Fiber-Optic Internet Service

Verizon FiOS is best, but expensive

Fiber-optic ISPs offer the fastest service, but are less widely available than cable and DSL. You'll likely pay more, although some packages that bundle Internet, home phone and TV service cost less.

Verizon FiOS uses a dedicated fiber-optic cable system to deliver downstream speeds from up to 15 Mbps (*Est. $50 per month) to 150 Mbps (*Est. $200 per month). While some cable ISPs can now deliver competitive speeds on the low end of that range, this is still far faster than any DSL provider. FiOS Internet service is relatively expensive if purchased on its own, but prices are significantly lower if bundled with FiOS television and/or Verizon phone services. You get free email, web space and 24/7 customer support. Verizon's Internet Security Suite costs an extra $6 per month for up to three computers.

Customers give FiOS the highest ratings of any Internet service; its average customer score at BroadbandReports.com over the past six months is 82 percent, earning FiOS a Gold Star award. However, Verizon has indicated that for now, it won't focus on expanding the availability of FiOS. According to David Murphy of PCMag.com, Verizon will instead concentrate on marketing in the dozen states already covered as well as deployment in locations where it has an already-signed franchise agreement. In addition, Verizon sold some of its network -- including its fiber-optic FiOS network -- to Frontier Communications in certain U.S. regions.

AT&T's U-verse competes with Verizon FiOS but isn't as fast because it uses copper wiring at the place of residence (FiOS is fiber optic to the premises). Download speeds for U-verse fiber-optic service range from 3 Mbps (*Est. $38 per month) to 24 Mbps (*Est. $63 per month). Still, 24 Mbps is considerably faster than DSL and cable speeds, so if speed is important to you, AT&T is a good alternative. U-verse wins a Bronze Star award from BroadbandReports.com with an average score of 65 percent from users over the past six months.