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Most people have heard about the biggest satellite and cable TV providers. Two examples are Verizon and Cox Communications. While many Americans think of Verizon as a phone company, it offers TV and Internet service as well. Cox provides cable TV, Internet, and phone service as well. This detailed comparison helps customers choose between them.
While Verizon Fios and Cox deliver many of the same channels, they use different technology to accomplish this. Verizon transmits TV signals via modern fiber-optic technology. This method enhances dependability and improves the clarity of video. However, fiber-optic service remains relatively new; it's currently only available from Verizon in 12 major cities. Cox uses the traditional coaxial cabling that has been installed in many homes for decades. Its network covers large portions of nearly 20 states.
Both providers give customers several different packages to choose from. Verizon's most comprehensive option delivers over 415 channels, including Cinemax and Showtime. About one out of every three channels features high-definition picture quality. Subscribers also have access to an extensive library of programs called Fios On Demand. This plan is called Ultimate HD and costs almost $90 monthly during the initial year.
Cox's most expensive package boasts over 375 channels. The Contour TV Ultimate plan comes with extra premium, sports, religious, movie and information channels. Customers may view on-demand and pay-per-view shows as well. They can record as many as six programs at the same time. Cox allows viewers to save digital recordings with a limit of 1,000 hours. Customers pay $137.99 each month. The price increases by $22 after the first year.
Verizon provides a moderately expensive plan known as Preferred HD. It consists of over 230 television channels. This option includes on-demand movie viewing. During the initial year, it costs nearly $75 per month. Customers can watch major sports, music and 24-hour news networks. Owners of HD television sets will appreciate the fact that more than one out of four channels are delivered in high-definition video.
Cox subscribers have multiple mid-priced plans to compare. One popular option is called Contour TV Preferred. It supplies over 275 television channels, such as Disney Jr. and Oxygen. The lineup includes food, variety and religious networks. Viewers also have access to British TV programs. The monthly fee stands at $63.99; it goes up $22 after the initial 12 months. Extra movie, premium, sports or Spanish-language channels cost extra.
Cox and Verizon both offer comparatively economical TV packages that cost under $40 per month. One option is Verizon's Fios TV Local. It primarily supplies viewers with the major broadcast networks. Examples include ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. This eliminates the need to buy and maintain a TV antenna. Customers have at least 20 channels to choose from. About one-quarter of this lineup features HD picture quality.
There are no dedicated sports channels, but the included broadcast networks often cover major sporting events. Like the most expensive Verizon package, this plan comes with Fios On Demand access. It allows customers to view over 10,000 shows at any time. During the initial year, the Fios TV Local subscription is priced at only $10 monthly.
Cox's least expensive option costs about three times more, but it supplies far more channels. Customers can watch over 150 networks, such as Discovery, popular cooking channels and various religious broadcasters. Advanced TV Economy provides high-definition video on certain channels. On-demand and pay-per-view programs can be ordered. Premium, movie and Spanish-language networks cost extra. This is an appealing choice for people who want to gain a wide range of viewing options without spending money on high-end movie or sports channels.
Verizon and Cox offer packages that are specifically designed for people who speak Spanish as their first language. The least expensive Verizon plan is known as Fios TV Mundo. It costs nearly $50 each month during the initial year. Customers access over 200 networks, such as beIN Sports and Univision. They can also watch the Spanish version of ESPN. More than 40 networks boast high-definition video. This package doesn't come with region-specific sports channels, but it does include Fios On Demand.
Cox provides a somewhat more affordable alternative. Customers can view more than 175 channels, such as CNN, Food, Disney and Univision. Like Fios TV Mundo, Cox's plan features both Spanish and English networks. Advanced TV Economy Latino has an initial monthly subscription price of $35.49. High-definition video and on-demand programming are included in the price. Viewers can watch premium networks if they're willing to pay extra.
Cox customers often bundle Internet, TV and/or VoIP phone services. Verizon allows subscribers to add digital telephone and Internet service while paying a single price for everything. It offers a basic Internet and television bundle known as Fios Double Play. Users must sign a contract that remains in effect for 24 months. The monthly fee increases from $50 to $70 after the initial 12-month phase. This plan features 50 Mbps Internet access and more than 20 TV channels.
Another option is called Fios Triple Play. It includes 100 Mbps Internet access, custom television service and home telephone. Customers can call numbers throughout the nation for unlimited amounts of time. Call waiting, voice mail and caller identification are included at no extra cost. If they want to pay $69.99 each month, users need to sign a 24-month contract.
Cox provides multiple bundles as well. Its Bronze plan comes with 50 Mbps Internet, an advanced VoIP phone system and pay-TV service. Customers have access to over 225 television channels. After signing a 24-month contract, they receive $100 gift cards that can be used at any retailer that accepts Visa. This bundle costs almost $92 per month during the first year. However, the price more than doubles after 12 months.
An alternative Cox package is called Contour TV and Internet Essential. This option is similar to the above-mentioned plan, but it provides somewhat slower Internet access and doesn't include phone service. It also costs considerably less. When they sign 24-month agreements, customers spend nearly $59 monthly. The cost rises to about $127 when the initial year comes to an end. Like the Bronze plan, it comes with around 225 TV channels.
Verizon and Cox are known for providing decent customer service and maintaining reliable systems. A recent survey found that Verizon Fios outranked all competitors for dependability and high-definition video clarity. This well-established company allows viewers to customize their TV channel lineups more than many of its rivals. Its website features a chat system that makes it easy to communicate with company representatives in real time.
People often complain about cable TV technicians who arrive late or never show up. Cox has remedied this problem by guaranteeing on-time service. Subscribers receive $20 credits when company personnel arrive late. This provider also installs cable boxes for free and allows users to request refunds within 30 days. Furthermore, customers can obtain technical assistance at any hour.
Basically, Verizon offers the best picture quality, greater reliability and packages to suit a wider range of budgets. On the other hand, Cox is available in far more locations and provides more channels per dollar.
