Fibre optic internet transmits data through streams of light via glass fibres. Fiber internet is very popular with consumers due to its reliability and speed. However, not everyone has access to it. The Federal Communications Commission reports that 19 million Americans, or 6%, do not have high-speed internet access. However, this number jumps up to 61% when you consider fibre internet.
Fiber-to-the home is the current service offered by major internet providers. This means that fibre cables are directly installed in each home. Fibre can theoretically reach speeds up to a Terabyte per second. However, consumers can pay to get speeds of around a gigabyte each second. The fastest fibre internet speeds are 100 Mbps. This is sufficient to allow four people to stream 4K simultaneously.
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Fibre internet is best for those who rely on the internet to support their daily lives or have large families online all day. However, it may not always be readily available.
Fibre internet: The pros and cons
PROS
- It can be faster than DSL or cable
- Higher reliability than other internet delivery methods
- Businesses and families can connect multiple devices simultaneously to the internet.
- There are no data caps, unlike other internet methods.
CONS
- Higher prices than other options that offer comparable speeds
- Not available nationwide
- Install fees can vary depending on the provider
Who uses Fiber Internet?
Fibre internet is an excellent internet option for almost everyone. In fact, Fibre internet is a great option for high bandwidth users due to its low-to-zero latency. Moreover, Fibre internet is a reliable option for gamers, HD streamers, and remote workers, even with a higher monthly fee. Fibre internet is not recommended for customers who only check email or do other minor tasks online.
According to the FCC, 39% of U.S. households are currently wired for fibre Internet. Because ISPs must wire every home to the network, it hasn’t been increased yet. Although this takes time and manual labour, many ISPs plan to increase their networks in the near future.
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How Fast Is Fiber Internet
There are many ways fibre internet could reach your home. Fiber-to-the node (FTTN) is one option. This uses one network box to reach multiple homes and businesses. The wires run from the box to each location for approximately a mile.
Fiber-to the-curb (FTTC), similar to FTTC, is located less than 1,000 feet from home. Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) is a similar service, but it delivers fibre cables directly to each home.
Fibre internet providers offer speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, regardless of installed. Fibre is more reliable than standard cable connections because it uses a dedicated line. It takes approximately 1-5 Mbps to view simple websites online. However, it takes 200+Mbps to download large files or play content-heavy online games.
Where can I get Fiber Internet Service?
AT&T
AT&T Fiber speeds up to 1000Mbps which is 20x faster than standard cable connections. You’re more likely than not to have access if you live in California, the Southeast U.S.A. or any other state. There are some cities with AT&T Fiber:
- San Francisco, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Miami, FL
- Lafayette, LA
- Savannah, GA
- Biloxi, MS
- Wilmington, NC
- Bryant, AR
- Shelbyville, KY
- Atlanta, GA
Frontier Fios
Frontier Fios provides speeds of up to 940Mbps with no data caps. It is currently only available to customers in California, Texas and Florida. Frontier’s other internet options can be accessed nationwide. These cities have Frontier Fios access:
- Patterson, CA
- Colusa (CA)
- Pomona (CA)
- Tampa, FL
- Lakeland, FL
- Sarasota (FL)
- Elkhart (IN)
- Fort Wayne, IN
- League City, TX
- Houston, Texas
Google Fiber
Google Fiber provides gigabit speeds with no contracts, data caps, or price changes. This is currently only available in select U.S. cities. Locations. Google Fiber has 18 locations:
- Atlanta, GA
- Charlotte, NC
- Denver, CO
- Kansas City, KS/MO
- Nashville, TN
- Orange County, CA
- San Antonio, TX
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Austin, Texas
- Chicago, IL
- Huntsville, AL
- Miami, FL
- Oakland, CA
- Provo, UT
- San Diego, CA
- Salt Lake Valley (UT)
- The Triangle, NC
Optimum Fiber
Optimum Fiber offers a range of plans, ranging between 300 and 940 Mbps. This currently only serves New York City, although a few other areas offer the service. These locations include:
- New York, NY
- Inglewood (CA)
- Palm Harbor, FL
- Pacifica, CA
- Fall River, MA
- Bolingbrook (IL)
- Schenectady NY
- Novi, MI
- Gilbert, AZ
Verizon Fios
Verizon Fios can be found in eight states as well as Washington, D.C. You’ll get speeds up to 940Mbps and bundle your plan with Verizon Fios TV. These locations are:
- Albany, NY
- Buffalo, NY
- Hagerstown, MD
- Richmond, VA
- Wilmington, DE
- Jersey City, NJ
- Boston, MA
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Providence, RI
What is Fiber’s Comparability to Other Types Of Internet?
Fiber internet vs. DSL internet
Digital Subscriber line, also known as DSL internet, is a type of broadband connection. DSL, however, transmits data over existing telephone lines and not through fibre optic cables. The distance you live from your nearest phone company may affect how fast you transmit data.
Fibre internet vs wireless internet
Wireless broadband allows you to connect to the internet via a radio link and not through a cable. This is a common option for rural internet instead of fibre internet, which is much less popular.
Fibre internet vs satellite internet
Your online connection to satellite internet is made using signals from a satellite orbiting high in space. You can get download and upload speeds significantly slower than with fibre due to weather.
Fibre internet vs cable modem internet
A cable modem connection is another option. It uses your cable line and offers similar speeds to DSL but not as fast as fibre internet.
