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How does your daily routine go? Does it involve you working from home, searching the web for information, browsing social media and ending the day with a good movie on Netflix or Hulu?
There's something all these activities have in common — the need for a fast internet connection.
The internet has become a part of our daily lives, and for most people, the faster the internet connection, the better!
Quickly gaining popularity across the United States, many Americans are opting for a Fiber connection as their preferred choice of connection. But what is it? How does it work? Is it really worth the hype?
Let HomeLinkd answer all these questions! We've done the research, so you don't have to. Read on for HomeLinkd's guide to all things Fiber Optics.
We know many of the definitions out there use big words and confusing language.
So, let’s break it down for you: Fiber Optic internet, commonly called “Fiber internet”, "Fiber-optic internet", or just “Fiber”, is a type of broadband connection which can reach internet speeds up to 940Mbps.
Through its use of Fiber optic cables, data transmission can reach speeds as high as 70% of the speed of light, now that's fast.
While Fiber has some great benefits and advantages, it does come with a few downsides. Here’s our Fiber Optic pros and cons list.
Pros:
Fiber service is extremely fast, due to its enhanced bandwidth capacity — normal copper cables can carry about 1 Gigabit per second while Fiber cables can carry around 350 000 Gigabits per second. Fiber internet offers speeds that can easily reach 1 Gbps.
Fiber Optic cables are resistant to corrosions and electromagnetic interference —resulting in better signal reliability and strength.
Providing a much more secure network than copper cables used by DSL and Cable internet —there is less chance of a security breach. A physical break in the Fiber network system will result in a total system failure –preventing cyber criminals from accessing your sensitive information.
Outweighing the initial costs for installing Fiber, it is definitely a long-term investment due to its increased speed, quality of signal and reduced chance of theft.
Cons:
Fiber cables are much thinner than copper wires –they can be easily cut or destroyed during renovations or re-wiring. So be sure to take care when you’re undergoing maintenance.
The Fiber internet network is a relatively new concept for internet connection, the installation of these cables are expensive due to the need for specialist equipment and skilled labor.
Fiber is growing in popularity, but it is not readily available in most areas as a result of the time, work and equipment needed to install these cables. But due to the demand, Fiber plans are quickly becoming more available.
HomeLinkd has a wide variety of Fiber providers to choose from:
Some notable Fiber Providers also include:
There are many providers like Xfinity, EarthLink and CenturyLink who provide fiber to the home - offering internet users reliable high-speed internet. With the Fiber internet service providers currently on the market, it can be hard to decide which is best for you. Here’s a quick rundown of some top Fiber providers and their internet offers:
Download Speed: 1 Gbps
Upload Speed: 1 Gbps
Price: From $50 per month
Contract Length: None required, but if you cancel service before the end of the agreed term, there may be an early termination fee of up to $180.
Download Speed: 150 Mbps – 1 Gbps
Upload Speed: up to 35 Mbps
Price: Between $39.99 - $79.99 per month
Contract Length: 2 years, Early termination results in a fee of up to $120.
Download Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
Upload Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
Price: $85 per month for the first 12 months, then can go up to $115 per month
Contract Length: 24 months, Early termination results in a fee of up to $200.
Download Speed: Up to 940 Mbps
Upload Speed: Up to 35 Mbps
Price: Starting from $49.99 per month for the first 12 months, then can increase to $69.99 per month
Contract Length: 24 months, Early termination results in a fee of up to $90.
Download Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
Upload Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
Price: Staring from $49.95 per month for the first 12 months, then can reach up to $69.95 per month
Contract Length: 12 months, Early termination results in a fee of up to $200
Download Speed: Up to 2 Gbps
Upload Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
Price: Starting from $54.99 per month for the first 12 months, then goes up to $84.99 per month
Contract Length: 24 months, Early termination results in a fee of up to $240.
Download Speed: Up to 940 Mbps
Upload Speed: Up to 880 Mbps
Price: Prices ranges between $79.99 - $109.99 per month
Contract Length: 24 months, Early termination results in a fee of up to $350.
Download Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
Upload Speed: Up to 35 Mbps
Price: Ranging from $80 per month for first 12 months, then up to $110 per month
Contract Length: 24 months, Early termination results in a fee of up to $180.
Download Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
Upload Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
Price: Starting from $70 per month
Contract Length: 12 months, Early termination results in a fee of up to $300.
To determine the best Fiber Internet option, we took a look at a variety of factors. These include pricing, contract length, download and upload speeds, and extras like data caps and included equipment.
Pricing: Verizon Fios Gigabit Connection and AT&T Fiber 1000 both have introductory prices of $80/mo for the first 12 months, then increase to $110/mo. Google Fiber 1 Gig Plan is slightly cheaper at $70/mo.
Contract Length: Most fiber providers require a two-year contract. However, Google Fiber 1 Gig Plan only requires a one-year commitment.
