The Ultimate Guide to Verizon Fios Installer: Pros, Cons, and FAQs (2023)

FAQs

How do I prepare for Verizon Fios installation? ›

For any clarification or technical help, you can contact a Verizon professional at 1-800-837-4966. How long does it take to self-install Verizon FiOS? Setting up the Verizon FiOS Internet is straightforward after your ONT is set up. It takes 30-45 minutes to fix the connections and complete the online activation.

Firmware updates are automatic and over-the-air. No user input is required.

FiOS requires fiber-optic cables to create a passive optical network (PON) to transmit data between an Internet service provider (ISP) and the devices that are on your premise or at your business.

The six-hour install day includes running optical cable from the Fiber Distribution Terminal (that's the black box on the street pole), drilling a one-inch diameter hole through the side of my house to run cable through and installing a 1X2 foot white box, called an ONT or Optical Network Terminal on a wall.

Installation fees

Verizon Fios has a $99 installation fee, but you can get it waived if you install your equipment yourself and sign up for service online.

FiOS does not use modems. The ONT (Optical Network Terminal) performs the same function as a modem, and cable modems will not work with it. You can use your own router as long as your ONT is configured to deliver internet over Ethernet cable rather than Coaxial cable.

Verizon TV requires at least one set-top TV box in your home. But with the Fios TV Mobile app, you can watch TV outside your home on a compatible device.

No equipment fees or data caps

Every Verizon Fios plan includes a free Wi-Fi router, so you won't have to pay monthly Verizon Wi-Fi equipment fees. With Verizon Fios, you'll also be able to download and upload content to your heart's content—every Verizon Fios plan comes with unlimited data.

What they don't do is fish walls. They will tack it to the outside of walls. They may run part of it outside depending on the particulars of the home. The fiber typically enters the home near where other utilities come in.

Does Verizon upgrade routers for free? ›

Your current Fios® Internet service requires an upgraded router, so we're sending you a new router at no cost. Your new router will provide you with the full power of your current speed through a wired connection, while improving your Wi-Fi performance. ...

Get the best out of your internet with the Verizon Router. Stronger, better Wi-Fi for your connected home devices. Get it for $18/mo or buy it for $399.99 plus taxes and shipping. ​

What's worse, hackers can then use it, along with thousands of other hijacked routers, to launch malicious cyberattacks on organizations and their websites and networks. If your firmware is out of date, your router could be hijacked in this way and there's a good chance you wouldn't even know it.

Yes, it's possible to use any modern router on Verizon Fios without any limitations. Verizon does not specify any prerequisites for using a third-party router. That said, you have to use Verizon's modem.

No, you do not. Fios is a pure fiber service, so it doesn't use modems. The service instead uses an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which acts as a modem of sorts to convert the fiber signal.

All new installs use Ethernet from the ONT for internet data. TV service requires coax from the ONT. The main set-top-box must connect to a coax network that includes the ONT and router. The router must have both coax and Ethernet connected to it.

This is the cable you need to connect your set top box to a wall outlet or TV. Compatible with Fios. A simple, essential connection.

Cisco CHS 335

All-digital HD Set-top Box.

The Fios Network Adapter leverages MoCA technology. MoCA, which stands for "Multimedia over Coax Alliance", delivers a high-speed Ethernet connection, but delivers it using your existing coaxial cable (the wire you use to receive cable TV) to any room in your home that has a coaxial outlet.

Is Verizon Fios really faster than cable internet? Yes, Verizon Fios's download speeds are comparable to cable internet providers, but its plans offer faster upload speeds of up to 880 Mbps.

How long does it take to have internet after installation? ›

After installing all the required equipment and testing to ensure the signal functions as intended throughout the entire property, WiFi is ready for use almost immediately. In smaller buildings and homes, the testing process is generally simple.

$49 activation fee may apply. Offers may be fulfilled via bill credit(s); other taxes, fees & terms apply.

The Verizon 55+ Unlimited Plan includes the following features: Unlimited 4G LTE data. Unlimited talk & text. DVD-quality streaming.

Secondary Router Setup

It is especially useful on a busy network where multiple users are active at the same time. You can connect Netgear routers to Verizon FiOS or use another brand, if desired. Using a second FiOS router is the easiest approach, but other brands are compatible with a workaround.

A modem is a box that connects your home network to your internet service provider, or ISP. A router is a box that lets all of your wired and wireless devices use that internet connection at once and allows them to talk to one another directly.

Your Fios Router comes with a WPS button that allows for a connection to your Wi-Fi network without manually entering a password. If your wireless device supports WPS, follow your device manufacturer user's guide to set up and connect to your network. Use the My Fios app or visit My Verizon to manage Wi-Fi settings.

