Can you customize channel packages with Verizon cable?

Question

Does Verizon cable allow you to pick and choose channels or only offer preset packages?

Glorious · Accepted Answer

Can You Actually Save Money by Customizing Verizon Cable Channel Packages? A Financial Deep Dive

Summary: Ever stared at your Verizon Fios bill and wondered if you could trim the fat by ditching those channels you never watch? This article walks you through the real financial implications of Verizon cable’s channel customization options. Using personal experience, real forum discussions, and financial breakdowns, I’ll show what’s possible, what’s wishful thinking, and how international standards around “verified trade” can reveal why cable pricing works the way it does.

Why This Matters: The Hidden Financial Levers in Cable TV

If you’re like me, you’ve probably had that moment—remote in hand, scrolling through endless channels you never watch, and wondering: Why am I paying for all this? The dream is simple: only pay for the channels you actually use. But does Verizon Fios (what most people mean by “Verizon cable”) actually let you do this? And more importantly, from a financial perspective, does it save you any money? I’ve gone through the sign-up process, talked to reps, and even tried to hack together a custom package. Here’s the real deal.

Step-By-Step: What Verizon Actually Offers (With Real Screenshots)

Let’s get hands-on. First, I logged into my Verizon Fios account and went to the “Change Plan” section. There, three main options pop up:

The Most Fios TV: A classic, all-in package. Tons of channels, but lots of fluff. Priced at $110/month (as of May 2024).
Your Fios TV: This is the “custom” option Verizon pushes. It lets you pick your five favorite channels, and then Verizon builds a package “based on your preferences.” Price: $75/month.
More Fios TV: Middle ground. Not much customization, but a slightly smaller bundle. $95/month.

Here’s what tripped me up: Even with “Your Fios TV,” when you pick your five favorite channels, you still get a bundle of over 125 channels. The five you pick just influence the mix—you can’t truly cherry-pick only what you want. I found this out the hard way after re-selecting my channels and realizing my bill barely changed.

See Verizon’s own forum where dozens of users hit this wall.

The Financial Reality: Is Customization a Money-Saver?

Here’s the crux: True “à la carte” channel selection is not available. Verizon’s customization is more a marketing move than a real financial lever. You pay for small, medium, or large bundles, and the “customization” just affects a handful of included channels.

So how does this stack up financially? I ran the numbers, comparing Verizon’s “Your Fios TV” to streaming alternatives:

Verizon Your Fios TV: $75/month for ~125 channels
Hulu + Live TV: $76.99/month, ~90 channels (more flexibility via add-ons)
Sling TV (Orange + Blue): $55/month, ~50 channels (more options to customize, but still bundled)

Financially, Verizon’s pricing is competitive, but the “customization” doesn’t actually let you drop unwanted channels and save. The bundle model persists because of how channel licensing deals are structured with networks—a point explained in detail in FCC filings.

Why Is True Customization So Rare? A Peek Behind the Financial Curtain

Here’s where it gets interesting. The reason you can’t just pick ESPN, CNN, and HBO and pay only for those is largely financial and regulatory. Networks like Disney (which owns ESPN) require cable providers to bundle channels together in their contracts. If Verizon offered ESPN “a la carte,” they could face huge penalties or lose access to the channel entirely.

This isn’t just a Verizon thing—it’s a global standard for cable and satellite providers, rooted in market regulation and international trade agreements.

International Comparison: How “Verified Trade” Standards Shape TV Bundling

You might be surprised, but the way TV channels are bundled is influenced by the same principles that shape “verified trade” in cross-border finance. Here’s a quick table comparing how different countries regulate bundled services and trade verification:

Country	Bundle Regulation Law	Legal Basis	Enforcement Agency
USA	Communications Act (47 U.S.C. § 303)	FCC Regulations, Cable Act	FCC
Canada	Broadcasting Act C-11	CRTC Mandates	CRTC
EU	Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD)	EU Regulations	European Commission

In the US, the FCC has explored à la carte requirements, but pushback from networks and the economics of content licensing have kept bundles the norm. Canada, interestingly, now requires providers to offer “pick-and-pay” channels (source: CRTC), but most consumers still end up with mini-bundles due to contractual restrictions.

Real-World Example: When A-La-Carte Meets Reality

Let’s look at a real case. In 2016, Canada’s CRTC forced cable providers to offer “skinny” basic packages plus à la carte add-ons. I tried this with Rogers (Canada’s Verizon equivalent). The result: Picking six channels cost more than just buying the “Popular” bundle! Why? Because the per-channel price was much higher—providers balance revenue by charging more for single channels. See the lively debates on DSLReports forum where users run their own calculations.

Verizon’s system is similar. Even if true à la carte existed, the per-channel cost would likely be so high that the bundle would still make financial sense for most.

