Dismantling fios triple

Apollo_T said:

From what I’ve seen (remember I’m a technotwit) it appears that the comps provide a larger 5g router which receives signal, wirelessly, and then wi-fis it within your home.  This bypasses all the cabling.   They supply a 5g router with the service and, if I’m right about how it all works, that’s how they advertise ‘NO Equipment rental’  there is none!!! The IPs also have gone to NO hidden fees and NO contracts as a response to the market’s many complaints about these.  And pushed there by competitors.

I think you're conflating the 5G cellular network your phone connects to, where 5G stands for fifth generation, with 5G Wi-Fi in your home, where it stands for the 5 gigahertz signal band your computers are connecting to the router on, as opposed to the older 2.4 gigahertz, which supported slower speeds. 

My Fios upgrade that I posted about upthread included a new router, which supports 5G Wi-Fi and which costs me nothing, but it's still connecting to the (also newly upgraded) ONT in the basement (the thing that takes the fiber line from the telephone pole and converts it into something you can use in your house) via a cable. And the website still shows a rental or purchase price for the router -- I think it's something the reps can waive to make you a better offer.

Just found this article a little while ago:

https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/what-is-5g-home-internet/

kenboy said:

I think you're conflating the 5G cellular network your phone connects to, where 5G stands for fifth generation, with 5G Wi-Fi in your home, where it stands for the 5 gigahertz signal band your computers are connecting to the router on, as opposed to the older 2.4 gigahertz, which supported slower speeds. 

My Fios upgrade that I posted about upthread included a new router, which supports 5G Wi-Fi and which costs me nothing, but it's still connecting to the (also newly upgraded) ONT in the basement (the thing that takes the fiber line from the telephone pole and converts it into something you can use in your house) via a cable. And the website still shows a rental or purchase price for the router -- I think it's something the reps can waive to make you a better offer.

Technically it doesn't cost nothing if you're still renting the router. I seem to remember FIOS wanted to charge me $15/month for a new router rental, and as I cut cable I didn't need their MOCA router anymore, so I just bought my own and connected to the ONT with an Ethernet cable. Most good routers are less than $100, which means within 6 months they've basically paid for themselves.

Apollo, you are going to overthink this.  Tell them what you want, ask for the best price, offer to move on if you mean it.

ridski said:

Technically it doesn't cost nothing if you're still renting the router. I seem to remember FIOS wanted to charge me $15/month for a new router rental, and as I cut cable I didn't need their MOCA router anymore, so I just bought my own and connected to the ONT with an Ethernet cable. Most good routers are less than $100, which means within 6 months they've basically paid for themselves.

They did give me mine for free, the CR1000a (or b, it's a little unclear, actually); I then bought two TP-Link AC1750 refurbished routers for $35 each on Amazon, put them in access point mode, and used them and the Verizon router to set up a single 5G network and three individually named 2.4 GHz networks in our house -- works much better than I expected it would. All the slower legacy devices (Alexas and smart plugs and such) connect to the nearest 2.4 GHz access point or router, and all our phones and laptops connect to the 5G network and switch very quickly to the nearest access point as we move through the house. MUCH better than it had been before we upgraded. 

kenboy said:

They did give me mine for free, the CR1000a (or b, it's a little unclear, actually); I then bought two TP-Link AC1750 refurbished routers for $35 each on Amazon, put them in access point mode, and used them and the Verizon router to set up a single 5G network and three individually named 2.4 GHz networks in our house -- works much better than I expected it would. All the slower legacy devices (Alexas and smart plugs and such) connect to the nearest 2.4 GHz access point or router, and all our phones and laptops connect to the 5G network and switch very quickly to the nearest access point as we move through the house. MUCH better than it had been before we upgraded. 

So they’re not charging you monthly for the equipment rental?

ridski said:

kenboy said:

They did give me mine for free, the CR1000a (or b, it's a little unclear, actually); I then bought two TP-Link AC1750 refurbished routers for $35 each on Amazon, put them in access point mode, and used them and the Verizon router to set up a single 5G network and three individually named 2.4 GHz networks in our house -- works much better than I expected it would. All the slower legacy devices (Alexas and smart plugs and such) connect to the nearest 2.4 GHz access point or router, and all our phones and laptops connect to the 5G network and switch very quickly to the nearest access point as we move through the house. MUCH better than it had been before we upgraded. 

So they’re not charging you monthly for the equipment rental?

$4.99 a month for the cablecard that goes in my TiVo -- that's the only thing I rent from them. 

kenboy said:

$4.99 a month for the cablecard that goes in my TiVo -- that's the only thing I rent from them. 

Well, color me impressed. Well done, kenboy!

A bit of follow-up; a couple of weeks ago I disconnected the fios wires to our tvs.  This means that we’ve been living without live cable tv for a short time.  We’ve using a couple of streaming services (not live).  Based on that experience we’ve decided that we will be getting rid of fios cable!

We don’t need anything ‘live’.  We’re trying out different streaming services using trial offers.  Result, so far, no to Sling.  We’ll keep Hulu (no ads), PBS Passport, and Paramount + (which includes shotime &?).  We’ll figure out what else we want later.  She plays lots of foreign films in addition some series. I watch very little ‘entertainment’ tv and no ‘live’ sports.  

So far it looks like we’ll be able to cut out a huge chunk of that ridiculous bill. 

Am I correct- are folks who are not using fios cable still paying the $35 BS fees?

A couple of months ago we bought an Amazon Fire TV Stick.  Neither of us likes the UI, so we replaced it with a new Roku (which we’re enjoying).  Since this Fire Stick is almost brand new and it works perfectly I’d like to sell it.  How do clear it out to get it ready for sale?  Will a factory reset do the trick?

