Find fiber internet providers in your area
Fiber-optic internet is perhaps the best home internet connection type available, often boasting better speeds and reliability than cable, DSL and satellite internet services. Learn more about fiber internet and find providers and plans near you.
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Compare fiber optic internet providers
| Provider | Starting price | Max download speeds |
 AT&T | $49.99/mo.* | 940 Mbps |
 CenturyLink | $65.00/mo.* | 1,000 Mbps |
 Cox | $99.99/mo.* | 940 Mbps |
 Frontier FiOS | $29.99/mo.* | 940 Mbps |
 Mediacom | $119.99/mo.* | 1,000 Mbps |
 Suddenlink | $84.99/mo.* | 1,000 Mbps |
 Verizon Fios | $39.99/mo.* | 940 Mbps |
 Windstream | $36.00/mo.* | 1,000 Mbps |
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 07/21/20.
Many of the the internet providers listed above also have more plan options using a cable or DSL network. Additionally, some of the providers listed above, including Frontier, Verizon and Windstream, have multiple fiber plans available, so the lowest-priced plan does not necessarily come with the provider’s max fastest speeds.
What is fiber internet?
Fiber-optic internet, also known as “fiber internet” or just “fiber,” uses thin cables made of glass or plastic fibers to transfer data as light signals. This type of internet connection can support faster, more reliable download and upload speeds compared to DSL and cable internet networks. As a relatively new internet technology, fiber-optic service is quickly growing in popularity and availability.
Fiber-optic internet connection types and how they work
Most gigabit internet providers use a fiber-optic network, but not all fiber internet connections are the same. Depending on where you live, you may have access to FTTN, FTTH or FTTC networks.
Pros and cons of fiber internet
Fiber internet gives you a reliable connection capable of delivering some of the fastest internet speeds available, but there are also some potential disadvantages.
Advantages of fiber internet
- Reliability: Since fiber’s main conductor is glass, it’s more resistant to interference. This provides a connection known for superior performance, reliability and high speeds.
- Speed: Internet speeds can reach up to 1,000 Mbps (gigabit) or higher in select areas.
- Value: Because fiber-optic networks cost less to maintain, the price for service is expected to become more affordable over time.
Disadvantages of fiber internet
- Availability: Fiber internet is only available in select areas, mostly cities.
- Initial costs: Fiber-optic networks cost more than other internet connection types to construct, which can lead to higher initial costs for providers and customers.
- Home installation: Since fiber technology is newer, a provider may need to set up new lines to your home.
Top fiber internet providers
According to the FCC, nearly 41% of the U.S. population is eligible for fiber internet service. As providers expand their fiber internet networks, more people will be able to enjoy high-speed fiber internet options.
Most fiber internet providers offer a range of speeds up to 1,000 Mbps.
Fiber internet provider service areas
Fiber technology is relatively new, and most providers are still working to expand their fiber networks to more areas. Providers such as AT&T, CenturyLink, Cox, Frontier, Mediacom, Suddenlink, Verizon and Windstream currently offer residential fiber internet connections in select areas. Here are some areas that fiber internet might be available near you.
AT&T fiber internet availability
AT&T fiber internet availability
AT&T offers fiber internet across select cities in California, Texas, the Midwest and most of the Southeast. AT&T continues to build its fiber internet network in the U.S., so more residents in these regions will soon have access to high-speed fiber internet. In December 2018, AT&T announced new fiber expansions that will include Gainesville, FL; Waco, TX and other cities.
CenturyLink fiber internet availability
CenturyLink fiber internet availability
CenturyLink fiber internet offers speeds up to 1,000 Mbps in 11 major metro areas in the U.S. CenturyLink gig speeds are available in cities such as Denver, CO; Las Vegas, NV; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; Omaha, NE; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA and others.
Cox fiber internet availability
Cox fiber internet availability
Cox Gigablast internet is available in most Cox service areas. Primary service areas include Phoenix, AZ; San Diego, CA; New Orleans, LA; Oklahoma City, OK; Omaha, NE; Providence, RI and Virginia Beach, VA.
Frontier fiber internet availability
Frontier fiber internet availability
Frontier Communications offers two types of fiber internet. Frontier FiOS is a FTTH connection available in areas of California, Florida and Texas. Frontier Vantage is a FTTN connection available in select cities across the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast.
Google fiber internet availability
Google fiber internet availability
Google, one of the first fiber internet providers, has fiber-optic networks in select cities across the U.S. Right now, Google does not intend to expand fiber internet markets. You can find Google Fiber in parts of cities such as Atlanta, GA; Kansas City, KS; Austin, TX and Salt Lake City, UT. Where available, Google Fiber plans start at $50/mo. and offer speeds ranging from 100 to 1,000 Mbps.
