Cox vs Verizon Fios: Side by Side Comparison

Verizon Fios offers broadband internet, TV, and home phone service to consumers using their fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network.

Fios was one of the first major telecom companies to deploy a large fiber optic network. They have sold parts of their network to Frontier in recent years. Regardless, Fios is still available in a handful of states.

Unlike hybrid networks, FTTH carries data over next-generation fiber optic cables all the way to a subscriber’s doorstep. The core drawback to an FTTH network layout is that it costs an Internet provider significantly more to build up-front, thanks to the high cost of fiber cable combined with the cost of labor to install that cable underground throughout an area.^[3]

That said, FTTH is generally considered the “gold standard” of consumer internet connections because it offers the lowest latency and highest bandwidth capabilities.

If your residence or business has already had Fios service then you may be able to “self install” your service, but for many consumers, professional installation is recommended.

Professional Installation: During professional installation, a Fios technician will use fiber optic cables to wire your location to the Fios’ network. They will also install an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to which your Fios router connects to get you internet access. Depending on your location’s existing wiring, the technician may need to run ethernet or coaxial cable get you setup.