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Seeing the hype about fiber internet all around, we are bound to wonder things like ‘Is fiber internet for me?’, ‘Should I switch to fiber internet?’ or ‘What is the hype about fiber internet?’.
If you are considering the possibility of switching to a fiber internet connection, then this blog is for you.
We discuss all about fiber internet and things you should know before switching to it.
What is Fiber Internet?
Fiber internet is a type of internet connection in the US that is known for bringing gig speeds to households, up to 10 Gbps!
It travels through fiber optic lines, which transmit the internet signal as light waves. Data, in the form of light waves, travels at high speeds in glass fibers. Fiber internet needs a specialized infrastructure of fiber optic laid underground to be able to transmit internet to homes.
It also needs a special modem, called an Optical Network Terminal, to be able to convert light signals into electric ones, which are then used for the internet.
Essentially, you can do all the bandwidth-intensive activities if you have fiber internet in your home
What does this mean?
This means you can watch TV shows and movies in 4K without any buffering. Or you can play online multiplayer games without any lag.
Overall, fiber internet means you can enjoy every single online activity without ever witnessing buffering, latency, or long waiting times.
What are the Things to Consider Before Getting Fiber Internet?
As cool as fiber internet sounds, there are some things you need to consider before Googling “fiber internet in my area”.
Availability
In terms of availability, fiber internet is not available in all of the US yet. According to the Fiber Broadband Association, it has a 56% availability, but the good news is that the fiber infrastructure is quickly spreading to further increase its availability.
This is why, before anything, you need to check if fiber internet is available in your state, or more specifically, your area. For that, there is an excellent broadband map that is available on the Federal Communications Commission website. All you have to do is enter your address to see which fiber internet providers are available in your area.
Price
Another thing to keep in mind is that fiber internet is on the pricier side in comparison to other broadband options. This is because of its sophisticated infrastructure, which is expensive to build.
This is why fiber internet is considered expensive than other broadband types. Fiber internet plans also cost more than other internet types. These can vary anywhere between $50 to $150 per month. Similarly, fiber internet is more expensive to install as well. Since it requires specific devices and an installation method, this is why its installation costs can go as high as $1000. Moreover, the further you are from a fiber connection point, the more your installation cost will be.
However, before you lose hope, most fiber ISPs provide promotions or discounts on installations as soon as you sign a contract with them. So, always ask about ongoing promotions from the customer service.
Is Fiber Internet for Me?
It is easy to get lost in the flashy advertisements and promises of unbeatable reliability and high speeds. These can make anyone want a fiber connection for their home.
However, the truth is that before you get going on ordering a fiber connection for your home, you need to see if you really need it. Yes, fiber internet is reliable, and who does not want reliable internet in their home? To help you gauge if you really need it, I have compiled some points below:
- If you have a large family that is into bandwidth-heavy activities like 4K streaming, online gaming, and HD video conferencing, then you probably need fiber internet for your home.
- If you are a small business owner and often collaborate with your employees on cloud-based productivity tools, then you need to get one too.
- If you are a competitive gamer, then you need fiber internet to support your online games without any latency or lag.
- If you are a remote worker and the internet is crucial for your day-to-day activities, then you need this type of internet for its high reliability.
- If you have a smart home with lots of IoT (Internet of Things) devices, then you need a fiber connection to ensure all of them run all the time.
Overall, fiber internet is an excellent broadband choice that provides high speeds and top reliability all day long. If you want a fiber internet connection, it is important to first analyze your need, see if it’s available in your area, and if it fits your budget.
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