Optimum by Altice 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.^[4]

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 has had service from Cablevision before, chances are you’ll be able to self-install the required router, modem, and other hardware specific to your plan. Self-installation generally takes less than an hour and saves money compared to hiring a technician.

For those who haven’t had their residence wired for Cablevision, professional installation is required to run a connection from the Cablevision network to the inside of your building. Professional installation is also a good option for customers who want to avoid difficulties with configuring their hardware. Professional installation has a fee associated with it. Cablevision also offers “service plans” to make ongoing maintenance and configuration assistance available at a lower cost than “a la carte” technician services.