Fios is Verizon Wireless’s bundle solution for internet, phone, and television services. Fios is an abbreviation of Fiber Optic Service and uses a network entirely connected by fiber optic cables. Fios is available in eight states (as well as DC):
- Delaware
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
Fiber optic cables transmit network signals more quickly and over greater distances than copper cables, which were the primary transmission method for decades. Fiber optic cables, which are made of glass, can transmit particles close to the speed of light, while copper cables can’t exceed a few gigabits per second but typically transmit data in Mb/s. Verizon has had fiber optic cabling laid for Fios since 2005 and has continued to expand its fiber network. Fiber optic cables increase upload and download speeds for devices as well; Verizon’s highest listed download and upload speeds for Fios are 940 and 880 Mbps, using its Gigabit Connection tier of service.
Features of Fios
- Download speeds: Up to 940 Mbps
- Upload speeds: Up to 880 Mbps
- Business and consumer security suites
- Business and consumer VoIP services
- Video streaming
- Voice recognition for TV remote
- Online support center and telephone support
Fiber optic cables have become popular for telephone networks, but they also provide greater speed and bandwidth for internet services. Verizon uses the benefits of fiber optic networks for television as well. Verizon lost TV subscribers through Fios in the first quarter of 2021, but it also added Fios Internet subscribers.
Fios for Business
Fios Business Internet offers fiber-optic networks to organizations and includes VoIP capabilities through Business Digital Voice. Customers can choose from three plans of differing Internet speed: 100 Mbps, 300 Mbps, and Gigabit Connection. They can add a Business Digital Voice line to their plan if they pay extra per month. Customers also have the option to bundle Fios Gigabit Connection and Business Unlimited Pro wireless plan, which saves money.
Businesses using Fios Business Internet can also install a Fios Router and Extender. Fios Business Internet offers customers three 9s of reliability.
Fios also offers two other features to its business customers:
Business Internet Secure gives small businesses cybersecurity protection. It includes antivirus software and access to IT security experts. Verizon restricts this Fios feature to businesses with 19 or fewer employees.
TechTeam for Internet gives businesses’ employees Verizon support for a designated number of eligible devices. The technical support team can help troubleshoot mobile devices, set up private networks, and work with popular third-party cloud software.
Fios for Home Use
Whole-Home Wi-Fi is intended to be high-coverage internet for uses that require significant bandwidth, like remote work and learning. Whole-Home Wi-Fi comes with a Fios router and an Extender. Parents can select the Home Network Protect feature to block potentially harmful web content from their network.
The Fios TV application allows customers to stream their movies and shows, view DVR recordings and bookmarks, and watch data-free from their mobile devices. The Fios TV app can be used on an Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV as well.
Fios allows customers to mix and match Internet speed and number of TV channels. Users can select additional features for their Fios account, too: Home Phone, which permits international calls, and 24/7 technical support.