Suddenlink fiber internet availability
Suddenlink fiber internet availability
Suddenlink offers gigabit internet in 50 metro areas across the country, but mainly serves cities across Texas. Towns where Suddenlink fiber internet is available include Lake Charles, LA; Rocky Mount, NC; Amarillo, TX and Canyon, TX.
Verizon fiber internet availability
Verizon fiber internet availability
Verizon’s fiber-optic TV and internet, Verizon Fios, is available in select cities across the East Coast. Verizon offers fiber across New Jersey, throughout Pennsylvania, in select cities in Virginia and in other major metro areas across the coast.
Windstream fiber internet availability
Windstream fiber internet availability
Windstream’s fiber internet service, Windstream Kinetic Gig Internet, is available across 16 states. Cities and towns where Windstream fiber internet is available include Huron, MO; Concord, NC; Avon, OH and Wake Village, TX.
How does fiber internet compare to cable and DSL?
If you live in an area with fiber internet, you probably also have cable and DSL internet options. The type of internet you choose for your home can make a difference in available speeds and overall quality of service.
Fiber internet vs. cable internet
Speeds: Fiber internet offers starting speeds similar to cable internet, with download speeds in the 50 to 100 Mbps range. However, fiber’s fastest speeds are higher than most cable connections, with speeds up 940 Mbps or higher. You’re also likely to get faster upload speeds and more consistent speeds.
Pricing: Starting prices for fiber internet plans are comparable to cable internet and may even be cheaper, depending on the provider and plan. Fiber-optic plans are also likely to come with better value, delivering faster speeds for the cost.
Availability: This is where fiber-optic and cable internet differ the most. Fiber internet is available to just over 40% of the U.S. population, while cable is available to more than 88%. Fiber internet is typically available in metro areas, whereas cable is likely available in metro areas and surrounding suburban communities.
Fiber internet vs. DSL internet
Speeds: Fiber internet can deliver download and upload speeds much higher than DSL internet. The speeds you get with fiber internet can support streaming in HD or 4K, gaming online and more on multiple devices. DSL internet speeds are typically better suited for lighter internet activities, such as streaming in SD, browsing the internet and sending emails.
Pricing: Plans are likely to be cheaper with DSL service. DSL starting prices average about $20 to $40 per month, whereas fiber internet monthly price usually starts at $40/mo. or higher.
Availability: Like cable, DSL is available to around 88% of U.S. residents, more than double the availability of fiber internet.
What is fiber-optic internet good for?
Compared to other internet types, such as cable and DSL, fiber-optic internet is perfect for many uses, including some of the more demanding online tasks.
- Streaming TV – Fiber’s high speeds and connection quality make it ideal for streaming with little to no buffering, even when streaming in HD or 4K.
- Downloading shows/movies/games – The gigabit speeds available from most fiber internet providers cut download times for large files such as movies or games significantly. For example, you could download a 4 GB show in around 35 seconds with 1,000 Mbps, compared to nearly an hour with typical speeds from a DSL connection.
- Gaming online – With fiber-optic internet, data travels up to 70% the speed of light, making for extremely low lag, perfect for gamers.
- Video conferencing – Fiber internet has fast upload speeds compared to cable and DSL internet, which are needed for video conferencing as well as uploading pictures and videos to social media
David joined the Allconnect team in 2017, specializing in broadband and TV providers. He is our transactional content lead and responsible for the most popular post in our Resource Center… Read more
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Fiber internet frequently asked questions
Is fiber internet available in my area?
Is fiber internet available in my area?
Fiber internet is available to about 41% of the U.S. population. Large metro areas are the most common service areas for fiber-optic providers. Actual availability may be limited to certain ZIP codes or neighborhoods within a city.
Does fiber internet require a special modem?
Does fiber internet require a special modem?
You will likely need a new modem for fiber internet service as traditional cable and DSL modems are not compatible. Fortunately, fiber internet providers either include a modem or offer one to rent or purchase with their internet plans.
Does fiber internet require a phone line?
Does fiber internet require a phone line?
No. Fiber internet uses thin glass or plastic wires to transmit data so no phone line is required. The exception is FTTN connections that use a DSL connection from the node to your home.
What speeds can you get with fiber internet?
What speeds can you get with fiber internet?
Speeds can range from 50 to 1,000 Mbps depending on the provider and plan. With a fiber-optic connection, you are likely to experience greater speed consistency, even during “peak” usage times, and speeds that are near or above your plan’s advertised speeds.
Last updated on 07/22/20.
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