Verizon FiOS

March 2009. Reviews recommend Verizon FiOS as the best ISP (Internet service provider) to get as soon as it's available in your area. It consistently scores highly for customer satisfaction, and since its dedicated fiber-optic network goes all the way to each customer's house, Verizon FiOS can be very fast. Currently, the basic plan provides download speeds up to 10 Mbps (*est. $50), but also available are 20 Mbps (*est. $60) and 30 Mbps (*est. $145). In other countries, this kind of network can achieve speeds up to 100 Mbps, so future offerings may be even better. Since availability depends on installing the expensive fiber-optic cable, expansion is fairly slow; we found some complaints of delays in installation. Most customers, though, are extremely happy with FiOS. You can also bundle FiOS Internet with TV, digital phone and wireless services to save some money on all of them. If Verizon FiOS isn't in your area, reviews suggest checking local cable services as the second best option. Where available, Cablevision Optimum Online (*est. $30 to $40 per month) is fast (15 Mbps) and gets great reviews.

We found the most current customer-satisfaction survey at J.D. Power and Associates, which polls 17,000 people and breaks down the rankings by region. PC World and PC Magazine also have extensive surveys, and PC Magazine has speed ratings based on 40,000 users. Consumer Reports rates ISPs based on its stringent testing standards and a poll of 34,000 readers, comparing Verizon FiOS with 21 other broadband ISPs. We found helpful user reviews at BroadbandReports.com.