Verizon Fios vs RCN: Side by Side Comparison

Verizon Fios offers fiber internet to customers in 9 states, with its most widespread coverage in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The service currently extends to 34.8 million people, making Verizon Fios the second-largest fiber internet provider in the country. Customers can choose from internet-only plans or bundles that include TV, phone, and internet service, with all plans including unlimited data and no contracts.

RCN provides fiber, copper, and cable internet in 7 states. The type of internet available to you depends on your location. Its cable internet is available to 4.2 million people, making it the eighth-largest cable internet provider in the United States. Like Verizon Fios, customers can bundle their internet service with TV and phone through RCN and take advantage of no contracts or data caps with any plan.

RCN vs Verizon Fios: Extra Fees and Contracts

Installation

A professional installation is best for customers whose homes are not already wired for service. This install comes with a one-time fee of $99, although Verizon Fios waives the fee when you order select plans online. Self-installation may be your best option if you already have proper wiring in place and you’re familiar with setting up a modem and router. There is no fee for self-installation.

Like Verizon Fios, RCN gives customers the option of self-installation and professional setup.

You can opt for professional installation for $49.99, giving you access to a technician to set up all wiring and equipment in your home. If you order your internet service online, RCN will waive your setup fee. A self-install includes a complete kit with everything you need to set up your internet service and costs no money.

Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

Verizon Fios provides no-contract plans with download speeds of up to 940 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 880 Mbps.

These no-contract plans prevent you from having to pay early termination fees if you decide to cancel your service. Verizon Fios charges $15/month to rent a modem with WiFi to use with your service or you can pay a one-time fee of $299.99 to purchase the equipment. Bringing your own compatible equipment can help you avoid this fee.

RCN’s internet plans are no-contract plans, meaning that you won’t be locked into your service or subject to early termination fees when you decide to cancel.
You can rent a modem and router from RCN for $20/month if you have any RCN plan up to 500 Mbps download speeds. However, the 940 Mbps plan requires a modem router combination, which costs $10/month. You can avoid the fee by using your own compatible modem, router, or modem router combination.

Data Caps

Verizon Fios internet plans do not employ data caps, which allows you to use the internet as much as you need without being subject to overage charges.

Like Verizon Fios, RCN also offers unlimited data for each of its internet plans, meaning that customers have access to unlimited data each month.