's with a $20 discount for bundling and $20 credit for not having phone service for several days. I was amazed at how much I'm paying. I can't get Fios yet, but am thinking of getting the dish through Verizon in a package with internet and phone. At least I can get a good deal for a while and by the time that deal is up, Fios will be available.

You and me both, I was told it would be 33 each for phone, cable and internet. My bill is 120+ a month. I mean WTF.

not to mention the charges for the HD Boxes. What a crock of ****!!!!

Go with Verizon

They run the new line for free, my driveway is 250'+ and the utilities are underground. Didn't cost me anything.

Go with Verizon for their good bundle price. When they're contracts up, check prices again. Once it's wired, easy to switch either way. We're finally at a point where we don't have a monopoly. Screw them damn cable companys.

I'm saving $38 a month with the fios bundle. Not only is is cheaper it's way better. Nothing is perfect and I'm sure I'll have something to bitch about down the road but for right now I'm happy. Plus I'm going to get a free 19' LCD with the deal as well. Not too shabby!

wish I could switch to verison Fios...not available out here, I am stuck with comcast and it is OK but I know what I am missing. I need more bandwidth.:fury: I doubt I will see a fiber cable right to my house anytime soon.

What exactly does the bill come out to per month for net, tv and phone? I hate all the hidden costs..And do you have to sign a 2 year contract? What if you don't like it or someone comes out with a better deal?

My Verizon is a 2 year contract, price $94/ mos for TV ,computer, and phone. But they charged $30 for installation and $10 per box/mos. Some additional costs with taxes etc over Cablevision and they charge for phone # information.

They offered $200 gift certificate at Best Buy or 19in Sony as promotion to switch. You may want to be sure you can keep your same Tel #. To me having a phone when the power goes out is the best feature.

Cablevision was $126/mos and Verizon is costing $132 now with all the charges.

Comcast quoted me 120 for the whole deal. I have not check out what Verizon will be . I bet though after the lock in deal is over it will go up like comcast did. I paid 90 for the last 2 years for the whole deal now they want 120.

verizon has been advertising $100 for all three services in RI, not sure if they are offering that in MA right now though.

The set up took the guy 6+ hours. He did run a new cable from the pole to the house for the service. no more copper for the phone and if I ever want to go back I will need to have the copper line replaced.
There is a pretty big battery backup (about 1'x2'x2') but supposedly the phone stays running if power goes out.
It seems like the rest of my computer runs alittle slower with the fios installed, but the internest is fast (FBI speed according the sales guy).
TV definately has mreo channels than COX and a lot of really cool miltary channels and hostory channels. I miss IFC but there are some other movie channels included. I don't get the HBO/Showtime/Skinnemax/Sports upgrade since I watch about 3hr of TV a week.
I don't notice any differnece in the phoen service except initially it had a little static, but that is gone now.
All in all I think its a good deal for $100/month. There are some one time activation charges (not the installation), but aI had that with COX also.

My bill is $138 for all 3 services with fios. With comcast I paid $168 just for cable! I have 4 tvs with one being a HD box.

To answer the original question - I have used both and also RCN. I find that Verizon with FIOS is awsome. Cable quality is great, internet is the best and the telephone is just fine. You can have as many lines as you want - just have to pay for them:tm I also have my cell with them and get one bill for all. You can get any feature for the phone that you may want. I have call waiting, caller ID and also a second number under my assigned line for 5 buks a month. It uses a different ring tone.

Also--and I find it very important, their tech service is excellent. It takes a bit of a wait, but they have knowledgable reps. The secret is to ask for an agent after calling their service department.

They do have to run a fiber cable to your house and convert the signal in your house and use existing cable. Installers are thorough and take the time to be sure your entire package is set up properly.. No I do not work for Verizon, just cannot be happier with verizon over Comcast & RCN.:musc:

We never had comcast but we switched from Cox to FIOS almost a year ago and we haven't regretted it once.

