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Fiber internet uses fiber-optic cables (thin strands of glass) to send data as light signals. That makes it the fastest and most reliable home internet connection type, with high download and upload speeds and strong performance for multiple devices streaming, gaming, and video calling at the same time. The main drawback is availability. Fiber is expanding, but it is still less common than cable or DSL in many areas.
Fiber is the top-tier home internet option where available. It sends data as light through glass fiber strands, which is why it’s typically the fastest and most reliable connection type for busy households.
Top download speeds reach 8 Gbps in some markets. Average download speeds for fiber internet are 1 – 5 Gbps, which is ideal for 4K video streaming, competitive online gaming, and remote work at the same time.
The biggest drawback is availability. Fiber requires newer infrastructure, so it’s not as widely available as cable or DSL, but providers are expanding their fiber networks.
Don’t compare on download speed alone; verify data policy, equipment, and terms at your address. Fiber plan details vary by location and can change over time. Confirm the full monthly cost, any data limits, and whether equipment is included before you order.
Fiber internet is the most superior connection type in terms of speed and capacity. Its one shortfall is the lack of availability compared to cable internet and DSL. However, providers continue to expand their networks. With faster speeds to support multiple connected devices and heavy usage, fiber offers reliable internet access without common headaches such as dead spots, buffering, and provider throttling. However, due to its higher cost and limited availability, it isn’t for everyone.
Fastest internet speeds available
Supports heavy use and multiple users
Fast upload speeds for smooth video conferencing and online gaming
Often more expensive than other internet types
Limited availability nationwide compared to other connection types
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download | Max Upload | Data Caps | Find Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EarthLink | $49.95 – $49.95/mo. | 5 Gbps | 5 Gbps | Yes | Check Availability |
| AT&T | $60.00/mo – $35/mo. | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | No | Check Availability |
| CenturyLink | $50/mo. – $75/mo. | 940 Mbps | 940 Mbps | No | Check Availability |
| Frontier | $49.99/mo. w/Auto Pay & Paperless Bill – 64.99/mo. | 5000 Mbps | 5000 Mbps | No | Check Availability |
| Provider | EarthLink |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $49.95 – $49.95/mo. |
| Max Download | 5 Gbps |
| Max Upload | 5 Gbps |
| Data Caps | Yes |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | AT&T |
| Starting Price | $60.00/mo – $35/mo. |
| Max Download | 1000 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 1000 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | CenturyLink |
| Starting Price | $50/mo. – $75/mo. |
| Max Download | 940 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 940 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | Frontier |
| Starting Price | $49.99/mo. w/Auto Pay & Paperless Bill – 64.99/mo. |
| Max Download | 5000 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 5000 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 12/29/2025.
BEAD (the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program) is a $42.45 billion federal initiative run by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Its goal is to help states and territories fund broadband buildouts that bring reliable, high-speed internet to unserved and underserved areas.
In many communities, BEAD-funded projects can make it financially realistic to extend fiber infrastructure to places that have never had it, especially rural and high-cost areas. Fiber is often a strong fit because it delivers low latency and has the capacity to scale as households add more devices and use more data-heavy apps.
BEAD rules have evolved. Recent NTIA guidance has pushed states toward a more technology-neutral approach, prioritizing proposals that meet performance requirements (like at least 100 Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload, and low latency) while also weighing overall cost.
If fiber is not available at your address today, BEAD projects may expand coverage over the next few years. Keep checking fiber internet availability as buildouts roll out.
If you have access to fiber, you can’t go wrong with it. It is the future of internet technology, and it will only get faster as the technology advances. Since it relies on new infrastructure, availability is somewhat limited, but continues to expand, even replacing some copper networks.
Fiber is without a doubt the fastest and most reliable internet connection type. Its speed and bandwidth make it ideal for carrying massive amounts of data from different sources over long distances. It is ideal for households with several users accessing simultaneous streams, gaming online, and working remotely. Fiber can be more expensive, depending on the provider, and for now, it has limited availability, especially compared to DSL internet and cable internet.
| Internet Type | Starting Price (typical) | Max Download (typical peak) | Latency (typical) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber | $50–$70+/mo | 1–5+ Gbps (select markets up to 8 Gbps) | 10–12 ms | Expanding, strongest in metro/suburban areas; check address. |
| Cable | $30–$70+/mo | 1–2 Gbps tiers common (DOCSIS 3.1) | 13–27 ms | Very wide footprint across the U.S. |
| 5G Home Internet | $30–$60/mo | 133–415 Mbps typical (some addresses higher) | 17–32 ms typical | Growing; availability varies by carrier signal and congestion. |
| DSL | $55+/mo | Up to 100 Mbps (VDSL2; distance-dependent) | 11–40 ms | Legacy copper; shrinking in many cities, still common in some rural areas. |
| Satellite (LEO & GEO) | $40–$120+/mo | LEO 45–280 Mbps; GEO up to 100–150 Mbps | LEO 25–60 ms; GEO 500–800 ms | Near-universal (requires clear sky view). |
| Fixed Wireless | $35–$70+/mo | 25–300 Mbps (provider and tower-dependent) | 10–50 ms | Regional/tower-based; strongest in rural/suburban edges. |
Between hidden fees and price hikes, finding the right internet plan can feel overwhelming. To help with your search, our team of internet experts evaluates ISPs on categories including performance, affordability, and customer satisfaction to provide you with the best options near you.
Fiber optic internet has the potential to be incredibly fast. After all, information moves along fiber cables at the speed of light. A single fiber can theoretically transmit 44 terabytes of information per second. However, network technology has yet to catch up to fiber’s theoretical speeds. Most fiber plans are around the 1 Gbps mark, but there are some providers that offer speeds reaching 5 Gbps.
No, fiber is not widely available. Since it is a new internet connection technology, it requires new infrastructure, whereas DSL internet and cable internet rely on existing networks of copper cables. Therefore, fiber availability is primarily limited to densely populated areas. However, providers continue to invest in fiber technology and to expand their fiber networks. It may take some time, but fiber will become more and more available over the next few years.
Fiber can be more expensive than other connection types, but it depends on where you live and the provider. As with most internet connections, the faster the speed, the more it will cost per month. However, there are many fiber plans that are very competitively priced.
Once the fiber is in your home, it will require a modem (called an Optical Network Terminal, or ONT) and/or Wifi router to act as a gateway between your home network and the internet. This is no different than how almost any other internet connection operates. Most providers have gateways (modem/router) available to rent for a monthly fee.
