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Internet 15/03/2022 5 minute read
The thought of searching for a new internet service provider or switching internet connections is most likely giving you a headache already. HomeLinkd answers all your questions and more.
Fiber’s technology is second to none. Internet reaches your home through fine, hair-like cables made of glass. These cables are bound together and enclosed by a protective plastic covering, and then placed underground.
Data and information then move through these cables to and from your device. Placing fibre cables in the ground can be a laborious process, which is why fiber expansion is slower than wireless technologies —and why fiber providers only bring it to areas if there is a demand for it.
Think Usain Bolt, King cheetahs, or Formula 1 racing cars... and then times it by a thousand. Data transmits through fiber-optic cables at the speed of 186,000 miles per second. Just two strands of fiber cable can transmit the equivalent of 24,000 phone calls. Impressive, right?
By 2025, fiber across the globe is predicted to be the dominant fixed broadband platform. Although fiber is growing faster in Europe and in Asia —and slower in North America, it still accounts for 56% of global broadband subscribers, making it the majority choice. In the US, fiber internet penetration is at about 43%
There are a number of fiber providers across the US that cater to specific states, cities or suburbs. You’ll need to check with a fiber provider in your city to see if your area is covered. The most connected states in the US include Rhode Island, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Hawaii, Utah, Oregon, Washington and Delaware.
Nine times out of ten, your fiber provider will give you a router to use. This cost will be factored into your monthly instalment. If you choose to end your subscription or switch providers, you’ll most likely have to return the router.
PROS
CONS
Higher speeds than other internet types
Fiber expansion can be slow
Its fixed nature makes it more reliable
Initiation and activation costs
Optic fibre is more secure than wireless
Modem or router required, costing money
Affordable bundles available
More expensive than Wi-Fi or 4G
AT&T is the largest fiber provider in the US with an aggressive plan to grow to 30 million customer locations by 2025. AT&T offers uncapped fiber packages, and free equipment and installation.
Bandwidth speed range: 100 –1,000 Mbps Price range per month: from $50 -$90
Frontier FiOS is found in 29 states and considered one of the US’s fastest growing fiber providers. In the fourth quarter of 2021, Frontier added 45,000 new fiber customers —and plans 10 million fiber-to-the-home locations by 2025.
Bandwidth speed range: 50 –1,000 MbpsPrice range per month: from $40 -$200
Spectrum is well known for their cable TV, home phones, TV and internet bundles — making Spectrum a good choice if you want diversity. Spectrum is also available in 41 states.Bandwidth speed range: 5Up to 940 MbpsPrice range per month: from $50 -$90
With fiber providers expanding at a lightning-fast, your area is most likely already covered or will be soon. Fiber is fast, reliable, secure and ideal for the home or office. What are you waiting for?
Get fiber-connected today!