[citation][nom]jimmysmitty[/nom]I used to work for Verizon a ways back and the only things that matter with FiOS is the load on the server that you connect to and the speed of your PC. But thats true with any provider.But unlike cable internet, FiOS doesn't share a single line. FiOS is more like DSL on crack. Each residence gets a dedicated line so they can get the speeds. But if the server they connect to only gives about 20Mbps then thats the max they will get.BTW, if you could max out the 150Mbps FiOS it would give you roughly 18.75 MB/s. I can see them using this for their own servers for thei VOD which already pushes out 1080P HD so this bump will allow Verizon to push 3D and the next step above 1080P which is 1440P and 1600P if I remember correctly.[/citation]
You aren't completely correct in your statements... DSL is not dedicated. Many people think that the D is DSL stands for Dedicated. It stands for Digital. While the wire running to your house may be dedicated to you, it all runs back to a node that is shared by everyone on that node. So if say 9 other people are connected to the same node as you and they all pay for 10Mb service, they will only get that full 10Mb at the same time if the node is capable of handling 100. Unfortunately, alot of the nodes out there do not have enough bandwidth comming in to them to support every single person getting their full speed at the same time.
Also, just because multiple cable customers may be connected to the same physical line does not mean that they are sharing any more bandwidth than DSL/FiOS customers. Cable is like having an 8 lane highway with each persons drive way connected directly to the highway at their respective house. DSL/FiOS is more like that same 8 lane highway, but everyones driveway connects to it at the end. The only difference (theoretically) is how everyone is physically connected together. Since everyone is on different channels, they can all send data simultaneously without impeding other people as long as the node can keep up. With DOCSIS 3.0 available in alot of markets, cable companys can in theory provide an unlimited ammount of bandwidth as long as they have enough channels to bond together. In theory this would allow cable to be even faster than fiber as fiber is limited by the speed that the laser can pulse. As long as the cable company can put enough channels together, the sky is the limit.
But you are 100% correct, it doesn't matter what speed your service is (or what physical medium it is delivered over) if the server providing the data isn't able to provide data at the same rate.