Having high-speed fiber internet can be a great advantage for both home and business, as fiber internet can deliver a high level of performance. But with so many providers present that provide fiber internet, how can someone decide which provider is the most suitable for their location? This article will look at what fiber internet is, why it is beneficial, and take a look at some of the best fiber internet providers in the country.
Fiber Internet: Definition and How it Works
Fiber internet, on the other hand, is a type of internet that is transmitted via fiber optic cables rather than copper cables. Fiber cables transmit data in the form of light through thin threads of glass or plastic. Due to the utilization of light instead of electricity, fiber is capable of achieving the highest speeds and reliability. Fiber connections can go up to an average of 1Gbps – over 200 times faster compared to an ordinary cable connection.
The major components that make up a fiber network include.
- Fiber optic cables - They are thin cables made of glass or plastic that contain multiple fibers through which data is transmitted through light. These cables link the ISP with other hubs within the local area networks.
- Nodes – Buildings, residences, or establishments where the fiber cables reach. These link homes and businesses to the larger fiber network.
- Fiber modem/router – A part of CPE that converts light signals and processes them into electrical signals that home or business devices can use. Fiber providers often bundle the modem/router when offering fiber internet services to their clients.
Benefits of Fiber Internet
There are quite a few advantages to having fiber internet service compared to alternatives like cable or DSL.
- Speed – Fiber is the best when it comes to its speed and bandwidth capabilities. The term bandwidth is defined as the amount of data that a connection can carry, which is always reflected in transfer rates. Typically, fiber services provide speeds of at least 250 Mbps up to 1Gig – which is way higher than any broadband service.
- Reliability – Unlike Wi-Fi and cable connections, fiber connections allow users to get stable and constant internet speeds since they do not interfere with outside interference or lose data. This makes them ideal for use in areas such as video streaming.
- High bandwidth – Fiber is highly capable of transmitting data in the shortest time possible without any lagging or buffering. This benefit is good for online gaming and real-time voice/video communication.
- Availability – Fiber internet packages are very reasonably priced relating to the speeds provided. Most providers provide cheap fiber packages in the range of $50-$70 per month.
- Future readiness – Fiber networks are capable of handling almost any amount of data in the future. With technology and demand for internet speeds increasing in the future, a fiber connection will not have any issues.
Top Fiber Internet Providers
Now that you know the basics and benefits of fiber internet, let’s take a look at some of the leading fiber internet providers across the United States.
1. Verizon Fios
Verizon Fios is a major and long-standing fiber internet service provider that currently offers service in parts of over 10 states. Speeds provided on Fios plans start with 100 Mbps and go as high as a 940 Mbps Gigabit connection.
Verizon Fios highlights:
- Provides fiber reach up and down the East Coast and in some Midwest states
- Equal download/upload speeds (mirror image)
- Bundles Fios internet with its television and home phone services
- Dependable fiber connection with high speed and small delay
- Their prices begin at $40 per month for the Fios 100 Mbps plan
2. AT&T Fiber
AT&T has one of the largest fiber internet networks and AT&T Fiber service offering is currently available in over 90 metropolitan areas across 18 states. Many plans offer download speeds up to 1G with 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps offerings available.
AT&T Fiber highlights:
- It is a fiber-rich service that is accessible across the southern region and Midwest.
- 1 Gig (940 Mbps) internet plans are available in some locations.
- Offers that accompany the DIRECTV/U-verse TV services
- >$60 per month for 300 Mbps or $80 per month for one Gbps.
3. CenturyLink Fiber
Another large telco provider that is offering fiber internet services is CenturyLink. CenturyLink Fiber is present in over a dozen states with the primary focus on the Western part of the United States. There are offered plans from 100 Mbps up to 1 Gig, but users can set the appropriate tariffs individually.
CenturyLink Fiber highlights:
- Gigabit fiber plans from the company are available in more and more areas
- Combine fiber internet with Prism TV service
- Promotional offer of $45/month for Life Fiber 100 Mbps
- 940 Mbps Gig plan for $65-85 per month for 1 year
4. Google Fiber
Google stirred the market again in 2012 when it announced Google Fiber, which aimed at providing a super fast internet connection. Currently, Google Fiber is offered in almost ten metro areas with up to 1Gbps, however, the company has not been very active in expanding the service.
Google Fiber highlights:
- If you use gigabit fiber for $70/month
- TV service bundles available in selected cities
- Regional, mostly in the Midwest and South areas.
- Fidelity of uploads & downloads
5. Frontier FiberOptic
Frontier Communications, a regional provider, offers fiber Internet service in 29 states with the majority of coverage in the western and southern regions. Speeds go as high as 500 Mbps and some plans include fiber internet, TV, and home phone.
Frontier FiberOptic highlights:
- Wide Fast 500 Mbps maximum broadband speeds are provided to most fiber users
- Some of the bundling options include the FiOS TV service.
- Bill discounts start from $30/ month for 500 Mbps
- Much of this availability was focused out West & South Central
Guides on How to Select the Most Suited Fiber Internet Service Provider?
When comparing fiber internet providers, there are a few key factors to consider.
1. Fiber availability – Of course, you will need to check the given provider’s fiber internet services and whether they are available where you live. In recent residential area construction, new development enhances the risk of likelihood.
2. Speed requirements – Consider the number of people per household, the number of devices, and the bandwidth requirement when considering speed. Better-off users may be able to manage with ~100-200 Mbps while users requiring higher data usage would prefer 500 Mbps to 1 Gig.
3. Value for money – Comparing the monthly tariffs to the speeds available when choosing the plan. There are often promotional tariffs that after the first year may turn into more expensive ones.
4. Additional – Since many providers offer fiber internet service, customers are allowed to add TV and phone services to the fiber internet service. Others are worthy considerations such as Wi-Fi guarantees and streaming subscriptions.
5. Customer satisfaction – Browse through the various reviews and ratings of customers in your region, to determine their experiences with the provider’s fiber internet speed and reliability, technicians, and customer service.
The Bottom Line
Fiber internet is one step ahead of the traditional internet and has advantages in terms of speed, bandwidth, reliability, and cost. Verizon Fios is easily recognized as one of the leading fiber internet providers due to the extensive network coverage, the competitive prices of its Gig plans, and the numerous offers. However, fiber availability remains open from both large and small providers – so it’s important to consider all the possibilities for fiber service within your local region. As smart home devices become more popular, streaming HD video, and with our internet usage continually increasing– then ultrafast fiber is the only solution!
Ready to experience fast, reliable internet? Call us now at (855) 210-8090 to find the best internet service providers near you. Don't miss out on incredible speeds and exceptional service—contact us today!
Read More:
What Is the Best Internet Provider in Seattle?
How To Find the Best Internet Provider?
Is Comcast the Best Internet Provider?
Is Verizon the Best Internet Provider?
What Are the Best Satellite Internet Providers?
