FIOS, the new fiber optic network of Verizon, has caused strife for cable companies as existing customers move to the newer service. The speed and reliability of FIOS is beyond compare, and they are offering it for the same price.

Cable has battled back in response to the competition by offering free services and other incentives, and they have implemented “boost” and metro ethernet technology. They are aiming to double the speed that they are offering now by creating new and improved technology.

This new technology would allow the cable companies to utilize their existing infrastructure and lines to provide the upgraded speed. The new system basically resides at the source of the communication at the cable company’s headquarters.

Many cable subscribers have complained that there were bandwidth caps or limitations put on their connections if they had sustained high usage over a few hours, but as of earlier this year these cable companies have removed this. Most people did not notice the change, and the move was directed at people abusing their online service by using shareware software.

The bandwidth issue caused many customers a lot of headaches, and trying to get the cap removed took a lot of effort and time on behalf of cable subscribers. Other issues with the cable providers included high usage of internet in certain areas and the affect it had on all customers, and they way inclement weather affected service.

Going with FIOS alleviates this strife for most people since bandwidth is not an issue. The Fiber Optic networks that Verizon has laid out are almost limitless compared to the cable companies? coaxial copper networks.

Verizon fell behind with installation due to high demand, but the reliability has been for the most part, above average. The best part about the infrastructure being brand new is that there is little to no service interruption once the service is up and running.

FIOS should be a warning to the cable companies to get their act together. They need to make changes in their infrastructure and change their older copper networks. This will cost cable companies a lot of money, but in the long run, maybe they can find recycling solutions to their outdated system.