Breaking Free from FIOS TV: Can You Cancel and Keep Your Internet?

Are you tired of paying for FIOS TV services that you barely use? With the rise of streaming services and online content, many people are reevaluating their TV subscriptions and looking for ways to cut costs. If you’re a Verizon FIOS customer, you might be wondering if it’s possible to cancel your TV service and keep your internet. In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Understanding Your FIOS Contract

Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to understand your FIOS contract. When you signed up for FIOS, you likely agreed to a contract that bundles your TV, internet, and phone services together. This contract typically includes a promotional period, during which you receive discounted rates for your services. However, once the promotional period ends, your rates may increase.

To cancel your FIOS TV and keep your internet, you’ll need to review your contract and understand the terms and conditions. Check your contract to see if there are any penalties for canceling your TV service early. You may be able to negotiate with Verizon to waive these penalties, but it’s crucial to understand the potential costs involved.

FIOS TV and Internet Bundles

Verizon FIOS offers various bundles that combine TV, internet, and phone services. These bundles often come with discounted rates, but they can also make it challenging to cancel individual services. If you’re looking to cancel your FIOS TV and keep your internet, you may need to upgrade or downgrade your internet plan to a standalone service.

Verizon offers several internet-only plans, including:

  • FIOS Gigabit Connection: This plan offers speeds of up to 940 Mbps and starts at $69.99 per month.
  • FIOS 400 Mbps: This plan offers speeds of up to 400 Mbps and starts at $59.99 per month.
  • FIOS 200 Mbps: This plan offers speeds of up to 200 Mbps and starts at $49.99 per month.

Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on your location and the availability of services in your area.

Downgrading Your Internet Plan

If you’re currently on a bundled plan, you may be able to downgrade your internet plan to a standalone service. However, this could affect your internet speeds and data caps. Before making any changes, ensure that your new internet plan meets your needs and budget.

For example, if you’re currently on a FIOS Gigabit Connection plan and you cancel your TV service, you may be able to downgrade to a FIOS 400 Mbps plan. This could save you money on your monthly bill, but it may also reduce your internet speeds.

Canceling FIOS TV and Keeping Your Internet

Now that we’ve explored the possibilities, let’s discuss the process of canceling your FIOS TV and keeping your internet. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

  1. Review your contract: Check your contract to see if there are any penalties for canceling your TV service early.
  2. Contact Verizon: Reach out to Verizon’s customer service department to request cancellation of your TV service. You can do this by calling 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966) or by chatting with a representative online.
  3. Negotiate with Verizon: If you’re facing penalties for canceling your TV service early, try negotiating with Verizon to waive these fees. Be polite and persistent, and explain your reasons for canceling.
  4. Downgrade or upgrade your internet plan: Once you’ve canceled your TV service, you may need to upgrade or downgrade your internet plan to a standalone service.
  5. Confirm your changes: Ensure that your changes have been processed correctly and that you’re not facing any unexpected fees or penalties.

Alternative TV Options

If you’re canceling your FIOS TV service, you may be looking for alternative TV options. Here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • Streaming services: Services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime offer a wide range of TV shows and movies for a fraction of the cost of traditional TV.
  • Antenna TV: If you live in an area with good over-the-air reception, you can use an antenna to receive free TV channels.
  • Cable TV alternatives: Services like Sling TV and YouTube TV offer live TV streaming without the need for traditional cable or satellite TV.

Streaming Services vs. Traditional TV

Streaming services have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a range of benefits, including:

  • Cost savings: Streaming services are often cheaper than traditional TV, with prices starting at around $10 per month.
  • Flexibility: Streaming services allow you to watch TV on your own schedule, without the need for a traditional TV schedule.
  • Personalization: Streaming services offer personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits.

However, streaming services also have some drawbacks, including:

  • Limited content: While streaming services offer a wide range of content, they may not have the same selection as traditional TV.
  • Internet requirements: Streaming services require a stable internet connection, which can be a problem if you have slow or unreliable internet.

Conclusion

Canceling your FIOS TV and keeping your internet is possible, but it requires some planning and negotiation. By understanding your contract, downgrading or upgrading your internet plan, and exploring alternative TV options, you can save money on your monthly bill and still enjoy the internet speeds you need.

