Verizon Fios is renowned for its blazing-fast fiber-optic internet, crystal-clear TV, and reliable home phone services. If you're looking to upgrade your home connectivity, Fios is an excellent choice. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about requesting Verizon Fios, from checking availability to enjoying your new service.
Are you ready to transform your home's connectivity with lightning-fast speeds and crystal-clear entertainment? Let's dive into how you can bring Verizon Fios to your doorstep!
Step 1: Check Verizon Fios Availability at Your Address
This is the most crucial first step because Fios is a fiber-optic service, and its availability is geographically limited. While Verizon offers other internet options like 5G Home Internet and LTE Home Internet, Fios requires a direct fiber connection to your home.
How to Check Availability:
Online is the Easiest Way: Head to the official Verizon Fios website. You'll typically find a prominent "Check Availability" or "Shop Plans" section on their homepage.
Enter Your Address: You'll be prompted to enter your full street address, including your city, state, and ZIP code.
Wait for the Magic! The system will then determine if Fios is available at your specific location. If it is, congratulations! You're one step closer to experiencing fiber-optic speeds.
What if it's not available? Don't despair! Verizon might offer other home internet options like 5G Home Internet or LTE Home Internet, which leverage their cellular network. While not fiber, these can still provide excellent speeds, especially if you're in an area with strong 5G Ultra Wideband coverage.
Pro Tip: Even if a neighbor has Fios, it's always best to check your exact address. Fiber lines can be installed block by block or even house by house.
How To Request Verizon Fios |
Step 2: Explore Verizon Fios Plans and Bundles
Once you've confirmed availability, it's time for the fun part: choosing the plan that best suits your needs! Verizon Fios offers a variety of internet speed tiers, and you can often bundle internet with TV and home phone services for potential savings.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
Understanding Internet Speeds:
Fios 300 Mbps: Great for most households – perfect for streaming, Browse, and casual gaming for a few users. Often comes with a 2-year price guarantee.
Fios 500 Mbps: A significant upgrade for heavier usage, multiple simultaneous streams, and more intensive online activities. Typically includes a 3-year price guarantee.
Fios 1 Gig (up to 940 Mbps wired): The popular choice for serious gamers, large families, and smart homes with many connected devices. Often comes with a 4-year price guarantee and sometimes includes exciting perks like gaming bundles or free streaming services.
Fios 2 Gig (up to 2.3 Gbps wired): For the ultimate internet experience, ideal for cutting-edge technology, multiple 8K streams, and professional home offices. Also comes with a 4-year price guarantee.
Considering Bundles:
Internet + TV: Verizon Fios offers a range of TV packages with varying channel lineups. If you're cutting the cord, an internet-only plan might be sufficient, but bundles can sometimes offer better value.
Internet + Phone: If you still rely on a landline, you can add home phone service to your bundle.
Mobile + Home Internet Discounts: If you're a Verizon mobile customer, you might be eligible for significant monthly savings on your Fios internet plan. Be sure to inquire about these "mix and match" discounts.
Remember: Look closely at the price guarantees for each plan. These lock in your monthly rate for a set period, providing peace of mind against price hikes.
Step 3: Place Your Verizon Fios Order
You've checked availability, picked your perfect plan – now it's time to make it official!
Ordering Methods:
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
Online (Recommended): Ordering directly through the Verizon Fios website is often the most convenient and may even qualify you for waived installation fees or exclusive online promotions. The online portal will guide you step-by-step.
By Phone: You can call Verizon Fios sales at 1-800-225-5499 (Sales for Mobile, 5G Home, LTE Home, Fios) or 1-800-837-4966 (Sales & Service for Fios). A representative can answer your questions, help you choose a plan, and process your order.
In-Store: If you prefer a face-to-face interaction, visit a Verizon store location. A sales associate can assist you.
Information You'll Need:
Your full address.
Contact information (phone number, email address).
Desired Fios plan (internet speed, TV package, phone service).
Payment method information.
Preferred installation date and time (if applicable).
Step 4: Prepare for Your Verizon Fios Installation
Whether you opt for professional installation or are eligible for self-installation, a little preparation goes a long way to ensure a smooth setup.
Self-Installation vs. Professional Installation:
Self-Installation: This option is typically available if your address previously had Fios and there's an existing, working Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and wiring. Verizon will ship you the equipment, and you'll follow step-by-step instructions (often via the My Fios app or a provided guide) to set it up yourself. This can save you the installation fee!
Professional Installation: If Fios is new to your home, or if there are any wiring complexities, a Verizon technician will need to visit. This typically involves the technician bringing the fiber line to your home, installing the ONT, setting up your router, and connecting TV and phone services. A typical installation can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.
Preparation Tips for Any Installation:
Clear the Path: Ensure the technician has clear access to the exterior of your home where utilities enter, and to the areas where you want your router, TV boxes, and phone jacks installed.
Power Outlets: Identify grounded electrical outlets near where you want your Fios equipment (ONT, router, TV boxes) placed. These outlets should not be controlled by a switch.
Adult Presence: An adult (18 years or older) who can make decisions about equipment placement and configuration must be present for the entire duration of a professional installation.
