Optimum by Altice vs Verizon Fios: Side by Side Comparison

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Optimum by Altice vs Verizon Fios

Optimum by Cablevision and Verizon Fios both offer high quality of service, but with some key differences that will determine which provider you ultimately choose. Verizon Fios has a newer 100% fiber optic network, while Cablevision offers comparable speeds in some areas and TV perks that some customers can’t live without. In the end, it’s a question of how much broadband you actually will use, and what price you’re willing to pay to get it.

Optimum by Altice AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (844) 278-1810
  • Support: (866) 200-7273
(844) 278-1810

$44.99 to $64.99 / mo.

150 mbps to 450 mbps

35 mbps to 50 mbps

69%69%

Cable

Current: 13th ↓ (-2)

Verizon Fios AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (866) 775-4717
  • Support: (800) 837-4966
(866) 775-4717

$39.99 to $79.99 / mo.

100 mbps to 940 mbps

100 mbps to 880 mbps

73%73%

Fiber

Current: 9th ↓ (-3)

Optimum by Altice OVERVIEW

Optimum by Altice sells cable broadband Internet, television, and telephone services, mostly in the northeast USA. They also offer business Internet services.

Verizon Fios OVERVIEW

Verizon Fios is a provider of fiber Internet, television, and telephone services. They offer fiber-optic connectivity and they have one of the most widely available fiber networks on the market.

Optimum by Altice INTERNET DEALS †

  • $44.99 for 200 mbps Cable
    • 200 Mbps ↓ and 35 Mbps ↑
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • Setup: $49.00 (Includes standard installation.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (844) 278-1810 to setup service.
  • $54.99 for 300 mbps Cable
    • 300 Mbps ↓ and 35 Mbps ↑
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • Setup: $0 (Free standard installation.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (844) 278-1810 to setup service.
  • $64.99 for 400 mbps Cable
    • 400 Mbps ↓ and 40 Mbps ↑
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • Setup: $0 (Free standard installation.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (844) 278-1810 to setup service.
Last updated on 10/21/2018

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Optimum by Altice.

Verizon Fios INTERNET DEALS †

  • $39.99 for 100 mbps Fiber
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and 100 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $54.99.
    • Paper free billing and auto pay required.
    • $500 credit to help cover early termination fee available. Restrictions apply.
    • Setup: Setup fee waived when you order online ($99.00 value).
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo or one-time $149
    • Call (866) 775-4717 to setup service.
  • $59.99 for 300 mbps Fiber
    • 300 Mbps ↓ and 300 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Amazon Echo (2nd Gen) on us. Get up to $500 credit to help cover your early termination fee. (Restrictions Apply)
    • Setup: Waived (Normally $99)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo or one-time $149.99
    • Call (866) 775-4717 to setup service.
  • $79.99 for 940 mbps Fiber
    • Up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload w/ no data cap.
    • Auto pay required.
    • 1 year Amazon Prime on us & 3 year free router rental. $500 credit to help cover early termination fee available. Restrictions apply.
    • Setup: Waived (Standard setup charge is waived ($99.00 value) when you order online.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo or one-time $149.99
    • Call (866) 775-4717 to setup service.
Show All Deals (5)
Last updated on 11/5/2018

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Verizon Fios.

Optimum by Altice: NO DATACAP FOUND

We have not found plans that include data caps. This doesn't mean Optimum by Altice doesn't have data caps, just that we haven't found them when collecting their plans. Always verify plan details before purchasing.

Verizon Fios: NO DATACAP FOUND

We have not found plans that include data caps. This doesn't mean Verizon Fios doesn't have data caps, just that we haven't found them when collecting their plans. Always verify plan details before purchasing.

Optimum by Altice's TECHNOLOGY

Optimum offers internet through a fiber-backed cable network. Optimum uses fiber optics for the backbone and coax cables in the "last mile."

A fiber-backed cable network infrastructure is normal among providers that historically specialized in TV, because Internet data can "piggyback" to customer buildings.[2]

The provider has reportedly been rolling out DOCSIS 3.1 in select locations, which allows them to offer gigabit speeds depending on local infrastructure.[3] DOCSIS is the protocol used to transmit information through coaxial cables. DOCSIS 3.1 can support gigabit speeds, rivaling true “fiber” providers.

Verizon Fios's TECHNOLOGY

They have sold parts of infrastructure to Frontier Communications in recent years. Regardless, Verizon is still available in a handful of cities.

Fiber to the Home networks don't switch to cable or phone wires like cable or DSL. Fios service requires installing a Fios box outside the building.

FTTH is really the best option among internet services since fiber has the lowest latency and highest bandwidth capabilities.

Optimum by Altice INSTALLATION

If your house has coaxial wiring, chances are you’ll be able to self-install the router and modem specific to the plan. Self-installation generally takes very little time.

If you need help setting up the router or are considering a complex DVR setup, then getting a technician installation is reccomended. That said, paying for the setup results in a more expensive up-front cost.

Optimum also offers technical assistance packages.

Verizon Fios INSTALLATION

If a residence or business has previously had Fios then you may be able to “self-install” service, but for the majority of subscribers, scheduling a technician installation is a better choice.

For subscribers who opt for a professional installation, a technician will use fiber cables to wire you to the fiber network. The technician starts by installing a fiber box, to which your router connects to get you internet access. If your location doesn't have fiber wiring before, the techie might need to install ethernet or coaxial cable establish service.

Optimum by Altice RATINGS AND REVIEWS

51%51% Customer Rating

51.2% recommendation rating according to 13360 verified users.

Verizon Fios RATINGS AND REVIEWS

62%62% Customer Rating

62.4% recommendation rating according to 28058 verified users.

Optimum by Altice COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

Optimum by Altice Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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Verizon Fios COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

Verizon Fios Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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The fiber advantage: who needs gigabit Internet?

Fiber delivers faster speeds, often at a steeper price

The biggest difference most consumers will care about when it comes to Optimum by Cablevision and Verizon Fios is the kind of network delivering their data: Fios’s fiber vs Cablevision’s coaxial cable network.

“Power users” who use the Internet for large chunks of the day, download and upload large files frequently, and stream video content to multiple devices simultaneously will notice a huge difference between fiber and cable speeds.

That said, fiber usually comes at a higher price than cable, and if you mostly get online just to check Facebook and watch a few YouTube videos, fiber might be overkill when you could save a lot of money by foregoing it.

The value of communication and customer service

Finding customer reviews you can trust

Depending on where you live, the speeds and prices offered by Fios and Cablevision might be so close as to be indistinguishable. In that case, it’s worth considering the reputation of the company you’re considering, and how their customer service will support you when things go wrong (which they always do).

BroadbandNow uses two metrics to determine what customers actually think of their provider: first, the ASCI (American Customer Satisfaction Index) rating for each provider.[1] Second, IP-verified customer service ratings we collect directly through BroadbandNow, using IP-verification technology to ensure that the person leaving a review is an actual, current customer using that ISP.

If you run a home business that relies on Internet connectivity or don’t have a way of quickly contacting emergency services if the line goes down, subscribing to a provider that can react quickly and provide real-person support can be a life saver.

REFERENCES AND FOOTNOTES
  1. https://www.theacsi.org/industries/telecommunications-and-information/internet-service-provider ↩
  2. http://services.eng.uts.edu.au/~kumbes/ra/Access-Networks/hfc/cnethfc.htm ↩
  3. https://www.fiercevideo.com/cable/cablevision-reportedly-testing-1-gbps-services-new-jersey-apartments ↩
Last updated on 11/5/2018.

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