Does Verizon/FiOS really have to remove existing copper lines? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

865sp300e · #1 07-10-2008, 08:45 AM

I had FIOS installed recently, Verizon is targeting new construction and established areas based on demand. Some US states have an agreement with Verizon to install FIOS statewide.

In my case, the FIOS installation took about 4 hours to complete. Good riddens to DSL and Comcast cable tv. In consideration of cost and convenience we opted for the "triple play" with FIOS phone, internet, and television service. I have above ground service connection, Verizon removed the copper connection from the pole to the house and ran a new fiber connection to the house. All existing interior phone copper wire and coax cables were used with the exception of having a couple phone jacks and coax connectors replaced.

My recommendation is to research and plan how you desire the installation to be performed e.g. where you want the new box installed inside your home, availability of power, location of the wireless router, etc.

For the most part I am very pleased with FIOS, since i work from home most of the time the excellent internet speed/connection has been a huge plus.

The only issues post-installation was a tempermental connection to the tv in a basement den caused by a bad connector and a power surge during a recent storm which blew out a board (brain) in the FIOS box.

gmercoleza · #2 07-10-2008, 12:08 PM

We have had FIOS for 4 years now, no copper was ever removed. It's lightning fast and more reliable than cable (in our experience). Cheaper, too.

Mistress · #3 07-10-2008, 12:14 PM

Stefano- I have Fios in the building where I live and they didin't remove any copper wiring in my building...

G-Benz · #4 07-10-2008, 02:30 PM

I happened to be working from home today, so I thought I'd check for myself.

Sure enough, the copper going to the house was severed (vertical black conduit to the right). Also note the defunct coax cable from our FORMER service provider...

A quick peek in the box shows that the existing phone line runs in the house are now connected to the FIOS cabling instead of the copper.

A closer view:

On the other side of the garage is the battery backup..so even if your PC, TVs, and cordless phones are dead due to a power failure, you can rest assured that your FIOS network is providing uninterrupted service!

Our house is networked, but the box wasn't designed to house peripherals back when it was constructed. Maybe I should tackle this one as a project!

Anyway, the black box is the ethernet/coax box that supplies the media connection, while the one above that is the ethernet router for broadband support. Verizon provided both units.

sfloriII · #5 07-10-2008, 04:55 PM

Guys and Gals,
Thanks for all your help! We set up the new account today and now my wife will be able to enjoy channels from both Peru and her native Spain.

I've done a little research and learned that Verizon will not remove any copper wire if it is already buried as it is at our new house. I'll take a good look around the property before the installation to plan where to have them put thr new box.
One question: I see that the fiber comes up to the house and then uses the existing coaxalcables already in the house. Isn't this like an 8 lane highway being squeezed into a two lane highway? Is there any data speed loss in the process? I figured it would be fiber optics the entire route from Verizon to each TV and computer router.
Thanks again!

Larry Delor · #6 07-10-2008, 08:18 PM

If there is any loss, I sure can't tell.

One thing that you might want to do, is find your terminal (sodbox) and decide on where you want the drop cable to run. This way, the placers won't pick a route of their own...one that might interfere with any future plans for your property. I'd take a pic of where they placed it...just for future reference; because it can be very annoying if you cut your drop cable, while digging a hole for a tree/bush.

mgburg · #7 07-10-2008, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Delor

If there is any loss, I sure can't tell.

One thing that you might want to do, is find your terminal (sodbox) and decide on where you want the drop cable to run. This way, the placers won't pick a route of their own...one that might interfere with any future plans for your property. I'd take a pic of where they placed it...just for future reference; because it can be very annoying if you cut your drop cable, while digging a hole for a tree/bush.

ANNOYING is not the word I'd use here...it's EXPENSIVE...

In Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, if you cut any cable (telephone, cable TV, power, etc. ...) and you didn't have a "ticket number" from one of the State's "Digger Hotline" sites...YOU ARE THE ONE THAT PAYS FOR THE REPAIR. NO QUESTIONS.

However, if you made the call, the locating-service came out and marked EVERYTHING they claim is on your property...then if your shovel cuts anything (hopefully not the power!!!!

), then with that "ticket number" - you're good as gold...the "marking service" is responsible for the fix. Expect a few pissed-off employees until they settle down and realize YOU followed the rules...

But expect a "whooping" if you DIDN'T CALL and you messed up their "beer time" - guys in trenches and goo all over their hands do not except "I'm sorry!" very well...and they'll let you know it...then a little later, the bill will show up...expect it to be 4 figures...minimum...

Good luck...sorry for ALL the information...I get carried away with stuff like this...been through it too many times...but I've ALWAYS been on the correct side of the "cuts" -

- Thank you Jesus!!!!

Larry Delor · #8 07-11-2008, 10:42 PM

Ah, ok, I see now what you are talking about.
The black cable to the left, is from the cable company - the blue-ish wire ought to go to the ground by the power company meter (or into a properly driven ground rod). I would get rid of that connector (the cable co., ought to have the other end disconnected already.
As far as the copper drop cable, it should have been disconnected at the cross connect box, per the rules; in which case I would cut it so I wouldn't see it anymore. However, the intallers are often pressed for time, and can "forget" to do this. Myself, I would cut it close to the ground, and cap the conductor ends, just to make sure the line stays clear.
As more people get FiOS, more spare pairs will crop up, so making sure that you have a good pair from the cross connect to the pedestal, isn't such a burning issue as it once was. In the future, once a certain percentage of homes on a Fiber Hub are on FiOS, the remaining homes will get fiber phone service, and the copper cables and lines will get retired (and hopefully recycled).