Verizon does offer home internet, but availability depends on your address and the type of service Verizon runs in your area
Verizon sells home internet under two different brands: Verizon Fios, which uses fiber-optic cable, and Verizon 5G Home, which uses wireless signals. Fios is available in parts of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and some areas of the Midwest and Florida. 5G Home is available in select cities where Verizon has built out its 5G network. Neither service reaches everywhere Verizon's cell phone network does, so you need to check your specific address on Verizon's website to know whether either option works for you.
If Verizon does not serve your address, you will need to look at other providers in your area. Most neighborhoods have between two and four internet providers available, though rural areas often have fewer choices. Your options might include cable providers like Comcast or Charter, fiber providers like AT&T or local companies, fixed wireless services from T-Mobile or other carriers, or satellite internet from Starlink or Viasat.
Key Takeaways
- Verizon Fios uses fiber cable and is available only in certain regions, primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, while 5G Home uses wireless and is available in select cities.
- You must check your address on Verizon's website to see which services, if any, are available where you live.
- Fios typically offers faster speeds and more consistent performance than 5G Home, but 5G Home has no data caps and no installation fees.
- If Verizon is not available at your address, cable, fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite providers may serve your area instead.
How Verizon Fios works and what speeds it offers
Verizon Fios delivers internet through fiber-optic cables buried or strung on poles to your home. The fiber runs to a box outside your house, then to a router inside. Fios plans start at 300 Mbps download speeds and go up to 2 Gbps (2,000 Mbps) on the highest tier. Most households find 300 to 500 Mbps sufficient for streaming video, video calls, and multiple devices online at once.
Fios does not have data caps, meaning you can download and upload as much as you want each month without overage charges. The service is generally stable because fiber is not affected by weather or signal congestion the way wireless and satellite services can be. Installation typically costs between $99 and $199, though Verizon sometimes waives this fee during promotions. Monthly prices range from around $40 to $90 depending on speed tier and current promotions.
How Verizon 5G Home works and when it makes sense
Verizon 5G Home is a wireless internet service that sends a signal to a small box you place in your home. There is no cable installation, no digging, and no technician visit required. You set up the device yourself, plug it in, and it connects to your devices through Wi-Fi. Setup takes about 10 minutes.
5G Home speeds typically range from 50 to 300 Mbps depending on your distance from the cell tower and how many people are using the network in your area. It has no data caps and no installation fees. The monthly cost is usually around $50 to $70. The main drawback is that speeds and reliability can vary based on network congestion and weather, and it may not work well if you live far from a 5G tower or if buildings block the signal path to your home.
Comparing Verizon to other internet providers in your area
Cable internet from providers like Comcast Xfinity or Charter Spectrum is available in most urban and suburban areas. Cable speeds are typically 100 to 500 Mbps, similar to lower-tier Fios plans. Most cable plans have data caps of 1 to 1.2 terabytes per month, though some providers offer unlimited data for an extra fee. Cable prices are often comparable to Fios, but speeds and reliability vary by neighborhood and how many people share the line.
Fiber providers other than Verizon, such as AT&T Fiber or local fiber companies, offer speeds and pricing similar to Fios where available. Fixed wireless services from T-Mobile Home Internet or other carriers work like 5G Home — no installation, wireless signal, variable speeds. Satellite internet from Starlink or Viasat reaches rural areas where cable and fiber do not, but typically has higher latency (delay), which can affect video calls and online gaming.
The best choice depends on what is available at your address, what speeds you need, and whether you want to pay for installation. Check what each provider offers in your area before deciding.
How to check if Verizon internet is available at your address
Go to Verizon's website and enter your street address in the availability checker. The tool will show whether Fios, 5G Home, or neither is available at that location. You can do the same for other providers — most have address checkers on their websites. Write down which providers serve your area and compare their speeds, prices, and terms before making a decision.
If the availability checker says a service is not available, you can sometimes request it. Some providers will build out to an address if enough neighbors request service, though this is not may provide and may take time. In the meantime, satellite internet is usually available everywhere, though it tends to be slower and more expensive than other options.
Verizon internet bundled with phone or TV service
Verizon offers discounts if you bundle internet with cell phone service, landline phone service, or TV service. A bundle might save you $10 to $25 per month compared to paying for each service separately. However, bundling also means your bill is higher overall and you have one company to contact for multiple services. If you only want internet, you do not need to bundle.
Some people find bundles useful because they simplify billing and customer service. Others prefer to buy each service from the provider that offers the best deal for that specific service. Calculate the total cost of bundled and separate options to see which is cheaper for your situation.
What to know about Verizon internet contracts and equipment
Verizon Fios typically requires a two-year contract, though month-to-month options may be available at a higher monthly price. 5G Home is month-to-month with no contract. If you sign a contract and cancel early, you may owe an early termination fee, usually $200 to $300. Read the terms before signing to understand what you are committing to.
Verizon provides the router and modem as part of the service. You cannot use your own equipment with Fios. With 5G Home, you use Verizon's device, and you cannot substitute another one. If the equipment breaks, Verizon will replace it, usually at no cost if it is still under warranty. Monthly rental fees are typically included in the advertised price, so there is no separate charge for equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Verizon Fios if I live in an apartment or condo?
It depends on whether Fios runs to your building and whether your landlord or building management allows it. Some buildings have exclusive agreements with other providers. Contact Verizon with your address and ask whether Fios is available in your building. If it is, you may need written permission from your landlord or building management before installation.
What happens to my internet if there is a power outage?
Verizon Fios requires power to operate, so your internet will go out during an outage. The router has a battery backup that keeps it running for a short time, usually 4 to 24 hours depending on the model, but it will eventually drain. 5G Home also requires power and has no backup battery.
Does Verizon internet work with all routers and modems?
No. Verizon provides its own equipment and does not allow you to use a third-party router or modem. This means you cannot replace the equipment with a model you prefer, though you can connect your own Wi-Fi extender or mesh system to improve coverage in your home.
How long does Verizon Fios installation take?
Installation typically takes 2 to 4 hours. A technician will run the fiber line to your home, install the equipment, and test the connection. You need to be home during the appointment. 5G Home requires no installation — you set it up yourself in about 10 minutes.
Can I switch from Verizon Fios to 5G Home or vice versa?
Yes, but switching may involve cancellation fees if you are under contract with Fios. If you switch from Fios to 5G Home, you would need to cancel your Fios service and start a new 5G Home account. Contact Verizon to understand the costs and process before switching.