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Viasat vs. Verizon Internet Providers Compared

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Viasat Vs Verizon

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Rosslyn Elliott

Written by Rosslyn Elliott - Pub. Jul. 27, 2023 / Updated Dec. 29, 2025

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Viasat Vs Verizon

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Plans starting at: $39.99

Popular Package: Viasat Unleashed

Download speeds up to: 150 Mbps

Connection Types: Satellite

Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3543

Plans starting at: $34.99

Popular Package: 2 Gig

Download speeds up to: 2 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber

Call today & find the best Verizon internet deals
1-833-718-3939

Viasat Staff rating

3.9
Viasat delivers nationwide satellite internet with improved speeds and flexible plans Viasat is one of the major U.S. satellite internet providers, competing primarily with HughesNet and Starlink [1]. The company's defining advantage is near-universal availability—if you have an unobstructed view of the southern sky, you can access Viasat service regardless of location [2]. This makes satellite internet essential for rural and remote areas where cable, fiber internet, and even DSL infrastructure doesn't reach. In March 2024, Viasat simplified its residential offerings by introducing Viasat Unleashed, a single-plan structure now available to 93% of customers [3]. This plan eliminates the confusing tier system that previously characterized satellite internet pricing. Unleashed offers unlimited high-speed data without contracts, download speeds up to 150 Mbps in select markets, and month-to-month service flexibility [4][5]. For budget-conscious customers, Viasat Essentials provides a lower-cost alternative with speeds ranging from 12-50 Mbps [6]. Viasat is actively expanding its satellite fleet through the ViaSat-3 constellation. The ViaSat-3 F2 satellite successfully launched on November 13, 2025, and is expected to enter commercial service in early 2026, adding more than 1 terabit per second of capacity over the Americas [7][8]. This follows the troubled launch of ViaSat-3 F1 in May 2023, which suffered an antenna deployment failure that reduced its capacity by more than 90% but still provides limited service for aviation and government customers [9][10]. Satellite internet does have inherent technological characteristics that distinguish it from terrestrial connections. Service costs more than cable or fiber, speeds remain slower than wired alternatives, and latency is significantly higher due to the 22,000+ mile distance signals must travel to geostationary satellites [11]. However, for homes and businesses in areas lacking infrastructure for cable or fiber, Viasat provides essential connectivity that enables streaming, remote work, online education, and staying connected to the digital world.   Viasat satellite internet is available nationwide, covering all 50 states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico [12]. The company estimates that 99% of U.S. households can access their service [13]. Unlike cable or fiber providers that require physical infrastructure buildout, satellite internet's primary installation requirement is an unobstructed view of the southern sky for the satellite dish. This extensive coverage makes Viasat particularly valuable in rural and remote areas where traditional wired internet providers haven't built infrastructure. Mountain communities, farms, ranches, and homes in sparsely populated regions often have Viasat as their only option for broadband-speed internet. The service also functions as a reliable backup solution for small businesses that need redundancy in case their primary cable or fiber connection fails. Geographic location does affect the specific speeds and pricing available to customers. Viasat's Unleashed plan offers speeds up to 150 Mbps, but actual maximum speeds vary by area depending on satellite coverage patterns and local network demand [14]. Customers need to enter their specific address on Viasat's website to determine which speed tiers and pricing options are available at their location. The physical installation process requires mounting a satellite dish with clear line-of-sight to Viasat's satellites positioned in geostationary orbit above the equator. Professional installation is mandatory—customers cannot self-install the equipment. Trees, buildings, or terrain features that block the southern sky view will prevent service, though technicians evaluate site feasibility before scheduling installation.

