Is Verizon Fios Better Than Optimum?
If you are looking for an ISP provider, then Verizon Fios and Optimum are among the best for you to go for. They all provide fiber optic high-speed internet connection, cable video programming service, and telecommunication services. But which one is superior to the other? Verizon Fios vs Optimum – this part provides a comprehensive look at the two internet service providers to assist your decision-making process.
Internet Speeds
When comparing the internet speeds, Verizon Fios for internet connection is better than Optimum. Fios offers connection speeds of up to 940 Mb/s download and 880 Mb/s upload. It’s important to note that Optimum’s fastest speed is 500 Mbps download. So if download speed is your priority, Fios offers higher maximum available speeds.
While Fios and Optimum are similar in the sense that they both have gigabit connections in some regions, gig internet is more extensive with Fios. Optimum also has slower starting speeds for basic internet packages than Fios. Fios has an even more basic package with 200 Mbps while Optimum starts at 100 Mbps for newcomers.
Reliability
When it comes to reliability, fiber optic internet is often considered to be better than cable internet. Fiber optic wiring or fios means fewer cases of signal drops, interferences, and other connectivity challenges than the coaxial cables of Cablevision optimum.
Fiber infrastructure is less prone to experiencing outages because of weather conditions or events such as fallen power lines and damaged equipment. Verizon Fios is known to have a better reliability score compared to the other internet service providers in terms of the duration of the outage when it happens.
Availability
As mentioned above, Optimum has wider coverage in its service areas along the eastern coast of New Jersey down to some parts of Connecticut. Fios coverage is limited to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast areas only.
If you are relocating and wish to retain your provider you may discover that the Optimum service area is better. However, Verizon has been ramping up Fios deployment to reach more areas or markets if you will. Visit the provider’s website to use their address search tools to verify their services in your location.
Bundling Plans
It is common with both Verizon Fios and Optimum to have packages that offer a discount when the consumer purchases more than one service at a go. Optimum has double and triple play bundles while Fios provides a wider range of bundle combinations.
- Double-play Fios bundles involve offering internet in conjunction with either television or telephone services.
- Triple Play details consist of internet, television, and home telephone services.
- Fios quad-play bundles include mobile service.
In terms of TV, the Fios company uses fiber for the delivery of TV signals whereas Optimum uses cable provider infrastructure. The all-fiber Fios connection usually delivers sharper HD channels and permits more streams at the same time.
Pricing
Fios is typically pricier for standalone internet plans than Optimum. However, the price of Fios is not as bad as all that when one considers the discounts that come with bundled services. Always consider new customer offers including free trial with huge multi-month subscription offers.
Optimum generally has lower standard rates but gives fewer promotional prices for contracts that span long. Optimum also has other charges such as broadcast TV surcharges and installation charges which are not reflected in the listed prices. Conduct an exact cost analysis that involves all forms of taxes, equipment costs, installation fees, and other expenses to make the comparisons more realistic.
Customer Service
In the American Customer Satisfaction Index, Verizon has been rated higher than Optimum in terms of internet and TV satisfaction while Optimum has been rated higher in terms of telephone satisfaction. Yet both companies have average customer service ratings comparable to most other major telecom firms.
So is Verizon Fios or Optimum better?
Of course, Fios has higher maximum speed and latency due to the full fiber optic infrastructure, but Optimum still provides a very good and rather fast Internet connection. As for Optimum, it is also more widely available in the company’s main Northeast and mid-Atlantic areas. However, new Fios areas are still being added.
If speed is important and Fios is available where you live, the dependability and speed of a fiber connection give it the advantage. Nevertheless, Optimum remains one of the best cable internet and TV providers out there. Compare your address for the available plans and consider long-term prices, speeds required, and desired bundle services before deciding whether Optimum or Verizon Fios is more suitable for your household.