Fios is fiber-optic internet run by Verizon

Fios is an internet service that runs through fiber-optic cables instead of the copper wires older services use. Verizon owns and operates Fios, and it is available in parts of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and some areas of the Midwest and South. The service is not available everywhere — Verizon has built the fiber network only in certain neighborhoods and towns, so whether you can get Fios depends entirely on your address.

Fiber-optic cables carry data as pulses of light, which means they can move information much faster than copper telephone lines. This is why Fios speeds are typically higher than what cable internet or DSL can deliver. The tradeoff is that Fios is only an option if Verizon has already run fiber to your building, which limits who can choose it.

Fios comes in different speed tiers, ranging from around 300 megabits per second (Mbps) on the lower end to 2 gigabits per second (2,000 Mbps) on the highest tier. Most households choose a middle tier that costs less than the fastest option but still handles streaming, video calls, and multiple devices at once.

Key Takeaways

  • Fios is only available at addresses where Verizon has built fiber-optic infrastructure, so you must check your specific location before considering it.
  • Fiber-optic cables deliver faster speeds than cable or DSL internet because they transmit data as light rather than electrical signals.
  • Verizon bundles Fios internet with TV and phone service, though you can purchase internet alone if you prefer.
  • Fios has no data caps, meaning you can use as much data as you want each month without overage charges or speed slowdowns.
  • Installation requires a technician to run fiber to your home and set up equipment inside, which typically takes a few hours.

How fiber-optic cables deliver faster speeds

The reason Fios speeds are faster comes down to the physical material carrying the signal. Copper wires, used by older DSL and some cable services, transmit data as electrical pulses. Fiber-optic cables transmit the same data as pulses of light through thin glass strands. Light travels faster and can carry more information in the same amount of time, which is why fiber services consistently deliver higher speeds than copper-based alternatives.

This speed advantage matters most if you have many people using the internet at once — streaming video on one device while someone else is downloading files or playing online games. With Fios, each person gets closer to their advertised speed even when the network is busy. Cable internet, by contrast, shares bandwidth across your neighborhood, so speeds can drop during peak hours when many people are online.

The fastest Fios tier (2 gigabits per second) is overkill for most households, but it exists because some people run businesses from home or have extremely heavy usage. For a family of four with typical streaming and browsing habits, a 500 Mbps or 1 gigabit tier usually covers everything comfortably.

What Fios equipment you will have in your home

When Fios is installed, a technician brings fiber-optic cable to your home and connects it to a box called the optical network terminal (ONT). This box converts the light signals traveling through the fiber into electrical signals your devices can use. The ONT is usually placed near where the fiber enters your home — often in a basement, garage, or utility closet.

From the ONT, Verizon provides a router that broadcasts your internet signal wirelessly throughout your home. This router also handles your TV and phone service if you have those bundled with your internet. The router is yours to use, though Verizon owns it and can require you to return it if you cancel service.

You do not need to buy your own modem with Fios the way you might with cable internet, because the ONT and router handle all the conversion and distribution. If you want to use your own router instead of Verizon's, you can, but you will still need to keep the ONT that Verizon installs.

Fios bundles and pricing structure

Verizon sells Fios primarily as a bundle that includes internet, TV, and phone service together. The bundle pricing is usually lower than buying each service separately, but you can purchase internet alone if you do not want TV or phone. Internet-only plans start at a lower price point than the bundled packages, though the per-gigabit cost is higher.

Prices vary by location and change frequently, so the cost in one neighborhood may differ from another. Promotional pricing is common for new customers — Verizon often offers a discounted rate for the first year, then the price increases. You should ask about the regular price after the promotion ends before signing up, so you know what to expect when the discount expires.

Unlike some cable internet providers, Fios has no data caps. You can use as much data as you want each month without facing overage charges or having your speeds reduced. This matters if you read large files regularly, stream video in high definition, or have many devices connected at once.

Installation and setup requirements

Getting Fios installed requires a technician visit to your home. The technician will run fiber-optic cable from the street to your building, install the ONT, set up the router, and test the connection. This process typically takes two to four hours. You need to be home during the appointment, and the technician will need access to the outside of your building and to an interior location where the ONT can be placed.

If you live in an apartment or condo, you may need permission from your building management before Fios can be installed. Some buildings have agreements with Verizon that make installation easier, while others restrict where cables can be run. Check with your landlord or building management before scheduling an installation appointment.

After installation, the technician will show you how to use the router and answer basic questions. If you have problems after they leave, you can contact Verizon support by phone or through their website. Many common issues — like a device not connecting to the network — can be resolved over the phone without another technician visit.

Comparing Fios to cable and DSL internet

Fios, cable internet, and DSL are the three main types of home internet available in the United States, and each uses different infrastructure. DSL runs through telephone lines and is the slowest of the three, typically maxing out around 100 Mbps. Cable internet runs through the same lines that deliver TV and can reach 500 Mbps or higher, but speeds drop when many neighbors are online at once. Fios runs through fiber and consistently delivers its advertised speed regardless of neighborhood usage.

The main limitation of Fios is availability. Verizon has built fiber infrastructure in some areas but not others, so you cannot choose Fios unless it is available at your address. If Fios is available where you live, it is usually the fastest option. If it is not available, cable internet is typically the next-best choice for speed, and DSL is the slowest but may be the only option in rural areas.

Cost varies by location and provider, so comparing prices in your area is important. Fios bundled pricing is often competitive with cable bundles, but internet-only plans may cost more than cable internet alone. The lack of data caps on Fios is an advantage if you use a lot of data, since cable providers sometimes impose caps that can result in overage charges.

When Fios is the right choice for your home

Fios makes sense if it is available at your address and you want the fastest, most consistent speeds. It is especially useful if you have multiple people streaming video at the same time, work from home and need reliable upload speeds, or read large files regularly. The lack of data caps means you do not have to monitor your usage or worry about overage fees.

Fios is less necessary if you live alone or with one other person and use the internet mainly for browsing and occasional streaming. In that case, a lower-speed cable or DSL plan may be enough and could cost less. However, if speed is important to you and Fios is available, the consistent performance is worth considering even if you do not need the absolute fastest tier.

The bundled pricing can also make Fios attractive if you already pay for TV and phone service separately. Bundling all three services with Verizon often costs less than paying three different providers, though you should compare the total cost of a bundle against what you currently pay before switching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fios available at my address?

You can check Fios availability by entering your address on Verizon's website. Availability is determined by whether Verizon has built fiber infrastructure in your neighborhood. Even if Fios is available on your street, it may not be available in every building, so the check must be done for your specific address.

Can I use my own router with Fios?

Yes, you can use your own router instead of Verizon's, but you will still need to keep the optical network terminal (ONT) that the technician installs. The ONT converts the fiber signal and is required for the service to work. Your own router connects to the ONT and broadcasts the wireless signal in your home.

What happens if I cancel Fios?

When you cancel, Verizon will ask you to return the router and ONT equipment. You may face an early termination fee if you cancel before your contract ends, though Verizon's contract terms vary. Check your service agreement to see what cancellation terms explore to your plan.

Does Fios work during power outages?

Fios internet will not work if your power goes out, because the ONT and router require electricity to operate. Unlike some older phone services, Fios does not have battery backup built in. If you need internet during outages, you would need a backup power source like a battery backup system or generator.

How long does Fios installation take?

Installation typically takes two to four hours from start to finish. The technician will run the fiber cable, install the ONT, set up the router, and test the connection. You need to be home during the entire appointment, and the technician will need access to both the outside of your building and an interior location for the ONT.