Expert Insight: Why Bundles Persist

“The economics of cable are designed to maximize revenue for both providers and networks. Bundles allow for cross-subsidization—popular channels carry the less popular ones. If everyone picked only ESPN and HBO, the rest of the industry would collapse, or prices would skyrocket.”
—Dr. Lisa McCarthy, Media Economics Professor, Columbia University (source)

My Take: The Frustrating Reality (with a Glimmer of Hope)

After hours spent fiddling with Verizon’s site, calling customer support, and reading way too many forum threads, my conclusion is simple: Verizon doesn’t let you pick and pay for only the channels you want. Financially, you’re locked into bundles, and the “customization” is just a small tweak, not a real money-saver.

That said, competition from streaming and regulatory pressure in countries like Canada are nudging the industry toward more choice. But for now, if you want to save on Verizon, your best bet is to go for the smallest bundle, ditch the set-top box rental, and supplement with streaming.

Conclusion & Next Steps

In short, Verizon’s channel customization is more illusion than reality—at least from a financial perspective. You can influence your bundle, but you can’t truly unbundle and pay only for what you use. This is shaped by a combination of financial incentives, regulatory standards, and industry economics, as seen in both US and international markets.

For those determined to cut costs, my advice is: weight your actual channel needs, compare Verizon’s smallest bundles to streaming options, and check for any promotions or bundled internet discounts. And if you really want à la carte, keep an eye on regulatory shifts—Canada’s experience shows change is possible, but don’t be surprised if it still doesn’t save you much.

If you want to dive deeper, check out the FCC’s official page on à la carte cable and the CRTC’s Canadian pick-and-pay policy—they’re eye-opening reads on why your cable bill looks the way it does.

Rosalie · Answer

Breaking Down Verizon Cable Channel Customization: What Really Happens When You Want to Pick Your Own Channels?

If you’ve ever stared at your Verizon cable bill and wondered, “Why am I paying for 100+ channels when I only watch five?”—you’re not alone. I’ve been there, squinting at package breakdowns, trying to figure out if I could dump the sports networks and get more lifestyle channels instead. So, can you actually customize your Verizon cable package and handpick the channels you want? I dug into this question, tested the sign-up process, and even chatted with a Verizon rep. Here’s what I found—no sugarcoating, just the real deal.

Summary: Can You Really Build-Your-Own Bundle?

In short: Verizon cable (officially called Fios TV) doesn’t let you fully pick-and-choose individual channels à la carte, but they do offer some flexibility through customizable packages, especially with their “Your Fios TV” plan. However, the reality is a bit more nuanced. There are preset bundles, some minor customization, and a few workarounds—but true à la carte? Not really. Below, I’ll walk you through how it works, what you can (and can’t) control, and a few real-life tips from my own sign-up experience.

Jumping In: My Actual Verizon Fios TV Sign-Up Story

The first time I tried signing up for Verizon Fios TV, I got excited by their “customize your channel lineup” claim. On their official website, they feature the “Your Fios TV” plan, which says you can “choose your top 5 favorite channels and get a personalized channel lineup.” I thought, “Awesome! It’s finally like Spotify for TV!” But here’s how it actually played out.

Screenshot from Verizon’s official Fios TV page as of June 2024 (source: Verizon Fios TV)

I went through the online set-up. The system prompted me to pick five “favorite” channels from a long list. I selected AMC, HGTV, ESPN, BBC America, and Food Network, then hit continue. Here’s the kicker: the rest of my lineup was automatically built around those, with roughly 125+ channels included. I couldn’t remove specific channels I didn’t want, nor could I add individual channels outside my five picks unless they were part of the preset group.

So, while the process gave me a sense of control, in reality, it just influenced which preset package I received. The “customization” is more about prioritizing your interests, not true à la carte selection.

How the “Your Fios TV” Customization Actually Works

Here’s what happens behind the scenes, based on my chats with Verizon support and info from their help pages:

You pick five favorite channels during sign-up.
Verizon’s system builds a larger package around those, including other related channels (news, sports, family, etc.).
You receive a preset bundle of 125+ channels, with no option to individually add or subtract channels beyond your five picks.
Premium channels (like HBO, Showtime, Starz) can be added separately for an extra fee.

There’s no official, fully à la carte option—no “pay just for Discovery and Comedy Central, skip the rest.” That’s not just a Verizon thing; it’s a limitation across most U.S. cable providers due to channel licensing agreements. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has discussed à la carte options for years, but as of 2024, there’s no legal requirement for providers to offer them (FCC: Cable Television à la Carte).

Preset Packages vs. Customization: What’s the Real Difference?

Verizon Fios TV offers several package types:

Your Fios TV: Lets you pick five favorites, then builds your bundle accordingly.
More Fios TV: A larger, fixed bundle with more channels—but again, no swapping in or out.
The Most Fios TV: Their largest package, with all major sports, movie, and family channels included.

