Verizon's home internet service and where it works

Verizon offers home internet through two separate services: Verizon Fios, which uses fiber-optic cable, and Verizon 5G Home Internet, which uses wireless signals. Which one you can get depends entirely on whether Verizon has built the infrastructure in your neighborhood. Fios is available in parts of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and some areas of the Midwest and South. 5G Home Internet has broader coverage but still does not reach everywhere Verizon's phone network does.

The catch is that you cannot simply order whichever sounds better. Verizon decides which service is available at your address. If you enter your address on Verizon's website, it will tell you which option (if any) serves your location. Many people find that neither is available where they live, which is why checking first matters before spending time on the details.

Key Takeaways

  • Verizon offers two home internet services — Fios (fiber) and 5G Home Internet (wireless) — but availability depends on your address, and many areas have neither.
  • Fios typically offers faster speeds and more consistent performance than 5G Home Internet, but 5G Home Internet requires no technician visit and can be set up the same day.
  • Both services require a Verizon modem and router, which you either rent monthly or purchase outright.
  • Verizon bundles home internet with phone and TV service, which can lower the total monthly cost but locks you into a contract.
  • You can check what Verizon offers at your address by entering your street address on Verizon.com, and this takes less than a minute.

Fios fiber internet: speeds and what to expect

Verizon Fios uses fiber-optic cables buried or strung along poles to deliver internet directly to your home. The main advantage is speed: Fios plans typically start at 300 Mbps and go up to 2 gigabits per second (2,000 Mbps) on the highest tier. For most households, even the mid-tier plans handle streaming, video calls, and multiple devices at once without slowdown.

The trade-off is installation. A Verizon technician has to run the fiber line to your house, which takes a scheduled appointment and usually a few hours. If Fios is available at your address, Verizon will tell you the installation date when you order. There is no monthly equipment fee if you buy the router outright, though Verizon also offers a rental option for about $10 to $15 per month.

Fios comes with a two-year contract on most plans, which means early cancellation carries a penalty. The monthly cost varies by speed tier and location, but entry-level Fios typically runs $40 to $60 per month for the first year, then increases in year two. Bundling with Verizon phone or TV service usually reduces the total bill.

5G Home Internet: wireless service without a technician

Verizon 5G Home Internet uses the same 5G wireless network as Verizon phones, delivered through a small outdoor antenna and indoor router. The main advantage is simplicity: no technician visit, no digging, no waiting weeks for installation. You order online, the equipment arrives, you plug it in, and it works the same day.

Speeds on 5G Home Internet are lower and less predictable than Fios. Verizon advertises typical speeds of 72 to 246 Mbps, though real-world performance depends on how many people are using the network in your area and how far you are from the cell tower. For one or two people browsing and streaming, it usually works fine. For a household with four people video conferencing simultaneously or gaming online, it may struggle.

There is no contract with 5G Home Internet, so you can cancel anytime without penalty. The monthly cost is typically $50 to $60, and there is no separate equipment fee — Verizon includes the router. However, if the equipment fails, you pay to replace it, whereas Fios equipment failures are usually covered under the service agreement.

Equipment, setup, and what you pay each month

Both Fios and 5G Home Internet require Verizon equipment. With Fios, you get a modem and router, either as a rental (about $12 per month) or as a purchase (usually $100 to $200 upfront, depending on the model). With 5G Home Internet, the router is included in the monthly fee with no separate charge.

If you already own a compatible modem or router, Verizon may let you use it instead, but this varies. Call Verizon or check their website to confirm compatibility before you buy anything. Using your own equipment can save $10 to $15 per month over time, though the upfront cost is higher.

Monthly bills also include taxes and fees, which vary by state and locality. Verizon's advertised price is rarely the final price you pay. Ask for the total monthly cost including all taxes and fees before you commit, not just the promotional rate for the first year.

Bundling with phone and TV, and contract terms

Verizon often bundles home internet with phone service and TV (Fios TV or Verizon Stream TV) at a lower combined price than buying each separately. A bundle might cost $80 to $120 per month for all three services, whereas buying them separately could run $150 or more. The savings are real, but they come with a catch: you are locked into a contract, usually two years for Fios.

5G Home Internet has no contract, but if you bundle it with Verizon phone service, the phone line may have contract terms. Read the fine print before signing. Early termination fees for Fios bundles typically run $200 to $400, depending on how much time is left on the contract.

If you already have Verizon phone service, bundling internet with it is often cheaper than adding internet alone. If you do not have Verizon phone service and do not want it, buying internet-only may be more expensive per month but avoids the contract and the extra service you do not need.

Comparing Verizon to other internet providers in your area

Verizon is not the only option in most places. Depending on where you live, you might also have access to cable internet (Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum), fiber from other providers (AT&T Fiber, local fiber companies), or fixed wireless from other carriers (T-Mobile Home Internet, Amazon Kuiper). Each has different speeds, prices, and contract terms.

The fastest way to compare is to enter your address on a few providers' websites and write down what each offers: the speed, the monthly cost (including taxes and fees), the contract length, and the equipment cost. Verizon Fios is often faster than cable internet in the same area, but it may not be cheaper. 5G Home Internet is usually cheaper than Fios but slower and less reliable.

If you are deciding between Verizon and another provider, the real question is not which company is "better" overall, but which one offers the speed and reliability you actually need at a price you can afford. A household that streams one show at a time may be happy with 5G Home Internet at $50 per month. A household with four people working from home needs Fios or another fiber service, even if it costs more.

How to check if Verizon serves your address

Go to Verizon.com and look for the "Check Availability" or "See What's Available" button, usually on the home internet product page. Enter your street address, city, and state. Verizon will tell you within seconds whether Fios, 5G Home Internet, both, or neither is available at that address.

If neither service is available, Verizon will sometimes offer to notify you when service becomes available in your area, though this can take months or years. If one service is available, Verizon will show you the plans and prices for that service. If both are available, you can compare the two side by side.

Write down the speeds, prices, and contract terms for each option before you call or chat with a Verizon representative. Representatives sometimes offer promotional rates or discounts that are not shown on the website, and having the baseline price in front of you makes it easier to spot a real deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Verizon internet if I do not have Verizon phone service?

Yes. Both Fios and 5G Home Internet are sold as standalone services. You do not need to be a Verizon phone customer to order home internet. However, bundling with phone service usually costs less per month than buying internet alone, so if you are considering switching phone providers anyway, bundling might save you money.

What happens if Verizon 5G Home Internet is slow in my area?

You can cancel without penalty since there is no contract. If you need faster speeds, Fios (if available) or cable internet from another provider are your next options. Before you cancel, try moving the router to a window or higher location in your home, as this sometimes improves signal strength.

Do I have to rent the Verizon equipment, or can I buy it?

With Fios, you can buy the modem and router outright or rent them monthly. Buying costs more upfront but saves money over time if you keep the service for two years or longer. With 5G Home Internet, the router is included in the monthly fee and cannot be purchased separately.

What is the difference between Fios and 5G Home Internet?

Fios uses fiber-optic cables and offers faster, more consistent speeds (300 Mbps to 2 Gbps) but requires a technician visit and a two-year contract. 5G Home Internet uses wireless signals, is slower (72 to 246 Mbps) and less predictable, but requires no technician and has no contract. Choose Fios if speed and reliability matter most; choose 5G Home Internet if you want simplicity and flexibility.

Can I use my own modem and router with Verizon internet?

With Fios, you may be able to use your own equipment, but compatibility varies and Verizon must approve it first. With 5G Home Internet, you must use Verizon's router because it connects to the 5G network. Contact Verizon before buying your own equipment to confirm whether it will work.