What Is Fiber Optic Internet Service?

There's a new kid in town and he wants to play the same high speed Internet service game as DSL and cable modem Internet service providers. His name is Fiber Optic Internet service. But, what exactly is Fiber Optic Internet service and is it really faster than DSL or broadband cable connections?
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What Is Fiber Optics Internet?

Fiber Optic Internet is a type of broadband Internet service where the data travels over fiber optic communications lines, rather than the standard copper or coax lines of DSL or cable Internet services. However, many Fiber Optic Internet Providers still use copper or coax lines directly to your house; the fiber optics lines travel only to the network backbone. This can affect the speed of the service.

Is Fiber Optics Internet Faster?

In a word, yes. Some comparison charts show that Fiber Optic Internet connections offer download speeds more than twice as fast as broadband cable Internet connections, and 7 to 10 times faster than DSL.

Speeds may vary, though, and service varies based on:

  • Customer location
  • Cost
  • Services of competing broadband providers

Some Fiber Optic Internet providers offer different speeds of service at different price points.

As with DSL or broadband cable Internet service, you can save money by bundling a phone, television, and Internet package together. Some Fiber Optic companies, like Verizon's Fios, also offer cell phone service as a bundle for even greater savings.

Read the Next Internet Services Tip to learn more: Broadband Cable Internet Service Security

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