Fios a frugal buy?

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Hi, haven't posted to this section for awhile but I figure you guys are diligent researchers and probably have the answers up there somewhere.

Currently we have:

Verizon

- Landline phone (long distance + local/toll) + DSL: $72/month

Comcast

- Digital On-Demand Cable - $72/month (plus any "movies" we may order)

I must admit, I caught the Verizon special of upgrade to Fios and get a free 19 " LCD TV. My wife has been complaining about the small 16" TV in our bedroom (LOL) when she watches American Idol.

It will be $94/month for TV, PC and Phone but it says "Rates will go up" after the first year.

I am sure there are installation charges too.

Has this generally been a good deal from a frugal standpoint?

I am generally content the way things are but that doesn't mean I have to be complacent.

I must admit. . .I always feel like it's not "frugal" to have digital on-demand but I do watch the Science Channel (110 in my area) and a few Encore movies a couple times a month, not to mention the young one always wants On-Demand Blues Clues.

If there's a chance to shave off $30/month in the long haul by consolidating all communications to one utililty, I'd be game.

What say the forum? Do they jack the rates back up ridiculously high after the teaser?

[Slug]

You have to be willing to play the game. Yes, they'll jack the rates, and I'll threaten to cancel and they'll either back off or I WILL cancel (I make credible threats). Then I wait until their next deal comes along and call them back, remind them of my prior experience, and negotiate their deal lower. This is mainly for the cable piece though. I never give up internet.

Oh, and I think frugal would be sellling the TV and reading Blues Clues library books to the kid, but in this case I'm content with a non-frugal label.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

FIOS sucks for internet. We seem to have problems all the time! Also our HD-DVR sucks big time. Our neighbors complain the same.

[aurielle]

This is what I have read on another forum: That only Verizon has fios. They literally remove your copper wiring so if you end up having problems with Verizon, you have nowhere else to go and you are their prisoner. I have not done research on this but wanted to give you a heads up.

[atomicrc11]

I have the Comcast Triple Play with HD DVR and I pay $120.50 per month. I also was able to get the promo for 1 year with no contract and then signed a 2 year contract to keep the price the same. So basically I won't get a price hike on cable tv for 3 years. They did raise my DVR price, but it was a $2 increase. Not bad for having the service over 1 year. If you drop the DVR, you can get Comcast for $108 including taxes. Don't forget that Verizon won't be charging you $94, it will be more like $105 or higher depending on local taxes and fees. At least give Comcast a try as there are no contracts for the 1st year. You can always switch to all Verizon services after if you don't like it. Also, it is true that in many places, Verizon will rip out your copper, which will prevent you from getting any other phone or DSL provider should you want to later.

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Thanks. . .I called Verizon and it's not available in my area anyway - maybe I'll consider Comcast.