Who is in the new Verizon FiOS availability map? Is it you?

            Verizon has wisely decided to expand its FiOS offerings to new markets which has led to an entire wave of customers wondering if they happen to fall within the new Verizon FiOS availability map. Well, the only way to tell is to look, and the sad truth is that Verizon changes their availability map on a nearly daily basis.  This might not be a bad thing though, for at least a couple of reasons:

There are a handful of fiber optic startups that are now beginning to catch on.  These startups offer incredible performance that may not be up to FiOS standards, but is often far better than DSL or cable services.

On the subject of DSL and cable, it is worth noting that both DSL and cable providers around the nation are starting to offer fiber optic connections or at least plan fiber optic services for the future?  Why?  Because their metal wires are nearly at the end of their useful lives.

Some companies like Google are starting to make noises about joining the broadband market with amazing services to rival FiOS.

FiOS itself continues to raise the bar in terms of overall features.  This in turn puts further pressure on DSL and cable providers on all fronts.

Not knowing which regions will be added to the Verizon FiOS availability map next keeps the competition on their toes, and that is nothing but good for consumers looking for better performance and more features at lower price points.

Government grants and loan forgiveness programs are just now kicking in, and that enables broadband and/or digital cable providers to expander their networks and/or increase performance without charging extra.  Of course, taxes are still taxes and that deficit will need to be repaid one day.

            In the end it might seem annoying that Verizon is rather cagey about which regions will be added to the official Verizon FiOS availability map next.  All consumers can do is wait and hope that the forces of competition work their magic on the market.