Speed increase if I switch ONT from coax moca to ethernet?

[jacob59]

I  currently have a FIOS 75/75 package..  A couple years ago when a Verizon tech was upgrading my ONT he told me that if I had Verizon activate the ethernet port on my ONT then I could connect a mesh router and get 200MBS on my existing 75MBPS  package.  Can anyone confirm that this is true or has done this?

I currently have an old  verizon MI424WR router.    Attached is a picture of my ONT and the tp-link deco ax3000 mesh router kit i bought yesterday at Best Buy for $149.  I just wanted to confirm I will really get the "free" speed upgrade if I install the mesh routers on the ethernet port.

Ironically, I looked at my account. I currently pay $59 for the 75/75 package, it says I can upgrade to 300MBPS for $49month with a free router and 3 year price lock, but there is a $99 installation fee.  So now I'm not sure if I should go the Mesh router route or just get the 300MPS upgrade.  We have limited  internet usage, so the only speed issue I have with the 75MBPS current package is that I have IPTV using a Fire Stick and get occasional buffering, but I don't know if that is a speed problem on my end or the suppliers end so my thought was to install the mesh routers and presumably get the upgrade to 200MBPS to see if that solved the buffering problem.  Speed test on my laptop says I am getting 77 MBPS.   Speed test on the Firestick says 74MBPS.  Speed test witin the IPTV app shows 27/17 so it appears the slowdown is on the IPTV providers end.

I also want to set up a VPN if that is a factor.  I appreciate any input.

 

[gs0b · Accepted solution]

First things first: Take that ancient, out-of-support, security risk of a router out of service right away.  The MI424WR  hasn't been produced in a long time (I think over a decade,) and stopped receiving security updates years ago.

Next, check your bill.  If it says "75/75" for your service, simply switching to Ethernet is unlikely to result in faster speeds.  The ONT is provisioned by Verizon for the speed that matches what you pay for.  The  200/200 tier hasn't been offered in years, so unless your bill says you have it, you likely don't.

Next, if you want to switch to Ethernet WAN, simply contact Verizon support and ask them.  It doesn't cost anything and takes a few minutes.  Then, you can plug in your new router and see what speeds you get.  Technically, you can also use the MI424WR with an Ethernet cable - but DON'T DO THAT.  It's an insecure boat anchor.

Finally, the best information will come directly from Verizon.  They can tell you what deals may be available to you, based on geography, market competition, and your history with them.  For example, they may be able to waive the upgrade fee.

$59/month for 75/75 is high.  You can get 300/300 for $34.99/month if you have Verizon cell service.  It's $49.99 if you don't have Verizon cell.  Other discounts could be available.

If you have TV or phone service with them too, that will impact your options.  If you're on an ancient TV plan, changing internet service will trigger a change in TV plan with a potential price difference.  It could be higher or lower depending on your current plan and discounts.

For best results, I recommend using Verizon's website to review options or their online chat if you have questions.  If you decide to change plans, be sure you fully understand the new plan before switching.  Verizon does not allow you to switch back to a grandfathered plan (like 75/75.)  Once you switch, it's a done deal.