Verizon Fios (formally
FiOS) is a
bundled Internet access, telephone, and television service that operates over a
fiber-optic communications network to over 5 million people in 13 states. Service is offered in some areas of the United States by
Verizon Communications and
Frontier Communications. Verizon was one of the first major U.S. carriers to offer
fiber to the home, and received positive ratings from
Consumer Reports among cable television and
Internet service providers. Other service providers often use fiber optics in the network backbone and existing
copper or
coax infrastructure for residential users. Service began in 2005, and networked areas expanded through 2010, although some areas do not have service or cannot receive TV and phone service because of
franchise agreements.