Yes, Verizon offers internet service in most of the country, but availability depends on where you live
Verizon provides internet through two main technologies: Fios fiber, which is their fastest option, and 5G Home Internet, which uses their mobile network. 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 is not available everywhere yet. Before you assume Verizon serves your address, you need to check what they actually offer in your specific location — availability can change block by block.
The reason availability matters is that Verizon does not own the infrastructure everywhere. Fios requires fiber lines that Verizon has already built to your area, which took years and significant investment. 5G Home Internet requires you to be within range of a Verizon 5G tower. If neither is available at your address, Verizon cannot serve you, no matter how close you are to a Verizon store.
Key Takeaways
- Verizon offers Fios fiber internet in select regions, primarily the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, with speeds up to 940 Mbps depending on your plan.
- Verizon 5G Home Internet is available in more areas than Fios but still does not reach everywhere, and speeds vary based on network congestion and distance from the tower.
- You must check Verizon's website with your address to see which service, if any, is available where you live — coverage is not universal.
- Fios requires a technician to install fiber lines to your home, while 5G Home Internet uses a small outdoor device and typically installs faster.
- Both services include a modem or router, but Verizon charges a monthly equipment fee unless you own your own compatible device.
Fios fiber: the faster option with limited reach
Fios is Verizon's fiber-optic internet service, and it is the faster of the two options Verizon offers. Speeds range from 300 Mbps to 940 Mbps depending on which plan you choose, and fiber is generally more stable than wireless because the signal does not degrade with distance or weather. If Fios is available at your address, it is usually the better choice over 5G Home Internet for streaming, gaming, or video calls.
The catch is that Fios is only available in certain areas. Verizon built fiber infrastructure in parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and scattered locations in other states. If you live in rural areas, the South, or the West, Fios is almost certainly not available to you. Installation requires a technician to run fiber lines to your home, which takes a few days to schedule but is usually free.
Fios comes with a router that Verizon provides, and you pay a monthly equipment fee (usually around $10 to $15) unless you use your own compatible router. The service also includes a landline phone option if you want it, though you can skip that and use internet-only plans.
5G Home Internet: wider availability, variable speeds
5G Home Internet is Verizon's wireless internet service, and it reaches more addresses than Fios because it does not require fiber lines to be physically built to your home. Instead, it uses Verizon's 5G mobile network. You get a small outdoor device (about the size of a paperback book) that sits on your roof or window and connects to the nearest 5G tower. Installation is usually same-day or next-day, and you can do some of it yourself.
Speeds on 5G Home Internet vary more than Fios because wireless signals are affected by distance from the tower, weather, and how many other people are using the network at the same time. Verizon advertises speeds around 72 to 246 Mbps, but real-world speeds are often lower during peak hours. If you live alone and use the internet for email and browsing, this is usually fine. If you have multiple people streaming video or gaming at the same time, you may notice slowdowns.
Like Fios, 5G Home Internet includes a router and charges a monthly equipment fee. The service does not include a landline phone option. You also need a clear line of sight to the nearest tower, so if you live in a heavily wooded area or a valley, 5G Home Internet may not work well even if Verizon says it is available.
How to check what Verizon offers at your address
Go to Verizon's website and enter your street address in their service check tool. You will see which services (Fios, 5G Home Internet, or neither) are available. This is the only reliable way to know. Do not assume based on what your neighbor has or what you see advertised in your area — Verizon's coverage is patchy, and availability can differ by a few houses.
If the tool says nothing is available, you have other options. Check what other internet providers serve your address, such as cable companies, smaller fiber providers, or satellite internet. Many areas have multiple providers, and some have only one or two choices.
Cost and contract terms
Verizon Fios plans start around $40 to $50 per month for lower speeds and go up to $90 to $100 per month for their fastest plans. 5G Home Internet is typically $50 to $60 per month. Both include the modem or router, but you pay a separate equipment fee (usually $10 to $15 monthly) unless you bring your own device.
Verizon does not require a long-term contract for either service, though they may offer discounts if you bundle internet with mobile phone service or other Verizon products. Prices can increase after a promotional period ends, so check the fine print for how long any introductory rate lasts.
Installation fees vary. Fios installation is usually free, but 5G Home Internet may have a small installation fee depending on whether you do it yourself or request a technician visit. Ask about this when you order.
Speed and performance: what to expect
Fios fiber delivers consistent speeds close to what Verizon advertises because fiber does not degrade over distance the way wireless does. If you order a 300 Mbps plan, you will usually get close to that speed at any time of day. This makes Fios reliable for video calls, online gaming, and streaming multiple videos at once.
5G Home Internet speeds depend on several factors: how far you are from the tower, how many other people are using the network, weather conditions, and obstacles between your device and the tower. You might get 200 Mbps one day and 80 Mbps the next. This is not a defect — it is how wireless networks work. For most everyday tasks it is fine, but if you need consistent high speeds for work or gaming, Fios is the better choice if it is available.
Both services include unlimited data, so you do not have to worry about hitting a cap and facing overage charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my own modem or router with Verizon internet?
Yes, but Verizon charges an equipment fee whether you use theirs or your own. If you bring a compatible device, you still pay the monthly fee. For Fios, you can use a third-party router if it supports the connection type Verizon uses. For 5G Home Internet, your options are more limited because the device that connects to the tower is proprietary to Verizon.
What happens if Verizon Fios or 5G Home Internet is not available at my address?
Check what other providers serve your area. Cable internet (from Comcast, Charter, or others) is available in many places where Verizon is not. Smaller fiber providers, fixed wireless providers, or satellite internet may also be options depending on where you live. Your local government or a broadband map tool can show you what is available.
Is Verizon 5G Home Internet as fast as Fios?
No. Fios is faster and more consistent. Fios speeds go up to 940 Mbps, while 5G Home Internet typically reaches 72 to 246 Mbps in real-world conditions. If speed is your priority and Fios is available, choose Fios. If only 5G Home Internet is available, it is still adequate for most household uses.
Do I need a Verizon mobile phone plan to get Verizon internet?
No. You can order Fios or 5G Home Internet without a mobile phone plan. Verizon may offer discounts if you bundle services, but the internet service stands alone.
How long does installation take?
Fios installation usually takes a few days to schedule and a few hours on the day of the visit. 5G Home Internet can often be installed the same day or next day, and you may be able to do part of it yourself. Call Verizon to ask about timing in your area.