FIOS questions

[Floyd]

Well, I got a Western Union mailgram from Verizon today, announcing the availability of the FIOS(fiber optic) internet service that they recently installed in my neighborhood.
The price is $34.95/mo for a 5Mbps download speed, free installation to one computer only, and you must also get a "qualifying" calling package, whatever that is. I went to their sorry online site, which also mentions the qualifying package several times with no furthur explanation, so I suspect that there is a nasty suprise there somewhere. Anyone know?

Also, I have "free" personal web space, unemcumbered by ads, with my current Prodigy dialup service. Does FIOS service come with any free space?

It also comes with MSN Premium, which I don't want. Do I have to use that, or can I stick with my IE browser?

Oh, another thing. The verizonfios.com website offers a free month when you sign up online, but inputting my phone # says I can't get the service yet.

[Throb]

What area of Tampa are you coming from and is there a number to find out about service in Pinellas County???

[Floyd]

I'm in the N. Carrolwood/Lake Magdalene area of Tampa. You will see crews working your area well in advance of any availability of the FIOS system. Look for trucks along the sides of the roads, with underground digging equipment and spools of bright orange tubing. I noticed that since all the excitement over the FIOS teams digging up some major utilities, the crews have more human diggers. The crew working near my S/D now looks more like a chain-gang than a fiber optic crew. Shovels aplenty.
The contact number on the promotion they sent me is 1-888-GET-FIOS
I called that number and found out that the smallest "qualifing" voice package includes 3 calling features(callerID, call-waiting, ect) and cost 35.45 plus tax. After computing my current features/cost, the CSR said I would be better off by keeping my current voice package and paying the standard rate(39.95) for FIOS. She did say that she could authorize the first month free, and that installation appt. wait-imes are running 5-10 days at this time.
I'm going to look at DSL for comparison.

[pilotbob]

...and you must also get a "qualifying" calling package, whatever that is.

Does FIOS service come with any free space?

It also comes with MSN Premium, which I don't want. Do I have to use that, or can I stick with my IE browser?


I can answer some of these questions cause I assume the service is pretty simmilar to their DSL, just a different connection method.

1. Qualifying phone package is usually one with call waiting and other stuff. Look at there DSL service/prices, I bet it is pretty simmilar.

2. DSL came with 5meg web space.

3. No, you don't have to use the MSN stuff. Although the MSN browser does have some nice features.

How long ago did they bury the lines in front of your house untill you got this notice?

Let us know if you call and get any extra info.

PilotBob

[Floyd]

They put the lines down our street a couple of months ago, but I noticed one of the "chain-gangs" working a couple of weeks ago bringing in a line from Lake Magdalene Dr that may have been the feeder for the S/D.

[Kendo]

It comes with 10meg of web space plus a tool to create your own web site. You don't have to use MSN. You can also use Web Mail, Outlook Express or Outlook. Mail stays in your mailbox for a month before being expired unless you download it to a mail client. You have 30MB of mailbox space.

For more information see my postings in "It has begun..."

[Harry]

I just had the FIOS TV installed yesterday and my wife likes it better than BHN so it looks like I will have to switch to FIOS for internet. I have a couple of questions that hopefully some one can answer.

1. Do they have a webmail capability so that I can check email while away from home with a web browser?

2. They say that for an extra charge you can have some type of dial access while traveling. Anyone know the details?

3. There was a comment earlier here about PPoe and needing to change the password in the router if you change your email password. That doesn't make sense to me with having up to 9 email addresses. What am I missing?

4. For work I do a VPN thing thru BHN to get to the corporate network, uses AT&T net client. Anyone had any problems doing that with FIOS?

Thanks for the info.

Harry

[pilotbob]

1. Do they have a webmail capability so that I can check email while away from home with a web browser?


Yes they have a web mail UI. You mean your not using GMail or Windows Live mail?


3. There was a comment earlier here about PPoe and needing to change the password in the router if you change your email password. That doesn't make sense to me with having up to 9 email addresses. What am I missing?


No need. The PPoE username/password is open. Any values will work.


4. For work I do a VPN thing thru BHN to get to the corporate network, uses AT&T net client. Anyone had any problems doing that with FIOS?


Haven't tried it yet, but don't see an issue.

BOb

[Harry]

Yes they have a web mail UI. You mean your not using GMail or Windows Live mail?

BOb

Thanks for the answers, I appreciate it. I am not sure if I will just keep RR when I drop the cable TV and then I won't have make any changes or if I will go to FIOS. I don't preceive any big advantage and it would be a pain. No, I don't use Gmail or whatever. I kind of like being able to store messages on my PC and all and find the interface in Outlook express to be much more responsive than an webmail that I have encountered. I have used one of the free web based mail suppliers for dealing with places that want an email and I don't trust them not to spam me to death but that is different than running my normal life.

Harry

[CipCab]

Empire City Subway was digging up my block recently. I hope this means well have Fios available soon.

[skottey]

Empire City Subway was digging up my block recently. I hope this means well have Fios available soon.

Well it sure doesn't mean we are getting a mass transit system, so it is probably FIOS! haha

[Floyd]

So, does Empire City Subway have NY plates on their vehicles?

[pilotbob]

Well it sure doesn't mean we are getting a mass transit system, so it is probably FIOS! haha

perhaps we are getting a new sub shop?