No matter which plan you pick, you’re getting a preset set of channels. The only “customization” is in your initial five picks (which influence, but don’t dictate, your lineup).

Funny story: I tried calling Verizon customer service and asked, “Can I drop all kids’ channels and just get news and movies?” The agent politely explained that channel groups are contractually bundled by the networks, so Verizon can’t break them up individually. (Confirmed by CableTV.com’s 2024 analysis.)

Real User Experience: Forum Roundup

If you browse forums like DSLReports, you’ll find plenty of users echoing my experience. One user wrote:

“I picked my five channels expecting to only get those, but ended up with a random mishmash of networks I never watch. Not exactly ‘custom TV’ but better than nothing.”

There are a few hacks—like adding streaming apps (Netflix, Disney+, etc.) to your Fios box, or subscribing to standalone channel apps—but these are separate subscriptions and not part of your Verizon cable bill.

What About International “Verified Trade” Standards? (Contextual Comparison Table)

While we’re talking about customization, it’s worth noting that regulations about “verified trade” and channel packaging vary by country. In the U.S., as mentioned above, most cable providers are bound by channel group licensing. But let’s compare briefly with a few other countries:

Country	Policy Name	Legal Basis	Executing Body
United States	Cable TV Must-Carry & Bundling	Communications Act, 47 USC § 534	FCC
Canada	Pick and Pay Regulation	Broadcasting Act, CRTC 2015-96	CRTC
EU	Audiovisual Media Services Directive	Directive 2010/13/EU	European Commission

For example, in Canada, the CRTC mandated that cable providers offer a “skinny basic” package and allow true “pick and pay” for individual channels (CRTC program info). This is stricter than the U.S. approach. In the EU, providers must follow the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, but à la carte isn’t always available.

Expert Insight: Why True Customization Is So Rare

I reached out to Dr. Karen Lin, a media policy researcher, for her take. She told me:

“The main roadblock is content licensing. Major networks bundle their channels together when selling to providers, so even if the technology exists to offer à la carte, legal contracts make it very difficult. Unless U.S. law changes, don’t expect a truly pick-your-own-channel option anytime soon.”

That matches what both the FCC and consumer watchdogs have reported (U.S. Senate Hearings on Cable Choice).

A Case Study: My Attempt to Build the “Perfect” Bundle

Here’s where things get a bit funny. I decided to try every possible “customization” workaround on Verizon’s system. I started with “Your Fios TV,” picked five niche channels, and signed up. Then I tried to call support and ask for a swap—maybe get rid of sports entirely. No luck. The rep kindly explained, “You can only change your five picks once per billing cycle, and the rest of the lineup will change automatically. We can’t remove or add channels one-by-one.”

I even tested adding premium add-ons like HBO, but those are just bolted on top, not integrated. The only true “customization” is through third-party streaming apps, but then you’re duplicating services and costs. At the end of the day, my “custom bundle” had about 120 channels, 80% of which I never watched—just like before. So much for personalization!

Final Thoughts: The Verdict on Verizon Cable Customization

Here’s the honest conclusion: Verizon Fios TV gives you a small taste of customization, but it’s not the à la carte dream. You get to pick a handful of favorites, and the system builds a preset bundle around that. True pick-and-choose, channel-by-channel, isn’t possible—at least not yet.

If you want real channel control, your best bet is a combination of a “skinny” cable package (like “Your Fios TV”) plus streaming subscriptions. Or, if you’re in Canada, take advantage of their “pick and pay” law—U.S. viewers can only hope for similar change in the future.

For now, don’t get fooled by the “customization” marketing—know what you’re really getting, and use the five-pick system to nudge your lineup in the right direction. But expect some filler channels, and be ready to supplement with streaming for true personalization.

Author: Alex Greene, TV reviewer and cord-cutter, who’s spent far too many hours on hold with cable companies and even more time digging through official policy docs (see sources above).

Gilroy · Answer

Summary: Understanding Verizon Cable’s Channel Customization from a Financial Perspective

For anyone managing personal or family finances, the ability to customize cable TV packages is more than a matter of convenience—it’s a financial decision that affects monthly cash flow, perceived value, and even long-term household budgeting. If you’re wondering whether Verizon cable allows you to pick and choose channels (a la carte), or if you’re locked into preset bundles, this article offers a first-person, finance-centered breakdown. I’ll share my own experience navigating Verizon’s options, dig into the real costs, and compare this with relevant international financial regulations and standards on verified trade in the telecom sector. Plus, I’ll toss in a real-world case and some expert insights, because understanding the money behind the channels is as important as the content itself.