PROS

Wide coverage means 99% of U.S. households can get satellite internet Unlimited standard data Higher speeds than other satellite providers

Cons

Slower than fiber or cable internet Higher latency or “ping” Can experience temporary “rain fade” during heavy rain or snow
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3543

Verizon Staff rating

4.5

Verizon Fios delivers lightning-fast speeds and competitive, straightforward pricing

Verizon Fios is the premium all-fiber internet service that Verizon offers to its customers, in addition to its well-known mobile and fixed wireless networks. The all-fiber-optic network of Verizon Fios is popular in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Though Verizon is the 4th largest internet service provider in the nation, Verizon Fios is currently only available in 9 states and the Washington DC area [1]. It’s quite a claim to fame that Verizon took the #1 spot in customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power national survey for its region [2]. What’s more, Verizon beat the competition by a large margin. Verizon Fios offers superfast, symmetrical multi-gigabit speeds up to 2000 Mbps in select areas. Offering a choice of several plans and attractive, low prices, Verizon Fios is one of the best internet plans you’ll find on the market today.

PROS

Gigabit symmetrical speeds with all-fiber internet Top-ranked performance on customer satisfaction No data caps or contracts required

Cons

All-fiber Fios network only available to 50% of wired internet customers Verizon’s DSL is pricier and much slower than all-fiber Verizon Fios Not available in some rural or remote areas
Call today & find the best Verizon internet deals
1-833-718-3939

Viasat Pricing

3.5
Viasat offers simplified pricing with promotional discounts for new customers Viasat restructured its residential pricing in March 2024 to create a more straightforward plan structure. The company now primarily offers two options: Viasat Unleashed and Viasat Essentials. Viasat Unleashed is the company's flagship residential plan, available to approximately 93% of customers. Pricing ranges from $69.99 to $119.99 per month depending on geographic location, with speeds up to 150 Mbps in select markets. This plan operates month-to-month with no contract required, allowing customers to cancel anytime without early termination fees. Unleashed includes unlimited high-speed data, though customers trending toward exceeding 850GB in a 30-day period may experience reduced priority during network congestion, resulting in slower speeds. Viasat Essentials serves as the budget-friendly alternative, offering speeds ranging from 12 to 50 Mbps at a promotional price of $39.99 per month. Unlike Unleashed, Essentials requires a 12-month contract commitment. Customers who cancel early pay a $15 early termination fee for each remaining month on the contract. New customer promotions: Viasat currently (as of December 2025) offers new residential customers $30 per month off their first three months of service, reducing Essentials pricing to as low as $39.99/month initially. Customers must mention this promotional offer when ordering to receive the discount. Data management: While Viasat markets its plans as "unlimited data," there are practical usage considerations. The company defines "typical usage" as trending not to exceed 850GB in any 30-day period. Customers who regularly exceed this threshold may have their connection deprioritized during times of network congestion, similar to how cellular carriers manage heavy data users. However, Viasat does not charge overage fees or completely throttle speeds—deprioritization only occurs when the network experiences congestion. Viasat offers "Free Zone" hours during off-peak times when data usage doesn't count toward monthly totals, allowing customers to schedule large downloads or updates strategically.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3543

Verizon Pricing

4.5

Verizon Fios offers great prices for cutting-edge, all-fiber internet with no hidden fees

Verizon Fios offers three all-fiber internet plans in most of its service areas. The first-tier begins at $34.99/month for up to 300 Mbps. Those fiber speeds are symmetrical, which means that upload and download speeds are equal. No other internet technology offers equal speeds. So you will get a lot more speed for your money with fiber than with any other type of internet connection. Verizon Fios gives you stable prices from the beginning, not introductory prices that will jump up much higher after a year. Here at CompareInternet.com, we give our best ratings to providers whose prices are not only low, but also clear and consistent for customers. Verizon Fios ranks at the top of the industry for its simplicity of pricing. Another major plus of Verizon Fios is that their plans don’t impose data caps. Even with a large household of internet users streaming in HD or gaming, you won’t have to worry about your data usage. Finally, Verizon will give you the option to bundle your cell phone service and your TV. You can get very low combined deals by bundling that can save you a lot of money compared to typical cell phone plan pricing. Many customers do choose to bundle because Verizon phone service is known for its high-quality signals.
Call today & find the best Verizon internet deals
1-833-718-3939

