Update 2: Verizon FiOS Plan

So I finally ordered Verizon's FiOS, just the Internet and Phone. Signed up for the 15/5 Fiber Optic internet and the same package for the phone (Freedom Plan). Verizon will finish the installation on Monday. They've already brought the Fiber connection up from the street and to the house. Monday they will complete the install by putting in the box. I'll post photos later of the installation.

What I plan on doing is removing the HBO, Show Time, Stars and other Movie channels from my Dish Network services to, hopefully bring the bill down by about $40.00 a month. In its place I have signed up for NetFlix, at the moment I am on the free trial for two weeks and so far I am liking it, why I didn't sign up sooner is beyond me. The connection I have now (DSL 768/256) actually streams surprisingly well. The buffer is great, its a bit blocky here and there but for the most part its good, even on a laptop (wireless).

One of the other things I need to setup is testing my internet connection speeds before I get the FiOS service, I want to compare the speeds with several different methods using different file type downloads, Speed Test reports and a few other things, like uploading and what not. So come Monday after about 3pm I should have the service installed. Check back then for a report on the installation and service.

~Cheers!

Verizon Fios Upgrade Plan

I've twittered a little bit about this, you can read that here: https://twitter.com/hosehead78 .Also, it has been a long time since I posted on my blog, sorry if anyone was actually reading this, or even still reading this. Busy lately and haven't had the time to post anything worth while, but now I am. So here it is...

So, is upgrading to Verizon FiOS Internet (15 Mbps/5Mbps) and their phone Freedom and getting the "Free" laptop worth it? Well, so far I have figured, my normal phone bill is $54.99 (not including any taxes they add) and my internet is $21.99, a total of $76.98, then add about 15 for taxes (added from home phone), so my monthly is usually about $91.98. So, in all I figure the bundle will cost me $ 79.99 a month plus maybe the same for taxes ($15), puts it at about $ 94.99. Thats almost 3 bucks more than what I pay now, but, I'll have the 15 Mbps/5Mbps internet speed and the "Free" laptop.

My next question is, Is the laptop worth getting it for "Free". I talked to a rep about it and the rep stated that I would have to add 14.95 for shipping (not a problem) and add the wireless card for plus a month charge for the wireless service. Mind you I asked, what if I only use the wireless at home, do I still need the card? Of course, the answer was Yes. The laptop that is offered is a Compaq Mini 110. I've checked the net for this laptop and see that it is not the same as what Compaq/HP has on their site, of course that is pretty much obvious. They are not going to give you a really good laptop for nothing.

Here is a link to laptop they give you and its specs. Verizon Laptop Offer

So, is it worth the time and effort to switch? I don't even know how the service is for the phone. I am guessing that it is Voice Over IP. It does not state if it is or not, I would think it would say that it is. I still need to look into this part.

All in all, I think it is worth it somewhat, I get a faster internet speed, new router and setup crap, of course I can do on my own anyhow. The other perk is the laptop, regardless the wireless thing, well more so the cost of wireless plan to use anywhere.

I'll be posting more here or on my twitter account about this, please let me know what your option is and what not.