Forced Upgrade?

Let's face it, no one likes to be forced to do anything. After I've researched something to death, and gone through the effort to get something working, there are plenty of times I'd like to leave well enough alone.

I recently spotted this article on Broadband Reports that mentions that they're going to be forcing Verizon DSL customers to upgrade to the Fios offering. It leaves me rather annoyed.

I am in a Fios neighborhood, but I simply can't justify the cost. I currently have the slower DSL (768/256), and a regular phone plan. Together they run me less than $45 a month (with all of the ridiculous phone taxes), as I use my cell phone for most of the outgoing calls. The DSL is $17.99 monthly; it was $14.99 for the first year, and it generally works just fine, with an occasional hiccup, or two.

As we've all figured out, the copper phone wires of years ago are not aging gracefully, and Verizon has bet the farm on fiber optics, marketed as Fios. At least in my area, it's a jump in price to around $65 a month for phone and internet (I'm not sure if it includes the taxes; it may not). True, it's faster, but I can already stream video, and my WiFi isn't getting any faster, so it's fast enough for the time being. I'm just not sure what the $20 a month would get me, and it would add up to almost $250 at the end of the year!

When I originally tried to sign up for Verizon DSL, I practically had to beg them, and then threaten them, to get it. I kept saying that I would only get Fios if it was comparatively priced, and they finally acquiesced after I wore the Fios rep down, and mentioned that I would be exploring "other options." I guess a DSL customer was still better than no customer to them, although that may be changing.

While I didn't get any email from Verizon yet, I really don't want to go through this again. While the article doesn't mention it, if fiber cable is cheaper to maintain, then shouldn't the cost savings passed along to the consumer? I think they should have a "bargain Fios" offer that could offer slower speeds for less dough. If they're going to force me to upgrade for their convenience, and their cost savings, why should I have to pay more for it?

While I doubt we'll ever see Fios internet at DSL speed for under $20 monthly, it would be a compelling offering, and get their fiber service in more homes. And that might just be good business in the end.

--Jonas