CR: Verizon, WOW Top Bundlers

May 8, 2012
Verizon (NYSE:VZ) FiOS was cited as highly rated among providers offering video, voice and data services, based on the latest subscriber survey on telecom providers from the Consumer Reports National Research Center. However, WOW, a regional telecom provider serving four Midwestern states, was also top-rated. Trailing WOW and Verizon FiOS were Bright House Networks, Cox, Cablevision/Optimum and AT&T's U-verse.Based on the survey, Verizon FiOS scored higher than the major cable companies for TV picture, sound, and channel selection and received Consumer Reports' highest mark for Internet speed. However, FiOS had more complaints than most about bills for triple play, and subscribers must rent a receiver for every TV, which not all cable companies require.In the areas of four Midwestern states where WOW is available, the provider earned high marks across the board for its bundled telecom service. Customers' responses about its Internet, TV, and phone services also put it among the top providers in Consumer Reports' ratings for each of the three services.