YA "Which Internet Service" Question

January 24, 2011 8:28 AM

I'm about to move to Westchester county, NY. How should I get my Internet service?

I don't need cable tv, phone service, etc. Just nice, reliable, fast internet service. If any add-ons come along free, fine. But they're not my priority. I'd also be extra grateful for tips re: any current specials.

There's no AT&T DSL in NY, but Verizon FiOS is here - fiber optic all the way, and expensive. And I'm on a Mac, so they say I couldn't use their wifi (though that makes no sense).

posted by Quisp Lover to Computers & Internet (10 answers total)

You don't get wifi from an internet provider. You get it from a wifi router.

My mother uses VZ FIOS in Westchester and loves it. But I think its service is dependent on where in Westchester you are.
posted by dfriedman at 8:32 AM on January 24, 2011

Sorry, I wasn't clear. All FiOS users get free use of Verizon's wifi spots. But Macs are not compatible.
posted by Quisp Lover at 8:33 AM on January 24, 2011

There are plenty of good reviews of various service options over at DSL Reports. Pop in your ZIP and they'll give you a list of area providers along with people's reviews, etc.
posted by msbutah at 8:38 AM on January 24, 2011

Great resource, thanks.

Also, just for the thread, I found this site with updated list of best current FIOS promo deals:
http://www.consumerfiber.com/verizon-fios
posted by Quisp Lover at 8:47 AM on January 24, 2011

FIOS is the way to go, really. Their billing system sucks, they change channel lineups quite often, but the Internet and TV service are top notch.
posted by Geckwoistmeinauto at 8:50 AM on January 24, 2011

I had RCN when I lived in New Rochelle some years ago, and it was fine.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 9:06 AM on January 24, 2011

FIOS works with Macs no problem. It's the way to go.
posted by andrewraff at 9:06 AM on January 24, 2011

FIOS++ (And it worked on my Macs, Linux and BSD boxes no sweat.)
posted by Brian Puccio at 10:10 AM on January 24, 2011

It might just be my spotty memory, but whenever I read about contract negotiations going sour (one I can remember somewhat recently is with Disney/ABC), it's usually with Time Warner and it was before the Oscars. Go with FiOS.
posted by spec80 at 10:30 AM on January 24, 2011

n-thing FIoS. Yes, Verizon sucks, but their speeds are reasonably close to what you pay for and their downtime is non-existent.
posted by digitalprimate at 5:00 PM on January 24, 2011