Spectrum vs Verizon Fios: Side by Side Comparison

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Spectrum vs Verizon Fios

Spectrum (formerly Time Warner Cable) and Verizon Fios present a variety of pros and cons, depending on your needs and budget. Since Time Warner Cable was recently acquired by Charter Communications, new Time Warner Cable customers should be especially mindful of how the merger will affect their speeds, price, and quality of service. Internet access isn’t the only factor to consider, as both companies offer extra services like phone and TV, often for a bargain.

Charter Spectrum AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (855) 347-5741
  • Support: (833) 780-1880
(855) 347-5741

$44.99 to $44.99 / mo.

100 mbps to 940 mbps

10 mbps to 35 mbps

63%63%

Cable

Current: 8th ↑ (+1)

Verizon Fios AT A GLANCE

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

$39.99 to $79.99 / mo.

75 mbps to 940 mbps

75 mbps to 880 mbps

73%73%

Fiber

Current: 2nd ↑ (+2)

Spectrum OVERVIEW

Charter Spectrum sells home broadband Internet, phone service, and TV under the “Spectrum” brand name. Their 2016 acquisition of Time Warner Cable expanded their cable network to become one of the largest nationwide.

Verizon Fios OVERVIEW

Verizon Fios is a company that provides Internet, TV, and phone bundles. They offer 100% fiber-optic connectivity and they have one of the most widely available fiber-optic networks in the US.

Spectrum INTERNET DEALS †

  • $44.99 for 100 mbps Cable
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and 10 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $65.99.
    • Modem included.
    • Call (855) 347-5741 to setup service.
Show All Deals (5)
Last updated on 3/20/2019

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

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.
    • No annual contract (auto pay rqd). Get a $50 Visa Prepaid Card.
    • 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.
    • No annual contract plus 6 months of Netflix on us (auto pay rqd).
    • 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.
    • Free router rental for 3 yrs. Plus 1 year of Netflix premium on us. No annual contract (auto pay rqd).
    • 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 (4)
Last updated on 1/31/2019

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

Spectrum: NO DATACAP FOUND

We have not found plans that include data caps. This doesn't mean Spectrum 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.

Spectrum's TECHNOLOGY

Charter Spectrum services Internet to consumers via their fiber-based cable network.

Fiber-based cable is a broadband infrastructure that uses fiber lines for its backbone, only resorting to lower-bandwidth coaxial cables for the “last mile” between subscribers. Local "optical nodes" switch optic signals to electric signal, which is generally distributed via existing cable TV networks.

Connections of this type are called “cable” because they rely on coaxial cable, which was historically used to offer “cable TV.”

Verizon Fios's TECHNOLOGY

The selling point of Verizon Fios is that they use fiber-optic lines in the "last mile."

They have sold some of coverage area to Frontier in 2015. That said, Verizon is still available in many states.

Fiber to the Home networks like Verizon Fios never switch over to copper near customers like cable or DSL. The primary issue with FTTH is that it often is more expensive than DSL, owing to the expense of fiber cable and the labor cost to install that cable on poles.

FTTH plans offer much better speed and performance than DSL and cable.

Spectrum INSTALLATION

installing equipment required for Charter Internet service is generally straightforward. Spectrum plans are "cable", which will require plugging a cable modem into the house’s existing coaxial television outlet.

For homes that have working internal wiring, self-installation can be done using the instructions provided by Charter. Those houses without internal wiring or with a need to upgrade will require help from a certified technician.

Installation comes with a fee, but for customers unsure about their ability to understand the router, the extra fee may be well worth it for simplicity's sake.

Verizon Fios INSTALLATION

If your home has previously had fiber service then customers can to self-install service, but for the majority of customers, technician install is recommended.

If you opt for a professional installation, a Fios technician will use fiber optic cables to wire your location to the Fios network. Verizon starts by installing a fiber box, to which your Fios router connects to connect to the Internet. If your address hasn't had Fios before, the cable guy might need permission to run ethernet or coaxial cable get you setup.

Spectrum RATINGS AND REVIEWS

50%50% Customer Rating

49.9% recommendation rating according to 61287 verified Spectrum users.

Verizon Fios RATINGS AND REVIEWS

62%62% Customer Rating

62.4% recommendation rating according to 28317 verified users.

Spectrum COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

Charter Spectrum Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
Customize map

Verizon Fios COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

Verizon Fios Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
Customize map

Mergers in mind

How services will change under Charter

While many Internet, TV, and phone plans are still available under the name “Time Warner Cable,” the company was actually purchased by Charter Communications in 2016 and is in the process of switching over to the new name. For most customers, service speed and cost will remain unchanged for the time being.[1]

Buying vs Renting your modem

It’s easy to save when you don’t rent

Modem rentals are a standard offering from Internet providers. In spite of the convenience, the monthly rental fees quickly add up to the cost of simply buying a modem and router outright — and can cost subscribers hundreds of dollars in the long run.[2]

Buying your own modem and router also opens up the possibility of configuring a stronger and more secure home network than is possible with the default modem or modem/router combo rented with a plan. That being said, customers who plan to move or switch providers within a couple years might be better offer renting, since providers tend to be picky about which brands and models will work with their service.

REFERENCES AND FOOTNOTES
  1. https://www.fcc.gov/document/commission-approves-charter-twc-and-bright-house-merger ↩
  2. https://broadbandnow.com/guides/renting-vs-buying-modem-whats-best-budget ↩
Last updated on 3/20/2019.

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