Verizon Fios Service in Queens // "New" Router

[FrugalRubles]

All,
I have had Verizon Fios internet for the last 2+ years. I looked at my options for my new apartment in Queens and they only have Fios, so no problem, I can bring my account with me (I have 11 more months of a $20 discount with them).

My internet-only plan for download speeds up to 25/25 Mbps is currently $75. With the $20 discount, brings it down to $55 / month plus taxes & fees. When I contacted Fios to coordinate my move, they informed me that I had to "upgrade" routers and would no longer be able to use the one I have had for 2 years (old one: FiOS GigE Wireless "N" Router (1) - no additional charge).

The "new" router is Verizon branded and carries a $10 / month equipment rental fee. I attempted to fight the good fight, but Verizon will not allow me to use the existing one. I looked into whether I could purchase a router to avoid the $10 / month charge, and it appears that Verizon has limited the options to 2:

1. FIOS Quantum Gateway - $200 to buy, $10 / month plus tax to "rent:

2. Actiontec Verizon Fios REV I Wireless N Router (Gigabit Ethernet)  - $95 from Amazon new / $69 used

Has anyone gotten around this? Seems like my best option is to purchase the Actiontec router used via Amazon or via Ebay to avoid the $10 / month charge.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

[FrugalRubles]

Thanks! Did you buy your own?

We are moving to Corona on Saturday!

[TheThirstyStag]

They're a pain in the ass about this.   I had the tech do an ethernet-only setup with the optical network terminal (ONT) at my place and plug it directly into my non-verizon router.  They still had to give me the actiontec router "in case I have to call tech support to troubleshoot"    It sat in the box unopened and was completely unnecessary for my internet-only plan. 

Try to see if you can argue that you're doing an ethernet-only setup.

[FrugalRubles]

They're a pain in the ass about this.   I had the tech do an ethernet-only setup with the optical network terminal (ONT) at my place and plug it directly into my non-verizon router.  They still had to give me the actiontec router "in case I have to call tech support to troubleshoot"    It sat in the box unopened and was completely unnecessary for my internet-only plan. 

Try to see if you can argue that you're doing an ethernet-only setup.

Was your router one of their 2 "allowed" routers? When they left the ActionTec one, did they charge you a monthly rental fee for this?

They informed me I had to use either their Verizon router or I could use the ActionTec one. I found some ActionTec ones online refurbished, so I was going to buy that vs. renting the Verizon one from them.

[TheThirstyStag]

They're a pain in the ass about this.   I had the tech do an ethernet-only setup with the optical network terminal (ONT) at my place and plug it directly into my non-verizon router.  They still had to give me the actiontec router "in case I have to call tech support to troubleshoot"    It sat in the box unopened and was completely unnecessary for my internet-only plan. 

Try to see if you can argue that you're doing an ethernet-only setup.

Was your router one of their 2 "allowed" routers? When they left the ActionTec one, did they charge you a monthly rental fee for this?

They informed me I had to use either their Verizon router or I could use the ActionTec one. I found some ActionTec ones online refurbished, so I was going to buy that vs. renting the Verizon one from them.

Yes it's the actiontec one.  They strangely never charged me for it.  I think it's because I signed up during a promotion where the router was free. 

Sounds like if you can't argue the ethernet-only/use your own router method, then your best bet is to buy the actiontec router used.  I think you have to call their number to order in order to complete a "I have my own router" order.

[FrugalRubles]

They're a pain in the ass about this.   I had the tech do an ethernet-only setup with the optical network terminal (ONT) at my place and plug it directly into my non-verizon router.  They still had to give me the actiontec router "in case I have to call tech support to troubleshoot"    It sat in the box unopened and was completely unnecessary for my internet-only plan. 

Try to see if you can argue that you're doing an ethernet-only setup.

Was your router one of their 2 "allowed" routers? When they left the ActionTec one, did they charge you a monthly rental fee for this?

They informed me I had to use either their Verizon router or I could use the ActionTec one. I found some ActionTec ones online refurbished, so I was going to buy that vs. renting the Verizon one from them.

Yes it's the actiontec one.  They strangely never charged me for it.  I think it's because I signed up during a promotion where the router was free. 

Sounds like if you can't argue the ethernet-only/use your own router method, then your best bet is to buy the actiontec router used.  I think you have to call their number to order in order to complete a "I have my own router" order.

I followed back up with them yesterday to ask again about the router options and the person I dealt with told me I was mis-informed and that my current router was fine. I got them to remove the "rental" charge. Seems like the previous customer service rep was wrong, based on the router I currently have.

Thanks all!