TIA

Apollo_T said:

A bit of follow-up; a couple of weeks ago I disconnected the fios wires to our tvs.  This means that we’ve been living without live cable tv for a short time.  We’ve using a couple of streaming services (not live).  Based on that experience we’ve decided that we will be getting rid of fios cable!

We don’t need anything ‘live’.  We’re trying out different streaming services using trial offers.  Result, so far, no to Sling.  We’ll keep Hulu (no ads), PBS Passport, and Paramount + (which includes shotime &?).  We’ll figure out what else we want later.  She plays lots of foreign films in addition some series. I watch very little ‘entertainment’ tv and no ‘live’ sports.  

So far it looks like we’ll be able to cut out a huge chunk of that ridiculous bill. 

Am I correct- are folks who are not using fios cable still paying the $35 BS fees?

What are your $35 in fees listed as?

Apollo_T said:

A couple of months ago we bought an Amazon Fire TV Stick.  Neither of us likes the UI, so we replaced it with a new Roku (which we’re enjoying).  Since this Fire Stick is almost brand new and it works perfectly I’d like to sell it.  How do clear it out to get it ready for sale?  Will a factory reset do the trick?

TIA

I'm no expert but a factory reset should do it.

ridski said:

What are your $35 in fees listed as?

Those are the regional sports BS, franchise BS, broadcast BS…etc.  just went up again late last month.

Apollo_T said:

ridski said:

What are your $35 in fees listed as?

Those are the regional sports BS, franchise BS, broadcast BS…etc.  just went up again late last month.

As you've only disconnected your cable to your cable box, you're still paying for cable TV service, so yes, you'll be charged for those fees. Once you downgrade to Internet only, those specific fees will go away. 

@ridski

Thanks!!!  That’s what i originally thought but someone hinted that those fees and surcharges, or a portion, remain with all internet services.

What prompted the new avatar?

i keep my landline for emergency access...its a major PIA to call 911 from a cell.....i was in a situation where I had to call 911 numerous times over a few year period....and it could still happen....its usually when I am outside and need to be able to get through quick.  The 1st time, it took 5 minutes, they couldn't get it transferred to the right dispatcher (I wasn't at home anyway that time)...i ended up having to call the non emergency number when 911 hung up on me.  Last year, with a completely different set of circumstances, i had to call for help 5x in 8 days.....including once on the road when I got trapped in between 2 road rages.  I am disabled and couldn't physically protect myself...luckily it never escalated...but calling 911 on the cell still took extra time...and i ws so panicked I couldn't remember where I was and it was a road i travel 2-3x/week......another incident, i heard a neighbor assault his GF and her screaming...and was able to use the landline which went right through....

i am paying 155 for a fios triple play.  i got the package in 2009...it was the 2nd cheapest...if i were to change now, it would be a lot more...i think i only pay about 30 for the landline....

Apollo_T said:

@ridski

Thanks!!!  That’s what i originally thought but someone hinted that those fees and surcharges, or a portion, remain with all internet services.

What prompted the new avatar?

Some stories swirling around involving Noel post-Russell Brand allegations that caused me some concern, so I decided to choose Russell Howard, as I'm going to be seeing him in NYC next month. Might switch again after that.

@ridski,

A friend told me that when disposing of a Fire Stick we should cancel the device from our amazon acct.  It’s in your accct, under “content and devices”.  Easier said than done but I’ll get it done. 

Apollo_T said:

@ridski,

A friend told me that when disposing of a Fire Stick we should cancel the device from our amazon acct.  It’s in your accct, under “content and devices”.  Easier said than done but I’ll get it done. 

Sounds like a good idea.

FINALLY!  

Just had a successful talk with vzn retention.  I’ve cancelled the cable part of our triple told them I wanted a better router…like the ones that come with 5g internet, etc.  Our new package will include a 1 gig router built into our new price; retained telephone for now… paper billing,  new price $127, tax inc. (landline is now 25 down from 30).   That’s down from $235.  Upgrade Thurs. AM.

We decided to keep landline bc it keeps our extensions and their convenience, for now.   We have a total of 5 phones.  Since our current savings will be over $100/mo. a little splurge is OK.  A lot of our stuff is so old vzn doesn’t even want it back!

As I reread and rereread this I think there’s still a bit of a problem.  I think 1 gig speed and router are too big for us.  5G service is supposed to start at 300/300 at about $50.  I’ll double check this tomorrow, but for now I’m still pretty happy!

every time i ask to talk to a retention specialist..the attitude i get is F off...pay or cancel ....

@jmitw,  try 1 866 985-5503 that’s the direct number they supplied me in the letter in mentioned upthread.  Both times I’ve spoken to them they’ve been surprisingly human …you know-for vzn disservice reps.

This morning’s call was to change our order to the 300/300 system I mentioned above.  Even the new router is included-no rental!.  Change was made and installation date remains the same.  Difference?  300 = $60 vs. 1gig =$100. That’s an additional savings of $40.  As of now looks like our new final number will be $87/mo.

It seems like this may be a pretty good time for everyone to review their plans and equipment.  Folks with old equipment may be able to score a better deal on newer gear.

Hi again,

Well it’s been 5 mos since I posted to this thread.  Everything is just ginger-peachy keen.  New router zips right along speeding up all wi-fi use with no problems.  

Question for those who pay via credit card:  Does vzn actually continue the $10/mo discount or do they raise other fees to recoup that money?  I’ve heard the latter that’s why I ask.