There’s nothing more frustrating than using a slow internet connection or watching TV with a grainy print.
If you’ve been experiencing similar problems, you might be thinking of switching to another internet provider such as Verizon’s Fios (where FIOS stands for Fiber Optic Service).
But before that, you should know that Fios doesn’t exactly have an easy installation process, especially if you happen to live in an apartment.
Keep reading to find out how Fios is installed in an apartment and what else you need to know about it.
Fios Installation Process
First and foremost, you should get in touch with a Verizon representative and make sure that your apartment building falls under their coverage. If it does, you can proceed to ask them about the installation process.
Basically, the technician will run a fiber-optic connection from the larger network to your building and specifically into your apartment. If your building already has Fios users, this step might be simpler, and the technician might simply reuse existing wires.
Once that connection reaches your apartment, through a small conduit perhaps, the technician will connect it to a utility box inside your apartment called the Optical Network Terminal (ONT).
Then, they will run an ethernet cable from the ONT to your router, and your Fios should be all set up.
While this does sound pretty easy and straightforward, Fios installations can take anywhere from four to six hours. So, make sure you cancel your other appointments for the day.
Things You Need to Know Before Getting Fios Installed in Your Apartment
Since Fios installations do take quite a lot of time, effort, and money, there are a few things you should know beforehand. This way, you can avoid any surprises or regrets later on.
Experience Faster Internet
On the bright side, all that effort will pay off because you’ll get faster internet. If you’ve recently moved into your apartment and already had Fios before, this won’t be much of a shock to you.
However, if you’re switching over from another internet service provider, you will be pleasantly surprised to see the much faster internet speeds. In fact, not just the internet, you will also experience a remarkable improvement in your phone line and TV as well.
Your calls will be clearer and smoother. The TV will have multiple channels with high definition quality. Just be prepared to memorize your favorite channel numbers all over again.
Take Your Landlord’s Permission
Since the Fios installation takes so much time, you can imagine all the work that goes into it. Normally, this isn’t a problem. However, if you live in a rented apartment, you will have to make sure you get permission from your landlord first.
The installation might require access to areas in your building other than your apartment.
The wires might have to be drilled at some places. Moreover, in case you haven’t seen one before, the ONT box is also quite large and will have to be mounted on your apartment wall after some drilling.
Since all this will leave permanent changes, you will need to speak with your landlord first and get their permission.
Phone Won’t Work Without Power
Your phone line will be connected to the ONT. Usually, the ONT comes with a battery backup, so in case there are power shortages, your phone line shouldn’t be affected.
However, if your area experiences prolonged power outages due to snow, storms, tornadoes, etc., and the ONT battery also runs out, your phone line will be dead.
This means you won’t be able to use it to call for any emergency services.
These days, we have our handy smartphones, so it shouldn’t be too much of an issue. However, it’s still good to know these things beforehand.
Pros and Cons of Getting Fios Installed in Your Apartment
There’s no doubt that the internet and other similar services are an absolute necessity for us today. As more and more of our appliances go digital and wireless, the need for the internet, specifically fast internet, is only rising. In that regard, Fios is an excellent solution to our problems.
However, if all this information regarding the Fios installation is making you hesitate, then consider reading this concise pros and cons section.
This should help you decide whether this is the internet service for you or not.
The good things about having Fios
Here are some reasons why you should definitely consider getting Fios installed in your apartment.
Incredibly Fast Download and Upload Speeds
As mentioned earlier, you can experience much faster internet speeds with Fios. This is because of their advanced technology.
Fios itself stands for fiber optics service. This is different from the wires used in your typical cable internet.
Fios uses wires that consist of flexible fibers of glass that can transmit data at incredibly high speeds and over long distances.
Previously, it was only used for medical and telecommunication purposes. However, now it’s being used to provide internet services, too.
Therefore, you can enjoy fast download as well as upload speeds at home. That means no more waiting for hours for that movie to buffer or for those vacation pictures to upload.
Unlimited Data
With Fios, you can enjoy unlimited data. Most other internet service providers do offer internet packages with a lot of data, such as 1TB, but there’s still a limit.
Most people probably don’t have to worry about their internet limit, but if you’re living with many people or you tend to download a lot, you might be concerned with having enough data.
That’s why Fios provides unlimited data so that users can enjoy internet service to the fullest.
Bundling Options
You also have a lot of bundling options. You can either go for single services, such as just the internet or just TV. Or, you can also get bundle packages that include multiple services.
Not only are these more convenient to subscribe to each month, but they also tend to be less expensive than getting each service individually. You can either go for internet plus TV bundles or go on the internet plus TV plus phone bundles.
You can go for basic bundles or more expensive bundles that offer higher speeds. Furthermore, Fios also offers a free Visa card or something similar with some bundles to thank users for subscribing to their service.
Reliable Internet Service
Fios is also quite reliable. Even if you get an extremely fast internet speed, it’s useless if it’s not reliable and keeps disappearing or doesn’t have consistent performance.
Fios is quite good in that regard. You can trust their internet service to stay consistent without many fluctuations and interruptions.
Additionally, as mentioned earlier, they use fiberglass in their connection, which happens to be much more durable. Therefore, you can expect to have an active internet connection even during extreme weather.
Excellent Customer Support
As it is with any product or service, an excellent customer support team is crucial. Fios’ internet connection or service overall may not be entirely perfect, and you may run into a few problems here and there.
However, you don’t have to worry about it because Verizon has a great customer support team that is always ready to help you out with any problems.
Whether it’s regarding installation or getting the right permissions or any technical help, their customer support representatives are always there to sort out your problems.
Some not so good things about Fios
Here are a few drawbacks to a Fios installation in your apartment.
Limited Coverage
One of the biggest drawbacks to Verizon’s Fios is that currently, it has limited coverage. It doesn’t provide its internet services everywhere at the moment.
As of now, Fios is only available in a handful of states, such as New York, Delaware, Rhode Island, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and a couple of other states.
While they are trying to increase that coverage, it will take time to reach everywhere. That’s why we mentioned that you need to confirm whether Verizon covers your building or not before you actually worry about the installation.
Installation Process
Unlike some cable internet providers who are done setting up the internet connection in about an hour, Fios installation does take a lot of time.
It requires a lot of effort and technical work, as well.
Therefore, it’s already a bit of a hassle for homeowners. Those who are living in rented apartments or places have to go through the additional trouble of getting permission from their landlords as well.
Price
Of course, all the benefits we mentioned don’t exactly come for free. As compared to other internet service providers, Fios does fall under the pricier category.
Opting for bundles and subscribing for a whole year does help, but it’s still in the expensive range.
However, it does make up for it through its exceptional internet speeds and services.
Conclusion
Getting Fios installed in your apartment does take time and effort for some people. However, if you decide to stick with it, you will be rewarded with lightning-fast internet speeds, clear digital calling, and a sharp TV display.
Just make sure you have your landlord’s permission before the installation starts, and the technician has access to all areas that will be required during the installation process.
Other articles you may also like: