• Verizon's FiOS Speed Increase: Verizon will double its highest FiOS Internet speed to 300 Mbps in June, faster than cable and many home wireless routers. Existing customers will mostly be eligible for the upgrades, and free equipment upgrades (including routers) will be provided when necessary.
• Speeds by Service Levels: The biggest increase is in the 50Mbps tier, tripling to 150Mbps. Most existing customers can get these upgrades. Pricing will be announced in June.
• Router Impacts: The new service matches the speed of many dual-band routers. Verizon will replace lagging routers when customers upgrade. Single-band routers typically top out at 150Mbps.
• Usage and Statistics: The average home has 7 Internet-connected devices. More than half of Verizon's residential customers already have at least a 20Mbps connection. Higher speeds are needed for streaming video, which is now the largest Internet traffic. Verizon offers guidelines for choosing the right speed based on the number of users and activities.
• Technology Upgrade: The key upgrade is from BPON to GPON passive optical network. Customers with BPON terminals need to be upgraded, and some rewiring may be required for those with GPON terminals.
• Availability: Verizon FiOS is available to 13.7 million customers in parts of 9 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states plus parts of other states. The total will grow to 18 million as construction expands. Verizon may evaluate further regions after reaching 18 million customers.