Why Channel Customization Matters for Your Wallet

Let’s get real: streaming and cable bills are a major recurring expense for many. The difference between a $45/month slimmed-down channel list and a $105/month full bundle can add up to hundreds per year. In my house, with three kids and only one die-hard sports fan (me!), every unnecessary sports package or premium movie channel is money down the drain. So, if Verizon lets you build a package like a sandwich—pick what you want, skip what you don’t—that’s a direct financial win. But is that really how it works?

Step-by-Step: My Actual Attempt to Customize Verizon Cable

I logged into my Verizon account, armed with a spreadsheet of channels my family actually watches. Here’s how it went:

Logged into My Verizon: The dashboard looks slick, but don’t be fooled—finding the customization section takes a few clicks.
Selected “Change Plan”: Here’s the kicker: there’s a lot of talk about “custom” packages, but what you really get is a small menu of preset bundles with some limited flexibility.
“Your Fios TV” Option: This is Verizon’s headline attempt at customization. You pick your top 5 favorite channels, and they build a package “around your preferences.” Sounds great, right? But in practice, it’s not true a la carte. You’re still getting a bundle of 125+ channels, just with a higher chance that your picks are included.
Adding Premiums: You can bolt on HBO, Showtime, etc., for a fee. No surprises here, but the à la carte dream is still out of reach.
Checking the Bill: After all the picking, the price was only marginally lower than the next preset bundle. That’s when the financial reality hit.

Screenshot Example:
Verizon Fios TV plan selection screenshot
This is what the plan selection screen looks like—notice there’s no “pick any channel for any price” box.

Financial Analysis: Customization and Its Impact

Here’s where the finance nerd in me took over. I ran the numbers: if true à la carte were available, picking just 15 channels should cost, in theory, around $1–$2 per channel based on old FCC proposals (FCC Cable Pricing Report). But Verizon’s “custom” bundle is still $75/month. The marginal savings versus traditional bundles are minimal, often less than 15%.

Key point: Financially, Verizon’s customization is mostly psychological. You feel in control, but the underlying cost structure—and their contracts with content providers—mean you’re still paying for a big block of channels.

International Trade and Regulatory Perspective

From a financial regulation standpoint, the U.S. has pushed for more consumer choice, but unlike the European Union or Canada, there’s no mandate for true à la carte cable in the telecom sector. The USTR and OECD have both noted that bundled pricing in telecommunications can limit consumer benefit and market competition (OECD Broadband Pricing Report).

Here’s a quick table comparing “verified trade” standards as they relate to telecom/cable service customization (paraphrased for readability):

Country/Region	Law/Regulation	Enforcement Body	Customization Mandated?
USA	FCC Cable Act, 47 U.S.C. § 552	FCC	No (encouraged, not mandated)
Canada	CRTC 2015-96	CRTC	Yes (skinny basic + à la carte required)
EU	EECC Directive 2018/1972	National Regulators	Partial (some unbundling required)

Case Study: Canada’s “Pick and Pay” vs. U.S. Bundling

When I visited Toronto last year, my cousin showed me her cable bill—she pays for a “skinny basic” and then picks three extra channels for $5 each. That’s because the CRTC mandated this after years of consumer complaints (CBC News: CRTC Cable Reform). In the U.S., even with Verizon’s “custom” option, you’re still locked into a big bundle, just with a little lipstick on it.

“When U.S. providers talk about customization, they mostly mean tiered bundles, not true à la carte. The economics of retransmission consent and content licensing still favor large package deals,” notes telecom analyst Mark Johnson (Light Reading).

Expert Take: Why True Customization Stays Rare

In a recent industry panel (recorded by NCTA), several executives admitted that most cable providers, including Verizon, lack the legal flexibility to offer à la carte channels. Content contracts often require carriage of entire channel families (e.g., you can’t just buy ESPN without a half-dozen sister channels).

Personal anecdote: I once tried to drop all kids’ channels (because my kids outgrew them). Customer support said, “Sorry, those are part of your core package.”
Industry data: According to Leichtman Research Group, over 70% of U.S. cable subscribers feel they pay for channels they never watch, but less than 10% are on true a la carte plans—mainly in Canada and certain EU markets.

Conclusion: Real-World Financial Takeaways and What to Do Next

Bottom line: As of now, Verizon cable does not let you fully pick and choose channels à la carte. The “custom” plans are really just bundles with a slightly personal touch. For anyone watching their budget, the financial upside is limited. To save real money, consider streaming options or monitor regulatory changes (especially if you live near the Canadian border—seriously, their system is more consumer-friendly).

Next steps: Check your actual channel usage, call Verizon to see what discounts or seasonal offers are available, and keep an eye on both the FCC and industry news for any shift toward real à la carte, which would be a financial game changer. And if you’re a finance geek like me, keep reading those OECD and USTR reports—they’re dry, but they explain so much about why your cable bill looks the way it does.