Fios TV One is an advanced whole home solution for viewing on up to five TVs in the home. Check to see if Fios TV One is available at your address. To connect and activate your Fios TV One, use the guided self-install tool in My Verizon or the My Fios app.

You can add up to 10 smartphones or basic phones to your Verizon mobile account with any plan that allows for multiple lines of service. And you can have up to 30 total devices per account.

For the FiOS routers, the largest client count they support out of the box is 253. It is configured by default to only accept clients between 192.168. 1.2 - 192.168. 1.254 (A total of 253 addresses).

What is the average Verizon Fios bill? ›

For 5G Home and LTE Home service, you can set up the equipment on your own, so there's no installation fee. To transfer your Fios internet service to a new home, log in to your account to let us know that you will be moving. There may be an installation fee when your new service is installed.

You need to return the router, STBs and remotes. The ONT, BBU and PSU can remain. Unplug the power to the PSU and open the BBU and disconnect the battery.

Sure, it's possible. Of course you'll need to keep the services and equipment separate. FiOS typically uses coax to connect the ONT to the router. You don't want the coax from the Verizon ONT to connect to the coax setup with Comcast, or bad things will happen.

Your Verizon FiOS TV technician can install new outlets for an additional charge. Depending on the area and your home's set-up, our technician(s) may or may not fish walls or move furniture when installing or replacing wiring or installing Set Top Boxes.

Coax Cable for Internet

Coax cable internet is a common cable connection many providers use. The way coax internet works is by sending a data signal through your coax cable to the modem at your location. The modem's Ethernet connection to your computer is what transmits that data, giving you high-speed internet access.

In general, experts recommend upgrading your router at least every five years. Make that every two to three years if you use lots of smart home gadgets, or if you make a regular habit of buying the latest laptops, phones and other primary Wi-Fi devices.

At the current pace of change, the average lifespan for a router is probably about five years. Upgrading every five years ensures that you'll always have the best features and performance without unnecessary side-grades.

You either purchase a router on your own or rent from Verizon. If you purchase a Verizon router, they will provide tech support for it. And will provide warranty service. But if you purchase another brand of router, they will not provide any support.

You should rent a modem or router (or both) from your internet provider if you want upgrades, replacements, and technical support at no additional cost to you. If you want to save money over the long run and have more control over your internet connection, buy your own router.

Does Verizon charge for modem and router? ›

Verizon Fios internet fees and costs

You also have the option to use your own modem and router. The Fios Router monthly rental fee is waived with the Fios Gigabit Connection plan. Data limit and usage fees — Verizon Fios internet plans have no data caps or data overage fees.

"If you do plan to keep using your current router, we will begin billing, on 9.29. 16, a monthly Router Maintenance Charge of $2.80 (plus taxes), to ensure we deliver the best support."

While most routers automatically update their firmware, it's still good to check it manually periodically. To do so, you have to access your router. When accessing your router, you need to type its IP address on your browser. You can usually find your router's IP address printed underneath.

A factory reset sends your router back to the earliest version of its firmware, so it's likely your firmware will be out of date.

Some routers automatically check for updates and subsequently send them. If not, ideally, your router firmware should be updated at least once in five years. In case there are many devices connected to it on a regular basis, every three years is also a good time to check up on your router firmware.

Can I watch Fios TV without a set-top box? Yes, you can watch Fios TV without a set-top box if your TV is newer than about 2006. Without Fios, you should be able to use your TV's scan function to watch local channels.

Installation fees

Verizon Fios has a $99 installation fee, but you can get it waived if you install your equipment yourself and sign up for service online.

FiOS uses an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), a router and set-top boxes. The ONT is installed, managed and owned by Verizon. You must use theirs. No exceptions.

Do FiOS boxes need coax? ›

Will the Fios TV One box connect through ethernet only without coax? No, you need coax to setup the MOCA network the boxes need to communicate with each other. You need coax going from the ONT to the router, and coax going to the main Fios One box from a splitter that is from either the ONT or the router.

The Fios Network Adapter has one coaxial jack for connecting to your home's coaxial network.

Secondary Router Setup

It is especially useful on a busy network where multiple users are active at the same time. You can connect Netgear routers to Verizon FiOS or use another brand, if desired. Using a second FiOS router is the easiest approach, but other brands are compatible with a workaround.

Cisco CHS 335

All-digital HD Set-top Box.

Every Verizon Fios plan includes a free Wi-Fi router, so you won't have to pay monthly Verizon Wi-Fi equipment fees.