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Verizon's new fiber optic
based high speed internet service began rolling out in
November, 2004. The system requires upgrades to Verizon's
network. You may see green boxes on telephone polls at eye
level and small loops of orange fiber optic cable by the
overhead phone lines at the street; these are for FiOS.
Download speeds will range
from "from up to 5 Mbps all the way up to 30
Mbps" (download) and 2-5 mbps upload. This compares to
a typical DSL speed of 640Kbps or a cable internet
connection of 1.5Mbps for downloads.
Prices range from about
$35-200 per month, depending on speed. The service comes
with MSN® Premium or Verizon Yahoo! for FiOS.
The speeds are so fast
that many computers will be a limiting factor. You can
check the system requirements on Verizon's webpage. One
specific hardware issue that some computers will have a
problem with is the network card. FiOS requires a 100
Base-T network card (if the connection is made with a
cable). Many people have a 10 Base-T card in their
computers. It's inexpensive to upgrade the network card,
but it's good to know about before you proceed with
getting the service. It's also possible to connect to your
computer using a wireless adapter.
Eventually, Verizon plans
to offer video on demand over these fiber optics lines.
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