Computer Requirements: While Fios is fast, ensure your computer meets minimum system requirements to fully utilize the speeds.
Existing Equipment: If you're switching from another provider, be prepared to disconnect your old internet and TV equipment before Fios is installed.
Consider Router Placement: Think about the central location for your Fios router to ensure optimal Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. Avoid placing it near large metal objects, microwaves, or thick walls, which can interfere with Wi-Fi signals.
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
Step 5: The Installation Process (and What to Expect)
For Professional Installation:
Technician Arrival: Your Verizon technician will arrive within the scheduled appointment window. They'll assess your home's setup and discuss placement options for equipment.
Fiber Optic Line Installation: The technician will run the fiber optic line from the street to your home. This may involve some exterior work, potentially burying the line if it's an underground service.
Optical Network Terminal (ONT) Installation: The ONT is the "heart" of your Fios system, converting the fiber optic light signals into electrical signals for your home network. It's typically installed on an exterior wall or in a basement/garage, near a grounded power outlet.
Power Supply Unit & Battery Backup: A power supply unit will be installed for the ONT. If you opted for a battery backup (for phone service during power outages), that will also be set up.
Router Connection: The technician will connect your Verizon Fios router to the ONT, usually via an Ethernet cable.
TV and Phone Setup (if bundled): Coaxial cables will be connected to your TV outlets for Fios TV, and set-top boxes will be installed and activated. Home phone service will be connected to the ONT's phone port.
Service Activation: The technician will activate your service and ensure all components are working correctly. They'll also help you connect your Wi-Fi devices and guide you through the initial setup of your TV services.
For Self-Installation:
Unbox Your Equipment: You'll receive a box with your Fios router, power cords, Ethernet cables, and potentially set-top boxes and coaxial cables if you ordered TV.
Locate the ONT: Find the existing Optical Network Terminal (ONT) in your home (often in a utility closet, basement, or garage).
Connect the Router: Follow the instructions provided to connect your Fios router to the ONT (usually via an Ethernet cable to the router's WAN/Internet port). Plug in the power cord.
Connect TV (if applicable): Connect your Fios TV One or set-top boxes to a coaxial outlet and to your TV via an HDMI cable.
Activate Your Service: Once the router's lights are solid white (indicating it's updated and ready, which can take up to 10 minutes), open a web browser on a connected device. You'll be prompted to activate your service online. For TV boxes, follow the on-screen instructions on your TV to complete activation and remote setup.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Verizon Fios Service!
Once activated, you're ready to experience the power of fiber optics!
Maximizing Your Fios Experience:
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
Customize Wi-Fi: Access your router's administration page (often via
192.168.1.1
ormyfiosgateway.com
) to change your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and create a strong, secure password. Enable both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for optimal performance.My Fios App: Download the My Fios app (available on iOS and Android) to manage your network, run speed tests, troubleshoot issues, view your bill, and more.
Wired Connections: For critical devices like gaming consoles, smart TVs, or desktop computers, consider using an Ethernet cable for the fastest and most stable connection.
Wi-Fi Extenders: If you have a large home or experience dead zones, consider adding a Verizon Wi-Fi extender (often included with higher-tier plans or available for purchase) to expand your coverage.
Explore Fios TV Features: If you have Fios TV, delve into features like Voice Remote, On Demand, and the Fios TV app for streaming on mobile devices.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions and quick answers about requesting and managing Verizon Fios:
How to check if Verizon Fios is available at my address? Visit the official Verizon Fios website and enter your full address into the "Check Availability" tool.
How to choose the right Verizon Fios internet plan for my household? Consider your typical online activities (streaming, gaming, working from home), the number of users, and the number of connected devices to determine the appropriate speed tier (e.g., 300 Mbps for basic use, 1 Gig for heavy use).
How to bundle Verizon Fios internet with TV and phone services? During the online ordering process or when speaking with a sales representative, you'll be given options to add TV packages and home phone service to your internet plan.
How to prepare my home for a Verizon Fios professional installation? Ensure clear access for the technician, have grounded electrical outlets near desired equipment locations, and have an adult (18+) present for the duration of the installation.
How to perform a Verizon Fios self-installation? Follow the step-by-step instructions provided with your equipment, typically involving connecting the router to the existing ONT and then activating service online or via the My Fios app.
How to find my Verizon Fios Wi-Fi network name and password? The Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password are usually printed on a label on your Verizon Fios router.
How to improve my Verizon Fios Wi-Fi signal? Optimize router placement (central location, away from interference), consider a Wi-Fi extender, or use wired Ethernet connections for critical devices.
How to troubleshoot common Verizon Fios internet issues? Start by restarting your ONT and router (unplug for 30 seconds, then plug back in). Check all cable connections. For further issues, use the My Fios app or contact Verizon support.
How to contact Verizon Fios customer service for support? You can reach Fios sales and service at 1-800-837-4966. For technical support, the number is 1-800-922-0204.
How to manage my Verizon Fios account and billing online? Sign in to My Verizon on the website or use the My Verizon app to view your bill, manage services, change plans, and access support.
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