Does Verizon have an equivalent to the Comcast DVR? I LOVE my DVR, it may be the single greatest T.V invention out there. (for the uninformed it is basically Verizon's version of TIVO).

Do you need a box for every tv? I now have Cox cable..4 tv's but only 2 boxes, the other 2 tv's get basic only..does it work like that with FIOS?

If you want basic only you have to get the converter box. But the price is almost the same for a regular box so i would suggest getting the regular box.

You now get the local channels without a box. I have three that way.

Thanx. Thats what I wanted to know..

dave :

he really means just the local .. I have two boxes to get the full service on two tv,s >>> I made a couple of moves over the weekend >> now the box that in the B/R won,t pick up the H/D channels & the monster downstairs is going on Craigs list .with another coming in to replace it / so I,ll have to get another h/D box >.. I was meaning to check today / if they have a place to just go switch boxes /like cox,s does / or if i,m gonna have to make a appointment ll
IMO .. the picture is much clearer & the price [even with the fees for boxes >.is still cheaper as a package ;;

I do miss channel 3 & the repeat news on 5 ,.,.,.,.

I have 2 tv's that we really dont use much..just wanted to make sure they will at least get basic..

Mike essentially FIOS has the potential for unlimited lines/signals to an from house.

Thanks guys. I am going to stay with comcast digital for another year. I have no problems with the comcast and just figured I will stay with them considering the price is pretty much the same with either. Maybe next year. Paul

Some of you know that I work for VZ. I install fios and can answer many questions.

Dave you deffinately need a box for every tv. They are switching the localsoff of analog per the law and unless you have a tv with a digital tuner you will need a box. As of right now we were told all new installations need boxes as the cut date was going to be mid march to somewhere in june. If you don't take a box you could be in for a long wait when the deadline comes, because everyone with out one will be calling. [COLOR="Red"]The cable companies will be doing the same thing soon. The law says by March of 09 so they will be no differant.[/COLOR

Mike they will place at their dime, however is there a conduit or is it direct buried? If it is direct buried, then it may take them some extra time to get a crew scheduled, other wise it should'nt be a big deal. Make sure that you have a power outlet near where the equipment will be mounted, the equipment varies by location, some offices use a differant brand equipment and there some differences. Also they tell you 4-6 hours for install, exspect to be there the whole day and then some, alot of jobs run 8-14. Just be prepared.

Bronko we have 2 dvr's one is hidef, the other is standard def. The both have dual tuners.

One more thing no matter who you go with you pay to lease a box. Think of it this way, if you could buy the boxes you would be shelling out 250+ for a box, now multiply that by the number of tv's. Some of you would be shelling out 1000+ just to get hooked up. Then think about how many electronic components crap out after the years warranty is up. If a box craps put it is on Verizon, Cox, Comcast or whoever else you lease the equipment from.

One thing about fios is the Hi def channels are uncompressed because of the amount of bandwith on fiberoptic cable. That is why our picture blows the competition out of the water.

One more thing watch everyones commercials, you will notice that Verizon does'nt run negative ads directed at the cable companies. Our ads are all positive about our service, with our customers, real customers backing it up. I have worked for a cable company, direct tv through circuit city, and now this. This is the best product hands down for years to come. I HAVE SEEN AND WORKED ON THEM ALL.

Thanks for the info. I am only tied up for a year and may change next year. I just ended up going with the status quo because I have no complaints with comcast and I didn't have the time right now to compare and such, aka as being lazy and busy. Next year i will definitely consider the change seriously. Thanks again. Paul

I called Verizon and I am all set up for April 2.

Any of you FIOS users...click this and post your speeds...thanks

http://www.speedtest.net/

not verizon fios

but with Cox RI I am:

5727 / 565

comcast to Portland
down 23558
up 2311

comcast to NY
down 12257
up 1596

Are those rates anygood? They seem fast to me but what do i know.