Viasat Reliability and Performance

4.0
Satellite technology provides reliable connectivity with inherent speed and latency limitations Viasat delivers internet service via geostationary satellites orbiting approximately 22,000 miles above Earth's equator. This technology ultimately determines both the advantages and limitations of the service. Speed performance: Viasat advertises speeds up to 150 Mbps on its Unleashed plans in select markets, representing a significant improvement over the company's legacy offerings. However, actual speeds vary considerably by location and network conditions. Real-world testing shows Viasat's average download speeds hover around 2.82 Mbps to 5 Mbps in many areas—far below advertised maximums.  Upload speeds remain asymmetrical and significantly slower than downloads across all Viasat plans, typically ranging from 3-5 Mbps. This asymmetry affects activities requiring substantial uploads, such as video conferencing, content creation, cloud backups, and sharing large files. Latency concerns: The most significant technical limitation of geostationary satellite internet is latency—the time delay for data to travel to the satellite and back. Viasat customers typically experience latency between 600-700 milliseconds. By comparison, cable and fiber connections deliver latency of 20-40 milliseconds. This high latency makes real-time applications challenging. Online gaming suffers from noticeable lag that puts satellite users at a disadvantage in competitive play. Video conferencing experiences delays that create awkward pauses in conversation. VoIP phone calls may have echo or timing issues. Websites and applications that require frequent back-and-forth communication feel sluggish compared to wired connections. Weather sensitivity: Satellite internet experiences "rain fade"—temporary signal degradation or complete interruption during heavy rain, snow, or thick cloud cover. This is a major limitation of the technology as precipitation absorbs and scatters the radio frequency signals traveling between the satellite dish and orbiting spacecraft. Service typically returns automatically once weather clears, but customers should expect periodic outages during severe weather events. Reliability advantages: Despite these limitations, satellite internet offers reliability benefits that terrestrial connections cannot match. The service continues functioning during disasters that damage ground-based infrastructure such as hurricanes, floods, or wildfires that destroy cable lines. This makes satellite internet valuable for emergency preparedness and explains why military and maritime operations rely on the technology.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3543

Verizon Reliability and Performance

4.5

Verizon Fios performance is best-of-the-best with all-fiber speeds, but make sure you’re getting Fios

It’s really hard to beat all-fiber internet. If you’re getting a Verizon Fios plan, you’re going to have enough bandwidth for practically everything you need to do in your home. Fiber speeds are so fast that numerous people could be streaming or gaming at once in your home, and your connection would not slow down or glitch. Bandwidth is just not an issue for most households once you get internet speeds up past 200 Mbps. You will avoid ISP throttling and any of the other speed issues that happen with slower internet technologies. There’s just one issue to be aware of. Only 50% of Verizon’s wired network is Verizon Fios [3]. The rest is Verizon Internet, which is DSL-based. As you probably know, there is a vast difference between the speeds you get with all-fiber internet vs. DSL internet. Verizon also offers fixed wireless internet plans under LTE and 5G. And while all these plans can still give you high-speed internet, none of them will give you the premium performance of Verizon Fios. So when you’re signing up for Verizon Fios, make sure you look for the Fios all-fiber brand name. If only Verizon DSL or fixed wireless is available in your area, those can also be good options depending on what else is around. But you’ll want to check out your complete list of internet choices by entering your zip code here on our website.
Call today & find the best Verizon internet deals
1-833-718-3939

