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If you are like most people, searching for a new television service provider can be a confusing prospect. Your needs will vary from other customers depending on your taste and who is watching television in your home. DISH and Verizon Fios are two well-known providers that have similar qualities, with a few key differences in the technology used and packages offered. Below is an overview of both DISH and Verizon Fios and features they offer, so you can decide which one may work best for you and your family. Enter your ZIP code into Wirefly's comparison tool to see individual DISH and Verizon Fios plans compared.
Call Verizon Fios at (855) 878-9061
Call DISH at (844) 686-2613
The two major differences in DISH and Verizon Fios is the type of signal they use. DISH uses satellite technology and Verizon Fios uses fiber-optic technology.
DISH requires its customers to have a satellite dish installed near their home to transmit the signal for television service. The company offers free installation for new customers and nationwide availability, which is not always the case with fiber-optic technology. Many areas do not have access to Verizon Fios at this time. The primary drawback with satellite technology is the effect the weather can have on transmission. Customers can lose service during heavy cloud cover and stormy weather.
Verizon Fios uses a 100% fiber-optic network. This means there will be no unsightly satellite dish on top or your house or in your yard as with DISH. In addition, fiber-optic technology provides the fastest speeds for internet and more television channels than ever before. The downside to this type of technology is it is not available in all areas, especially in farming areas and smaller towns. Unlike DISH, the fiber-optic equipment and technology used with Fios is not affected in a negative way by weather.
DISH offers a variety of television channel packages such as:
Features 50 popular channels.
This package features 190 channels.
Features 240 channels.
This package gives customers 290 channels to choose from.
Related: DISH Review
Verizon Fios has a variety of package choices as well including:
Features 78 standard channels and 52 in HD.
The most popular sports channels and 58 standard channels, 41 available in HD.
Customers get 255 standard channels and 80 in HD.
Features 330 standard channels and 100 in HD.
Customers receive 425 standard channels and 145 HD.
Both DISH and Verizon Fios allow customers to add premium channels such as HBO, SHOWTIME, ID, SPIKE, Food Network and premium sports channels.
DISH customers can opt for the Hopper 3 which is advertised as the world's most powerful DVR. Find the remote is one of the newest features that allows customers to locate their remote control with the push of a button. The Hopper 3 also allows you to skip through the commercials on most shows. The advanced DVR allows you to watch and record up to 16 channels simultaneously. An addition known as the Super Joey will allow you to many televisions inside the home with just one hopper. The DISH Anywhere mobile app is available to customers, so they can stream movies on mobile devices such as cell phones and Kindle. Also offered are portable satellites for a small fee, so customers can watch television outside with an extra subscription. Customers may also use this with the pay-as-you go option. DISH also offers bundle packages for internet and phone which is outsourced with other service providers since DISH does not offer them.
Verizon Fios offers DVR service that allows you to fast forward through commercials in live shows, recorded shows and on DEMAND. The DVR can hold 200 hours of television and movies. It also provides Fios customers access to the mobile app so no one misses their favorite shows. Verizon also offers internet and telephone service at an additional price.
Related: Verizon Fios Review
DISH customers can order service by phone or through an online chat on their website. Customer reviews state DISH customers were satisfied overall with their interaction with customer service agents. Agents provide help with payments, payment extensions and repairs. DISH has earned an A+ ranking by the Better Business Bureau or BBB. DISH was also commended by PCMag, which rated the Hopper 3 DVR as outstanding.
Verizon Fios offers its customers ways to get help through telephone, email and online chat. Customers can make payments through an online payment system, in person or they can pay by phone. Verizon also sends messages through their own message center to customers who sign up. This service provides information on new products, specials and service outages. Verion Fios also has an A+ ranking with the Better Business Bureau or BBB. In August 2016, Root Metrics named Verizon first in overall speed, performance, data, performance and reliability.
Which television service provider is best for you depends on your location, availability in your area and your preferred channel selection. Since Fios is not available everywhere, the best way to determine which one is best is to look up your zip code with both providers. This way you will know what options you have in regards to installation. Many customers also consider using providers who come highly recommended from friends and family.