Download and Upload Speeds: All of the plans we looked at offer download speeds of up to 1 Gbps. However, AT&T Fiber 1000 and Google Fiber 1 Gig Plan offer the fastest upload speeds at 35 Mbps and 1 Gbps, respectively.
Extras: All of the plans include free equipment like a modem or Wi-Fi router. AT&T Fiber 1000, Google Fiber 1 Gig Plan, and Verizon Fios Gigabit Connection do not have data caps.
When it comes to fiber internet offers, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best plan for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, we believe that AT&T Fiber 1000 offers the best combination of price, speed, and extras.
Fiber Optic technology's mechanics are a bit complex as it uses light instead of electricity to transmit information (sounds futuristic, doesn't it?).
Instead of coaxial cables — which are made of copper and used in DSL and Cable connections — Fiber Optics works through optical fibers. These fibers are slightly larger than a strand of human hair. Many optical fibers are bundled together to create fiber-optic "cables" which carry pulses of laser or LED light that transmits information in binary form.
Once these light pulses reach their intended destination, they are converted into an electrical output that your devices can understand and work with. The conversion takes place through a tool called the optical network terminal.
Read more: All you need to know about how to install fiber internet
There are many types of home internet available, but not all of them offer the same speeds. Fiber optic internet is one of the fastest internet types, with speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps. Other fast types of internet include cable and DSL.
The key difference between Fiber Optic internet and other connection types is that Fiber does not use electricity, but light pulses. What are some of the other differences? Let's take a look:
Dial-up internet needs an existing telephone line, which are generally made of copper, to work. Unlike Fiber, you cannot use the telephone and internet simultaneously as they both share the same line.
Dial-up also has an average download and upload speed of approximately 56Kbps —roughly around 0.05 Mbps —whereas Fiber can reach download speeds of up to 940Mbps.
DSL (or Digital Subscriber Line internet), is similar to Dial-up, as it also uses telephone lines to transmit information. But, unlike Dial-up, it uses inaudible frequencies — allowing you to use your telephone and the internet at the same time.
Internet speeds are one of the main differences between Fiber and DSL —Fiber can reach speeds of about 940Mbps, while the average speed for DSL is between 1 and 100Mbps. DSL is also more commonly available than Fiber.
Cable is arguable the most similar to Fiber –with roughly the same average speeds.
The main difference being that Cable uses the same line as your cable TV services, whereas Fiber works through fiber optic cables.
Cable internet providers are also more widely available than Fiber at the moment, with some cable internet plans being a bit more on the affordable side than Fiber.
Read more: What is Mbps & How is it Different From MBps?
One of the great things about Fiber Optic internet is that it does not rely on electricity to work, so you can still have a Fiber internet connection in the event of a power outage - unlike a Cable or DSL connection.
But, you will need to ensure that your router is still connected to a backup power source, such as a UPS, for you to remain connected.
Yes, Fiber Optic cables can be made from different materials, each with their own advantages:
- Glass Fiber – these are the most common type of Fiber and are made from glass. They are also the cheapest to produce.
- Plastic Fiber – as the name suggests, plastic fibers are made with plastic instead of glass. They tend to be more flexible than glass fibers but cannot carry data over long distances as effectively.
No, you will not need a new telephone line if you switch to Fiber Optic internet. You can continue using your existing line.
However, if you want to take advantage of Fiber's higher speeds, you might need to upgrade your equipment. For example, you might need to upgrade your modem or router.
If you're interested in getting Fiber Optic internet, the best way to find out if it's available in your area is to use our HomeLinkd search tool. Just enter your address and we'll show you all the Fiber providers offers in your area.
You can then compare their plans, prices, and features to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Ready to get started? Find Fiber internet in your area now.
With its growing popularity among households and businesses, its multitude of benefits—and the fact that we can stream endless seasons of our favorite series — we'd say it's definitely worth considering when choosing an internet package. If you're looking for a high-speed fiber connection from fiber providers like EarthLink, AT&T or CenturyLink - you've come to the right place!
See HomeLinkd’s range of Fiber Optic providers, and compare them to your needs by price, speed, data, provider and extras.
We have a wide selection of plans to choose from, so you can find and select the perfect one to suit your needs.
There's a deal for with fast, reliable and secure internet. With dozens of plans and bundle offer to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice.
CenturyLink is your trusted provider of internet, home phone, and TV services. Whether you're at home or on the go, CenturyLink offer fast and reliable internet.
Get fast speeds, more data, and bigger savings on Viasat's reliable home internet plans!
EarthLink offer high-speed internet that’ll always keep you connected whether you're streaming your favorite shows or video chatting with friends.
AT&T offer you a variety of options to get the high-quality services you require, including DSL, fiber optic and fixed wireless networks, streaming and satellite TV services, and extensive 5G coverage.
Frontier, a leading provider of high-speed internet, TV, and phone services, offer various plans to fit your needs and budget.