Remember to review your contract carefully, negotiate with Verizon if necessary, and confirm your changes to ensure a smooth transition. With the rise of streaming services and online content, there’s never been a better time to break free from traditional TV and explore new options.

FIOS Internet PlanSpeedsPrice
FIOS Gigabit ConnectionUp to 940 Mbps$69.99 per month
FIOS 400 MbpsUp to 400 Mbps$59.99 per month
FIOS 200 MbpsUp to 200 Mbps$49.99 per month

By following these steps and exploring alternative TV options, you can take control of your TV and internet services and save money on your monthly bill.

Can I cancel my FIOS TV and keep my internet service?

You can cancel your FIOS TV and keep your internet service, but it may affect your overall bill and the services you receive. FIOS often offers bundled discounts for customers who subscribe to multiple services, including TV, internet, and phone. If you cancel your TV service, you may lose this discount and see an increase in your internet bill.

It’s essential to review your contract and understand the terms and conditions before making any changes to your service. You can contact FIOS customer service to discuss your options and determine the best course of action for your specific situation. They can help you understand how canceling your TV service will affect your internet bill and any other services you may have.

How do I cancel my FIOS TV service?

To cancel your FIOS TV service, you can contact FIOS customer service directly. You can reach them by phone, email, or through their website. It’s recommended that you have your account information ready, including your account number and any other relevant details. This will help the customer service representative assist you more efficiently.

When you cancel your TV service, you may be asked to return any FIOS equipment, such as your DVR or cable box. Be sure to ask about any equipment return requirements and deadlines to avoid any additional fees. You can also ask about any potential penalties or fees associated with canceling your service, especially if you’re still under contract.

Will I be charged a penalty for canceling my FIOS TV service?

You may be charged a penalty for canceling your FIOS TV service, depending on your contract and the terms of your agreement. If you’re still under contract, you may be subject to an early termination fee. This fee can vary depending on the length of your contract and the services you’re canceling.

It’s crucial to review your contract and understand the terms and conditions before canceling your service. If you’re unsure about any potential penalties or fees, contact FIOS customer service to discuss your options. They can help you understand any potential charges and determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Can I downgrade my FIOS TV service instead of canceling?

Yes, you can downgrade your FIOS TV service instead of canceling. FIOS offers various TV packages, and you can choose a lower-tier package that better suits your needs. Downgrading your service can help you save money on your monthly bill while still keeping access to some TV channels and services.

To downgrade your FIOS TV service, contact FIOS customer service and ask about your options. They can help you choose a lower-tier package that meets your needs and budget. Keep in mind that downgrading your service may affect your overall bill and the services you receive, so be sure to review your contract and understand the terms and conditions before making any changes.

Will canceling my FIOS TV service affect my internet speed?

Canceling your FIOS TV service should not affect your internet speed. FIOS internet and TV services are separate, and canceling one service should not impact the other. However, if you’re receiving a bundled discount for subscribing to multiple services, canceling your TV service may affect your internet bill.

It’s essential to review your contract and understand the terms and conditions before making any changes to your service. If you have any concerns about your internet speed or bill, contact FIOS customer service to discuss your options. They can help you understand how canceling your TV service will affect your internet service and determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Can I cancel my FIOS TV service online?

You can’t cancel your FIOS TV service entirely online, but you can initiate the process through the FIOS website. You can log in to your account and request to cancel your service, but you’ll likely need to contact FIOS customer service to complete the process.

To cancel your FIOS TV service, it’s recommended that you contact FIOS customer service directly. They can assist you with the cancellation process and answer any questions you may have. Be sure to have your account information ready, including your account number and any other relevant details, to help the customer service representative assist you more efficiently.

What happens to my DVR recordings if I cancel my FIOS TV service?

If you cancel your FIOS TV service, you’ll likely lose access to your DVR recordings. FIOS DVRs are typically tied to your TV service, and canceling your service may render the DVR useless. You may be able to keep your DVR recordings for a short period after canceling your service, but this depends on FIOS’s policies and procedures.

It’s recommended that you transfer any important recordings to an external device or cloud storage before canceling your FIOS TV service. This will ensure that you don’t lose access to your recordings. You can also ask FIOS customer service about their policies regarding DVR recordings and canceling service to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Leave a Comment