Juicy Box
macrumors 604
- Sep 23, 2014
- 7,534
- 8,869
- #40
What were you going to say?
I know a lot of people complain about posting to old threads, but I personally think if the post adds something meaningful to the thread, there is nothing wrong with doing it.
Many people get to these threads by searches, so if there is new information or anything helpful that wasn't already mentioned, it would help when people find these threads.
I have something to add since last time I posted on the thread. I have since upgraded my TV and ATV to 4K. Even with a heavy streaming house, 50Mbps download speed was perfectly fine. Although, this is only with one 4K TV and a few 1080p ones.
I switch my ISPs often, and usually take whatever the cheapest deal is. My two available ISPs are Comcast and Verizon FiOS.
The cheapest Comcast deal are usually 60Mbps or 100Mbps download with the occasional 30Mbps download promotion. For FiOS, the cheapest plans are usually 50Mbps or 100Mbps download, depending on the current promotion.
I say that to say that not that I am streaming 4K in my home, I will most likely never be on a plan that is less than 50Mbps, and will most likely try to be @ 100Mbps or above.
A note to current FiOS subscribers: I may not ever switch back to Comcast ever again.
Use this link to save money, but don't take the initial offer, click on the "other" deal link to get better deals:
Fios Mix and Match: Custom Internet, TV and Phone Packages | Verizon
With Fios Mix & Match, you choose the internet, TV or phone plan that works for you - no contracts or surprises. Bundle packages or pick a standalone service.
verizon.com
Corporate FiOS used to subscribe to the business model that it is harder to get a new customer than keep an old one, which is generally true. FiOS, like most ISP in the U.S. would have great deals, but only for new customers only. The deals would usually have built-in price increases, and expire after a year or two.
Customers then could sign up for a new deal with FiOS, but the new deals for existing customers were never as good and the new customer deals and usually involved signing one or two year contracts.
Most people do not like to shop around (or can't due to lack of competition), so they would just keep paying these high rate prices, which is why it is much harder for FiOS to get a new customer than keep an existing one.
But, with the cord cutting trend, people started to educate themselves on ways to save money with the ISPs, one way is switching ISPs to always get the new customer price. More and more people started doing this. I have been doing it for over a decade.
Corporate FiOS realized that while it is still harder to get a new customer, it is no longer easy to retain current customers.
That was a long story to tell you why they started a website for existing FiOS customers to lower their bills to the new customer rate.
If you call the FiOS retention reps, they will not give you the good deals, as getting the lower rate as an existing customer only works via the website.
If you try the website, do not pick the first good deal you see, click on the "other" deals link as the deals in there are much better than the initial deals offered.
I was paying for the FiOS new customer deal of 100Mbps up and down for $39.99 a month for 12 months.... Not bad. But when I went to the website, the initial deal they offered was the same 100Mbps for $39.99.
I click on the "other" deals, and they had an offer for 200Mbps up and down for the same price of $39.99 a month. Also, this is a locked in rate, and it may not change. (although, who knows if that is actually true)
A side note, when I tested my speed after signing up for the new deal, it was actually 300Mbps down and 350Mbps upload. Not bad for only $40 a month.
