So I'm looking to upgrade my phone/internet service.  Anybody got some advice?

Currently my family has AT&T's All Distance package (unlimited stateside long distance, all features, etc.) bundled with DLS Xtreme 6.0 (their fastest net speed - 6.0mbps).  We don't really bother with TV service, given we'd rarely use it.

http://www.bellsouth.com/consumer/answers/index.html?CID=IBA-CSlg2871041011122g5&customer=currentCustomer

The issue is that we pay around $85 a month for what we currently have ($43 for the net itself), while you can get much better internet speeds for a similar or lower price elsewhere.

First we were looking at Cox, since with Cox you can get their 12mbps internet package for around $45/m, only a few bucks more than AT&T's 6mbps plan.  Bundle it with their long distance plan, and you're looking at $92/m. 

https://secure.cox.com/service/Store/BYOB.aspx

It's a great deal considering I'd be doubling my internet speed.  My only worry here is I have friends who claim to have issues with Cox.  Internet dropping out and whatnot.  On the other hand, my former boss swears by it, and he's had their 22mbps package for over a year with no problems.

Then there's Verizon.  I initially looked into Fios as a joke, thinking prices for fiber-optics would be insanely high, but I was shocked to find that you can get the same unlimited long distance plan PLUS a 25mbps line for only $89.99! 

http://www22.verizon.com/Residential/Bundles/fiosbundles_dp_fi_uc/fiosbundles_dp_fi_uc

This can't be real, can it??  There has to be a catch, right?  Other than the question of why it's so cheap compared to the others, my only worry is their land line support.  I know their wireless service is great, and I've heard nothing but amazing things about Fios, but I don't think I know anybody that uses their regular phone service.  Is it any good?

So basically, I can get for around $90* each:

• AT&T - Unlimited Long Distance + 6mbps Broadband

• Cox - Unlimited Long Distance + 12mbps Broadband

• Verizon - Unlimited Long Distance + 25mbps Broadband

Who should I pick?  Logic tells me to go with Verizon, but I can't help but be surprised at how damn good that deal is.  Am I missing something here?  Is there any reason I should go with one of the others instead?  Who do you guys use? 

Thanks in advance for any and all help.  :D

*The price I'd be paying after all promotions and discounts expire, unless I missed anything.  All three packages are cheaper for initially signing up.

I suggest dial-up. More money for games! :D

Verizon  hands-down

I don't suggest the fact that Youtube videos take literally 2 hours to load.

So it turns out Verison doesn't cover my area for phone.  Dunno about Fios.  =/

Don't know why, since they push wireless phone/internet so heavily here.

whats the cost for internet solely for Verizon

doesn't AT&T has any FUP

any other choices

Get a BLACKBERRY - You can be the SECOND person in the ultra cool and exclusive (remember you'd be the second person) group I made for VGC - rofl

Edit hahahahahaha

I just saw phone and internet and assumed internet capable phone :P

I'd just go with the fastest internet available for what you are comfortable paying then just get a voip service :P

check out dslreports.com for reviews, etc, awesome site

Oh, as well, don't just look at the "max internet speed" look at the speedtests and stuff from speedtest.net and see what people in your area on whatever service are regularly pulling

"Up to 22 MBps" sounds good..  but if you really only burst to that speed every once in awhile and you usually sit around 5 MBps at peak times, might be better to go for a slower but more reliable service

Also, not sure if you guys have to deal with it in the states, but up here a lot of ISP's have soft and hard caps on how much bandwidth you can use in a month..

do you have a cell phone? I have at&t for 30 a month ( internet) and I just use my cell phone...i don't see the point in owning a home phone (for me anyway)

Said it's for his family as well, I believe, unless they all take turns using the cell

Monday: Mom
Tuesday: Dad
Wednesday: Makingmusic
Thursday: Makingmusic's hot swimsuit model sister
Friday: Fido the family dog