Verizon launched FiOS in 2005.

As a telecommunications company, Verizon FiOS offers bundled services too: video, high speed internet access, and voice solutions to its customer base.

In short, it can easily rival Dish Network as the leader in home television service.

But does it?

Dish Network is still the leader in several key indicators, such as the breadth of programming, package options, availability and price. Here’s how:

Verizon FiOS offers only two programming options: the FiOS TV Essentials and the FiOS TV Extreme HD. Essentials offers customers around 250 channels, which include local channels, on-demand video channels, some 95 commercial-free music channels, and 14 HD channels. It costs $47.99 per month.

Dish Network’s similar package is the America’s Top 200 Package. It offers around 250 channels, which includes local channels, commercial-free music channels, video-on-demand channels and some 70 HD channels. It costs $37.99 per month.

Although somewhat lacking, Dish Network addressed the bundling problem by creating partnerships with many phone or DSL providers for lower rates – for those wishing to bundle services into one bill.

DVR is also decidedly lacking with Verizon FiOS, as it only allows 80 hours of standard definition programming or 20 hours of high definition programming, compare satellite TV Dish Network’s 355 hours of standard definition or 55 hours of high definition programming.

The Best Dish Network and Direct TV offers are:

Related Topics:

• Comprehensive Guide to Dish Network's Packages
• What is the cost of a basic Dish Network service after its introductory offer period is up?