Verizon Fios frequently structures promotional campaigns to attract new customers, offering a variety of freebies and incentives ranging from streaming subscriptions to gaming hardware and smart home equipment. These offers are typically tied to specific internet service tiers and require adherence to enrollment criteria, such as signing up for automatic payments or committing to annual service agreements. The availability and specifics of these freebies vary by region and promotional period, with distinct offers documented across different sources.
Gaming and Streaming Hardware Incentives
A prominent promotional partnership between Verizon and Google provided new Fios customers with a Stadia Premiere Edition. This offer, available starting January 29, included a Stadia controller, a Google Chromecast Ultra, and a three-month Stadia Pro subscription. Eligibility required signing up for one of the Fios Gigabit packages, which start at $80 per month. It is important to note that the Stadia Pro subscription would automatically convert to a paid $9.99 monthly subscription at the end of the trial period unless canceled. Additionally, new subscribers on the Mix & Match Gigabit plan received a Fios Home Router upgrade.
Another significant offer provided a choice of freebies for customers signing up for the 1 Gig Fios plan ($64.99 per month). Eligible customers could choose between a year of free Netflix and Max subscriptions or an Xbox Gaming Bundle. The Xbox bundle included an Xbox Wireless Controller (Robot White), an Xbox Stereo Headset, and a $50 Xbox gift card. To qualify for these specific freebies, customers must reside in an eligible area and be signed up for an unlimited 5G data plan with Auto Pay enabled.
DealsOfAmerica lists additional hardware incentives for Gigabit connections. Subscribers to the Fios 1 Gigabit Connection ($74.99/month) or the Fios 2 Gigabit Connection ($94.99/month) were eligible to receive a choice of a Samsung 43-inch Class Q7F QLED TV, a Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G, or a Nintendo Switch System.
Streaming Service Subscriptions
Verizon has integrated major streaming services into its Fios internet plans to add value for subscribers. Under a plan priced at $65 per month for a 1 Gigabit connection, customers received free subscriptions to Netflix and Max for 12 months. Similarly, the 500 Mbps Fios connection, priced at $60 per month, included Vix Premium for 12 months.
Router and Equipment Freebies
Several internet service tiers include complimentary equipment rentals, which can result in significant savings compared to standard monthly rental fees. The Fios 300 Mbps plan, often listed at $35 to $49.99 per month depending on the specific promotion, typically includes a free router rental. Sources indicate that the Fios 300 Plan and Fios 500 Plan also include a "Free Wi-Fi 6E Router." The Fios 500 Plan is specifically noted to include a free Wi-Fi 6E router, which is an upgrade over standard equipment.
Internet Plan Tiers and Pricing
Verizon Fios offers a tiered internet service structure with varying speeds and associated promotional pricing.
- Fios 300 Mbps: This is the most affordable tier, with prices ranging from $34.99 to $49.99 per month. Promotional benefits often include a free router rental and a 3-year price guarantee.
- Fios 500 Mbps: Priced around $59.99 to $60 per month, this tier is marketed toward households with slightly higher bandwidth needs. It includes a free Wi-Fi 6E router and, in some instances, a 12-month subscription to Vix Premium.
- Fios 1 Gigabit Connection: Priced between $64.99 and $74.99 per month. This tier is the gateway to high-value freebies, including the choice of a year of Netflix and Max or an Xbox Gaming Bundle.
- Fios 2 Gigabit Connection: The highest speed tier listed, priced at $94.99 per month, which also qualifies for the premium hardware incentives like the Samsung TV or Nintendo Switch.
Historical and Community-Based Offers
Historical data indicates that Verizon has utilized "On Demand Marathon" events to engage customers. In September 2013, a promotion allowed users to access over 2,000 On Demand movies and more than 50 full-series TV shows for free during a specific date range. While currently active offers focus on internet and hardware, these historical events demonstrate a pattern of diverse content incentives.
Conclusion
Verizon Fios utilizes a strategy of bundling high-value freebies with its internet service plans to attract new subscribers. The most lucrative offers, such as gaming consoles, smart TVs, and extended streaming subscriptions, are generally reserved for customers subscribing to Gigabit-tier speeds (1 Gig or higher) and often require enrollment in Auto Pay or specific mobile service plans. Consumers seeking free equipment will find that lower-tier plans, such as the 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps options, frequently include free router rentals. As promotional terms are subject to change and geographic restrictions, prospective customers should verify current eligibility requirements and offer expiration dates directly with Verizon.