Fiber internet
Fiber sends data as light through glass strands. It is the fastest and steadiest home connection you can buy, and the only one where upload is usually as fast as download.
- Typical plans run from 300 Mbps to 5,000 Mbps, with matching upload.
- Speed stays steady at busy hours because the line is not shared the way cable is.
- It is not on every street yet. Availability can change from one block to the next.
How fiber works
A fiber line runs from the provider's network to a small box on or inside your home called an optical network terminal, or ONT. The ONT turns light into a normal network signal, and your router plugs into it. There is no modem to rent in the usual sense, though many providers supply a router.
How fast it is
Most fiber providers sell tiers such as 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 gigabit (1,000 Mbps) and multi-gig plans of 2,000 to 5,000 Mbps or more. Upload normally matches download. That matters for video calls, cloud backups, security cameras and anyone who sends large files.
Delay, called latency or ping, is the lowest of any connection type, commonly 5 to 20 milliseconds. Games and calls feel instant.
What it costs
Monthly prices for fiber are often close to cable prices for the same speed. Watch for three things: an installation or activation fee, a router rental fee, and a promotional price that rises after 12 or 24 months. Many fiber plans have no data cap and no annual contract, but ask rather than assume.
Installation
If fiber already runs past your home, a technician brings a thin line to the house and mounts the ONT. Plan for a visit of two to four hours. If the building has never had fiber, the first install can take longer because the drop line has to be run from the street.
Who should pick fiber
If fiber is available at your address and the price is within a few dollars of the alternatives, it is almost always the right choice. It is the best fit for homes with several people working or studying online, for gamers, and for anyone uploading video.
Common questions
Is fiber faster than cable?
For download, both can reach a gigabit or more. For upload, fiber is far faster: a gigabit fiber plan usually uploads at close to a gigabit, while cable upload is often 10 to 50 Mbps.
How do I know if fiber is on my street?
Availability is decided address by address. Call the number on this site and give the agent your street address, or look your address up on the FCC National Broadband Map.
Do I need a special router for fiber?
For plans up to a gigabit, any recent Wi-Fi 6 router works. For multi-gig plans you need a router with a 2.5 Gbps or faster port to use the full speed.