Viasat Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.0
Professional installation required with lease or purchase equipment options Viasat requires professional installation—customers cannot self-install the satellite dish and modem equipment. A certified technician visits the property to mount the dish, align it precisely with Viasat's satellites, run cabling into the home, and connect the WiFi modem. Installation process: Standard installation typically costs $99.99 as a one-time fee, though Viasat frequently waives this charge during promotional periods. The actual installation cost varies based on results from a soft credit check and the complexity of the installation site. Customers with qualifying credit may receive free installation, while non-standard installations requiring additional labor or materials may incur charges exceeding $100. The installation appointment usually takes several hours. The technician must find an optimal location for the satellite dish that provides unobstructed southern sky view, securely mount the dish, run coaxial cable from the dish to the modem location inside the home, install the modem, and conduct signal testing to ensure proper alignment.  Equipment options: Viasat offers two payment structures for the required satellite dish and modem equipment. Customers can choose either a monthly lease at $15 per month or a one-time lifetime lease payment of $250. The lifetime lease option is basically prepayment for equipment use as long as the customer maintains Viasat service—it is not a purchase, and equipment must still be returned if service is canceled. Mathematically, the lifetime lease becomes cost-effective after approximately 17 months of service ($250 ÷ $15/month = 16.67 months). Customers planning to maintain Viasat service for multiple years save money with the upfront payment, while those uncertain about long-term commitment benefit from the monthly rental's flexibility. Equipment return requirements: When customers cancel Viasat service, they must return all company-owned equipment including the modem. However, the satellite dish itself typically remains mounted on the property—Viasat does not send technicians to remove dishes, and customers who want removal face a fee or must arrange removal themselves.  Failure to return the modem and other returnable equipment results in unreturned equipment fees added to the final bill. Viasat provides instructions and return shipping materials for equipment return. Dish relocation: Customers who move to a new address while maintaining Viasat service can have their dish relocated for a $200 fee. This requires a new technician visit to properly mount and align the dish at the new location. Alternatively, customers can cancel service at one address and establish new service at another address, though this involves separate installation processes and fees. Optional protection plans: Viasat offers EasyCare service plans that cover technical support, service calls, and equipment protection. Multiple EasyCare tiers provide different levels of coverage, with promotional offers including the first three months free for EasyCare and EasyCare+, or reduced rates for EasyCare Premium during the first three months.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3543

Verizon Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.5

Verizon Fios includes a free router with your monthly plan fee

Fios offers what we consider the best possible equipment option: no extra equipment fee. Your router is included with the basic charge for your plan [4]. You get a simpler, more predictable price because your equipment is included in your monthly fee. The other benefit of getting a router directly from your ISP is that their tech support will be better able to help you if you ever need troubleshooting. Verizon charges a $99 installation fee, but the fee may be waived with some promotions. You can also self-install Verizon Fios if there is already a Fios Optical Network Terminal in your home from previous Fios service.
Call today & find the best Verizon internet deals
1-833-718-3939

