Involuntary Upgrade Questions

Question

Yesterday, I received a UPS delivery with a G3100 2.0 Router,  Fios One TV and Fios TV mini.

Any help that I get with the following questions would be really appreciated.

(1) How long do I have to activate these three devices? My wife is WFH, my kids are taking mid-terms and we are soon leaving on a vacation -- so I'm tryng to make sure I don't lose Internet at the worst possible time. I know that the Motorola boxes will lose video "on or around April 15, 2025" and I don't plan to wait until then but does anyone know how long I have to activate the devices?

(2) The G3100 is replacing a Verizon MI424WR. I have 50/50 (I know -- long discontinued but I have not upgraded because I have the Ultimate TV Plan from 15 years ago and I never wanted to lose that plan). Will I have to upgrade to the new minimum 300/300 before activating the router? And in the process lose my current package?

(3) One of my current cable boxes is nowhere near an Ethernet port (only coax). Which one of the two new boxes should be placed in that location? The Fios One TV or the Fios TV mini?

(4) I got the MI424WR for free in 2009. Fios has been charging me $3 each month for years as an ancient router fee. Do I have to send it back because I got a new router? Also, if for some reason when I go about activating the G3100 and if it does not activate, can I plug the old router back in while waiting for the Tech and use the Internet.

(5) Fwiw, my legacy ONT from 2009 was replaced in 2024 with a much smaller ONT so I don't know if that has an impact on the above questions.

(6) Has anyone had any issues with using Plex after this forced upgrade?

Thanks again in advance for any advice. Again, greatly appreciated.

dexman · Accepted Answer

I'll pick off a few of the questions...

5) Yes. The ONT that Verizon installed last year is what is needed for updated Fios services.

2)  I don't think Verizon will be looking for the old 424 router back. It hasn't received updates in ages and is a security risk. But I would put it off to the side just incase Verizon does request it.

3) Traditionally, the primary STB goes at the main television viewing location (say the Family Room) while the mini receivers go to the areas such as bedrooms.

I believe that the main STB requires a hard wire connection. The mini boxes use Wi-Fi, but, there is an option for connecting with coaxial cable (Category Lead Clem can correct me if I'm wrong).

Rule of thumb is use a hard wire connection whenever possible.

clem21 · Accepted Answer

Dexman is correct , the main VMS box HAS to be connected to the router-splitter via coax. The mini can be connected via WiFi but it works better if you connect it with coax. The splitter has to be connected to the ONT. They may use a 3 output splitter to go to your mini instead of the 2 way in the diagram. When I upgraded Verizon said to keep the old router, I'm not sure if that has changed. As far as your legacy packages go , if they have a chance to upgrade you they will. This gives them that chance. I don't know about a time-frame for using the new equipment, but my guess would be within 30 days of receiving them.