Verizon Fios facts for kids
Verizon Fios logo, 2015-present
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| Subsidiary | |
| Industry | TV, Internet, & phone |
| Founded | September 22, 2005 Keller, Texas, U.S. |
| Headquarters |
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U.S.
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| Parent | Verizon Consumer |
| Divisions | JuniorNet |
Verizon Fios is a service from Verizon Communications. It offers a package of Internet access, telephone, and television services. These services are delivered to homes using a special network of fiber optic cables. Fios operates mainly in the United States.
Contents
History of Fios
Early Ideas (1995–1996)
The idea for Fios started a long time ago. In 1995, a company called Bell Atlantic (which is now Verizon) was testing a video service. This service was one of the first ways people could watch movies on demand. During this time, they also started talking about using fiber optic cables for their services.
In 1996, a company leader said that their video service would soon use fiber optic technology. This was the beginning of the Fios idea.
Starting and Growing (2005–2010)
In September 2005, Verizon started offering its fiber optic TV service. About 9,000 customers in Keller, Texas, were the first to try it. This new service, called Fios TV, used thin glass fibers instead of old copper wires.
By 2006, Fios was available in parts of seven different U.S. states. It was growing quickly and bringing fast internet and clear TV to many homes.
Current Coverage (2010–present)
In 2010, Verizon announced it would slow down its Fios expansion. They decided to focus on finishing the network in areas that already had Fios. This meant they would not bring Fios to many new cities.
Some people felt this was unfair. They believed Verizon had promised to bring fiber optic internet to more places. However, Verizon focused on improving service where Fios was already available.
Fios Services
Television Service
Fios TV is one of the main services offered by Verizon Fios. It provides both super clear HD channels and regular SD channels. You can also watch movies and shows whenever you want with video on demand.
Fios TV uses fiber optic cables to send signals to your home. A special box at your house turns these signals into something your TV can understand. This way, you get a clear picture and sound.
Internet Access
Fios Internet was the very first service Verizon offered under the Fios name. It's a super fast broadband internet service. It first launched in Keller, Texas, in 2004. This was even before Fios TV became available!
Fios Internet uses fiber optic cables to bring speedy internet right to your home. This helps you stream videos, play games, and browse the web without much waiting.
Telephone Service
Besides TV and internet, Fios also offers a phone service called Fios Digital Voice. This service uses the same fiber optic network. It started in Virginia and Maryland in 2008.
Because Fios phone service uses the internet, it might not work if the power goes out. To help with this, Fios includes a backup battery. This battery can keep your phone working for a short time during a power outage.
Company Disagreements
The Weather Channel Dispute
In March 2015, The Weather Channel was removed from Verizon Fios. The two companies could not agree on a new deal. Verizon Fios replaced The Weather Channel with other weather services.
Verizon said people could get weather information easily from the internet and phone apps. The Weather Channel asked viewers to contact Fios to bring the channel back. After a few years, in June 2019, The Weather Channel returned to Fios.
ESPN Lawsuit
In April 2015, ESPN Inc. sued Verizon. ESPN said Verizon broke their agreement by offering ESPN channels in a different way. ESPN's contract said their channels should be part of the main TV package.
Verizon and ESPN reached a new agreement in May 2016. The details of their new deal were not shared with the public.
Cablevision Lawsuit
In May 2015, another company called Cablevision sued Verizon. Cablevision questioned Verizon's claim that its network was "100 percent fiber-based." Cablevision even started ads about this issue.
The two companies decided to end their disagreement in September 2015. The details of their agreement were also kept private.
See also
In Spanish: Verizon FiOS para niños
- Fiber-optic communication
- List of multiple-system operators
