I have FIOS coming to install service in my condo building, it's nice to finally have them available.

Currently I have Comcast for internet service, I pay for the Blast upgrade (20 Mbps down, 4 Mbps up) which costs $52 per month. Comcast service seems fast and it's usually ok, but it does blackout sometimes. It could keep up with HD streaming on Netflix's Instant Watching most of the time.

Fios offers two close packages, 25 down, 15 up for $65 or 15 down, 5 up for $50.

My question is how accurate is Comcast's claim of 20 Mbps download? If I get the lower package from Fios (15Mbps download) will it keep up?

I've heard that Fios's numbers are more realistic, but that was just gossip. Is it true? I've also heard the Comcast only gives 20 Mbps in short spurts, they can't maintain it, could Fios maintain the speed?

Thanks!

A lot depends on your node - the fiber line running into your local area. How many comcast customers you live near, and how much bandwidth they use.

In my case I have no one near me with Comcast - so I get consistent high speeds. You will probably cap out closer to 15mbps on average with Comcast - but I recommend you go to speedtest.net and check your speed throughout the day to get an average.

A lot depends on your node - the fiber line running into your local area. How many comcast customers you live near, and how much bandwidth they use.

In my case I have no one near me with Comcast - so I get consistent high speeds. You will probably cap out closer to 15mbps on average with Comcast - but I recommend you go to speedtest.net and check your speed throughout the day to get an average.

I have done that, and the speed is always high. However, I was told that the speed only comes in spurts, which is why it's high on speed tests. After a few minutes the speed is reduced, this is a function of "Power Boost", or so I read.

The best test for that would be to download a large file from Microsoft or another reliable host - and see how much your speeds drop after the first 2-3 minutes.

I found a 266 MB file on a fast Microsoft server, it took 2 minutes to download and maintained 2.3MB/s the entire time. I don't think 2 minutes is long enough to tell, I don't know if I'll be able to find a much larger file on a server that could keep up.

That is large enough - according to comcast's FAQ the effect lasts 10MB. That said - if you do the math you're pulling almost 19 megabits on that microsoft server - seems like your connection is pretty close to capped out.

Yeah, that does seem pretty good. I wonder if I should even switch to Fios...

If Comcast is giving me 20Mbps for $52 why pay Fios $50 for only 15Mbps?

I think the real factor there is determining whether you do have frequent service loss or whether you care about latency. There can be a latency advantage with fios that really matters to some gamers.

The other caveat i'll mention is that FIOS has much better HD quality in general if you plan to use them for TV as well.

With all those factors it does become a bit of a personal decision.

Blast is 16/2 after powerboost with 250GB cap. FiOS isn't capped and bandwidth hogging neighbors won't slow it down.

Blast is 16/2 after powerboost with 250GB cap. FiOS isn't capped and bandwidth hogging neighbors won't slow it down.
When does Powerboost stop? Is it after 10MB like the FAQ says, or different? I ask because I maintained 2.3MB/s (over 18Mbps) for the whole 2 minute download of the 266GB file.

ETA, what happens after the cap with Comcast? I use the internet for 90% of my television and movie viewing so I don't want anyone giving me grief.

There are reports of "permaboost" areas upgrading to DOCSIS3.
If you go over 250GB and one top 1000 users or something like that you get "the call". Do it again within 6months you lose service for a year.

There are reports of "permaboost" areas upgrading to DOCSIS3.
If you go over 250GB and one top 1000 users or something like that you get "the call". Do it again within 6months you lose service for a year.

I see, that would be a pretty funny call to get. I would laugh and say "OK! Cancel my account, I'm going to FIOS!!"

At least then they wouldn't be able to give me the crap they read off the screen about how "It's the same wire, but Sir, it's the same wire" like their retention department normal says...

If you go over 250GB and one top 1000 users or something like that you get "the call". Do it again within 6months you lose service for a year.

I remember CC getting into some hot water over those top 1000 calls in Florida a while back. Are they still doing those? I thought they quit after "officially" publishing the 250GB cap...

It may be top 1% of users now. Florida was about the invisi-cap (http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Comcast-Pays-Florida-150K-For-Misleading-Consumers-97503). Unless you feel like calling retention every months to get a promo (shouldn't be hard (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r22719834-EVERYONE-can-get-promotional-pricing-EVERY-year-FOREVER)) I'd go with FiOS. I'll take 2x+ upload over a couple Mb's of download.

I'll take 2x+ upload over a couple Mb's of download.

What do you use the extra upload bandwidth for?