Viasat Experience & Support

4.0
Mixed customer experiences reflect satellite internet's technological constraints Viasat does not appear in major national customer satisfaction surveys like J.D. Power, but multiple independent sources provide insight into customer experiences. The ratings paint a picture of divided opinions—satisfaction strongly correlates with customers' expectations and alternative options. The American Customer Satisfaction Index rates Viasat within the "All Others" category at 64 out of 100 [15]. For context, the best internet service providers score 73 out of 100, while the worst score 55 out of 100. Viasat's positioning below the industry average of 70 indicates systemic challenges, though it avoids falling into the bottom tier of ISP performance. What customers praise: Positive reviews consistently highlight several strengths. Customers in rural areas express appreciation for having internet access at all—many note that Viasat represents their only option for broadband speed. Installation technicians receive frequent compliments for professionalism, friendliness, and thoroughness during setup appointments. The service maintains reliability except during severe weather, and customers value 24/7 customer support availability for troubleshooting issues. Some customers report satisfactory speeds for their needs, particularly those with modest usage focused on email, web browsing, and occasional streaming. Long-time subscribers who remember the limitations of dial-up internet or earlier satellite services view Viasat's current speeds as substantial improvements. Common complaints: Negative reviews cluster around predictable issues inherent to satellite technology. Speeds frequently fall far short of advertised maximums, with customers reporting actual performance in the single-digit megabit range despite paying for plans marketed at 100-150 Mbps [16]. High latency makes online gaming frustrating or impossible, creates awkward delays in video calls, and causes general sluggishness when browsing websites. Data usage tracking generates significant frustration. Customers report reaching their soft 850GB cap quickly—sometimes within days—despite limited usage patterns. The company's data usage measurements don't always align with customer understanding of their activities, leading to disputes about whether deprioritization is justified. This issue particularly affects households with multiple users, gaming consoles, or 4K streaming habits. Billing problems appear frequently in customer feedback. Reviewers report being charged after cancellation, experiencing unexpected price increases, receiving conflicting information from different customer service representatives, and struggling to obtain refunds or credits [17]. Multiple customers describe discovering they had been charged for years after supposedly canceling service—a serious red flag regarding the company's billing and cancellation procedures [18]. The equipment return policy creates frustration, particularly the expectation that customers remove roof-mounted satellite dishes themselves or pay additional fees for removal. Elderly customers and those with mobility limitations find this requirement unreasonable and potentially dangerous. Weather interruptions: As expected with satellite technology, heavy rain or snow causes temporary service disruptions. While customers understand this limitation, the practical impact—losing internet during storms when they might most need it for weather updates or emergency communication—generates overall dissatisfaction. Customer service quality: Experiences with Viasat's support team vary widely. Some customers praise quick resolution times and helpful representatives, while others report long hold times, representatives who cannot resolve issues, and internal communication breakdowns where different departments provide conflicting information. Ultimately, customer satisfaction needs to be understood within the context that satellite internet serves areas lacking better alternatives. Customers with access to cable, fiber, or even quality 5G fixed wireless service generally choose those options over satellite. Viasat's customer base includes many people who reluctantly accept satellite's limitations because no other broadband option exists in their area. Compared to its direct satellite competitors, Viasat positions between HughesNet (generally viewed as slower and more restrictive) and Starlink (faster speeds and lower latency, but higher equipment costs). For rural customers evaluating satellite options, Viasat offers a middle ground with better performance than legacy satellite providers, more affordable equipment than Starlink, but technological limitations that prevent it from competing with terrestrial broadband.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3543

Verizon Experience & Support

4.5

Verizon Fios ranks first in customer satisfaction

In the Eastern region of the United States, Verizon tops the J.D. Power customer satisfaction survey for residential internet providers. Not only that, but Verizon has ranked first in that survey for nine years, far outscoring the competition [2]. This is especially impressive because that ranking includes Verizon’s DSL service as well as Fios. Usually, DSL providers rank much lower in customer satisfaction. Yet even with a network that includes DSL, Verizon is clearly doing customer service very well. Verizon has all the usual perks of customer service from a large internet provider: phone help, tech support, and a mobile app called My Fios to manage all aspects of your account. If you are lucky enough to be in the coverage area for Verizon Fios, you are going to be very happy with your hyperspeed internet connection, its low price, and with strong customer support from Verizon.
Call today & find the best Verizon internet deals
1-833-718-3939

Viasat FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit ViasatDeals.com.
Viasat internet uses a modem and dish system to transmit user requests to satellites, which then connect to a gateway station on the ground network.
Viasat internet covers all 50 states of the United States as well as Canada.
Viasat internet frequently offers faster speeds compared to DSL or LTE services.
Yes, Viasat’s data plans and speed will allow you to stream HD videos.
Viasat internet now includes unlimited high speed data for all plans.
Gaming is possible on Viasat internet, but performance may vary depending on the game and latency issues. Real-time games are not recommended due to their high data consumption and issues with latency.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3543

Verizon FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on VerizonDeal.com.
The My Fios App allows you to pay or manage your bill, check your plan details, and get self-help tools. You can even configure your Wi-Fi router and analyze its performance.
No, Verizon Fios does not impose data caps or overage charges for exceeding data allowances. You will have unlimited data with your Verizon Fios plan.
Fios internet starts its prices on the low side of industry averages. Enter your zip code here at CompareInternet.com for a full list of providers, plans and pricing in your area.
Call today & find the best Verizon internet deals
1-833-718-3939

Viasat Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
$30/mo off the first 3 months. Free Professional Installation!
Viasat UnleashedSatellite InternetUp to 150 Mbps Only $69.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
$30/mo off the first 3 months. Free Professional Installation!
Viasat EssentialsSatellite InternetUp to 50 Mbps Only $39.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3543

Verizon Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
5-year price guarantee! Samsung 43″ Q7F QLED TV, Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G or Save $15/mo for 3 years. Get up to a $500 credit to switch.
2 GigFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $94.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
5-year price guarantee! Samsung 43″ Q7F QLED TV, Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G or Save $15/mo for 3 years. Get up to a $500 credit to switch.
1 GigFiber InternetUp to 940 Mbps Only $74.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
4-year price guarantee! Save $15/mo for 3 years. Get up to a $500 credit to switch.
500 MbpsFiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $59.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
3-year price guarantee! YouTube TV $10/mo. off for 12 mos. $72.99/mo. for 12 mos. Then $82.99/mo. after. Get up to a $500 credit to switch We’ll help cover the cost of early termination fees. Get up to a $500 credit to switch
300 MbpsFiber InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $34.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Call today & find the best Verizon internet deals
1-833-718-3939

Viasat Customers Review

3.5
Pricing
3.5
4.0
Reliability & Performance
4.0
4.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.0
4.0
Customer Experience & Support
4.0
3.9
Overall Rating
3.9
Joyce H
1.0
from Marquez, TX on September 2025
I have had trouble with this service off & on since I’ve had it. Starts & stops all the time. Can’t watch a movie or even a show without interruptions. I can’t wait until my subscription is over. I am changing my internet provider.
Norma Kloepfer
3.5
from Dolan Springs, AZ on September 2025
The service is fine. I just feel I'm paying way to much for what I use. I'm on a pretty fixed income and $127 a month to watch a couple movies and play a match three game, is a bit too much.
Kyle P
2.3
from Grand Marsh, WI on April 2025
Internet is terrible for everything.
Regina F
4.0
from Inez, KY on March 2025
I love Viasat but the price I'm paying is ridiculous.
Shawn Pewitt
4.5
from Hartselle, AL on December 2024
Their customer service is a five star compared to Verizon that I would give a one and a half star.! After a negotiation of a $60 rebate it’s still $99 a month. 100% more than what I could get it for.! I use a couple cell phones and a 32 inch Roku TV and they tell me I’m running in the top 20% of usage and they keep slowing me down! I’m at 5 GB for 5 MB today and yesterday I was at 10??? But their service over the telephone is top-notch! There is no lies. There is only the attempt to help! I can’t get their apps to work on my cell phone very well so I can’t keep up with security. And they don’t offer a full security package in my area! They’re just stopped slowing it down I would overlook the price. That’s how bad the service is with those big T-Mobile and Verizon! Just horrible customer service.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3543

Verizon Customers Review

4.5
Pricing
4.5
4.5
Reliability & Performance
4.5
4.5
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.5
4.5
Customer Experience & Support
4.5
4.5
Overall Rating
4.5
Terri Gold
2.0
from Allentown, PA on February 2026
Worst customer service ever. Wrong pricing. They somehow "forget" the discounts I'm entitled to.
Tamera Hughs
1.0
from Roscommon, MI on January 2026
They lied to us saying that that when we ordered 2 phones it would only be $119 a month. Come to find out it was $450 dollars. When the call was recorded and the lady never said anything about 450 dollars. It was supposed to be $119 a month. So, we are changing internet service..
Tiffiny Grover
3.0
from Trona, CA on January 2026
not too happy with their service.... the price is too high for the service they offer
(301) 275-5056
2.5
on December 2025
N/A
Jennifer P
3.8
from Hamilton, WA on November 2025
We are currently using this service and it's been actually pretty reliable. The signal stays strong all night and day and the plan we're using is completely unlimited everything with an unlimited hotspot as well for the kids to use. And so far it's doing the job. It's not as fast as Astound or Ziply with the fiber option, but it's been sufficient. But we're an extremely low income family so the price is a bit much. But it keeps the kids from whining so for now we're making the sacrifice and have been using it for the last 2 months.
Call today & find the best Verizon internet deals
1-833-718-3939