Find fiber internet providers in your area
What is fiber internet? Fiber optic internet is 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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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 speeds can reach up to 1,000 Mbps, or 1 Gig. This puts fiber connections far ahead of other internet types, such as DSL that averages under 100 Mbps, or cable internet that averages around 150 Mbps.
Top fiber internet providers
According to the FCC, nearly 41% of the U.S. population is eligible for fiber internet service. The providers listed below make up the majority of fiber optic coverage across the U.S. Some cable providers, such as Cox and Xfinity, use a hybrid network of both coaxial and fiber lines to reach speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps or more.
Fiber internet availability in your area
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 Kinetic by Windstream currently offer residential fiber internet connections in select areas. Here are some areas that fiber internet might be available near you.
Is a fiber connection available near me?
Find out if fiber internet is available at your home by checking your address now.
Compare fiber optic internet providers
Many of the internet providers listed also have more plan options using a cable or DSL network. Additionally, some providers, including Frontier, Verizon and Kinetic by Windstream, have multiple fiber plans available, so the lowest-priced plan does not necessarily come with the provider’s max fastest speeds.
Check to see how fiber internet connections differ from top internet service providers, compare costs and check to see which providers are available at your home.
Provider | Price range | Download speed range |
![]() AT&T | $35.00-$60.00/mo.* | 100 – 940 Mbps |
![]() CenturyLink | $49.00 – $65.00/mo.** | 20 – 1,000 Mbps |
![]() Cox | $29.00 – $99.99/mo.* | 10 – 940 Mbps |
![]() Frontier FiberOptic | $49.99 – $199.99/mo.* | 50 – 940 Mbps |
![]() Optimum | $45.00 – $80.00/mo.* | 300 – 940 Mbps |
![]() Suddenlink | $35.00 – $75.00/mo.* | 100 – 1,000 Mbps |
![]() Verizon Fios | $39.99 – $79.99/mo.* | 200 – 940 Mbps |
![]() Windstream | $25.00 – $67.00/mo.* | 15 – 1,000 Mbps |
![]() | $24.99 – $299.99/mo.* | 25 – 2,000 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 02/05/21.
**Rate requires paperless billing. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply.
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 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, which is 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.
Fiber optic internet connections 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.
Comparing fiber optics with DSL and cable internet
If you live in an area with fiber internet, you probably also have cable and DSL internet options. What’s the difference when matching up fiber vs. cable? Does it matter if you go with fiber or DSL? 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 vs. DSL internet
How does fiber internet stack up against cable and DSL overall? Compare the general price and speed ranges between internet connection types below.
Internet type | Price range | Download speed range | Upload speed range | Nationwide availability |
Fiber | $25.00 – $150.00/mo. | 10 – 1,000 Mbps | 10 – 1,000 Mbps | 41% |
Cable | $20.00 – $299.95/mo. | 10 – 2,000 Mbps | 3 – 30 Mbps | 89% |
DSL | $27.99 – $49.99/mo. | 1 – 140 Mbps | 1 – 10 Mbps | 88% |
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.
Our take on fiber internet
Fiber internet is popular for its fast, consistent download and upload speeds. While generally not the cheapest internet service available, the speeds and reliability that come with fiber internet can offer more value than you’d get with other internet types.
The one significant downside to fiber internet is availability. More than half of U.S. residents do not have access to fiber internet service. That said, if fiber internet is available in your area, it’s definitely worth considering as the speed potential and connection quality are unmatched.
Fiber internet FAQs
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 connections. Actual availability may be limited to certain ZIP codes or neighborhoods within a city.
Does fiber internet require a special modem?
You will likely need a new modem and router 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?
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 is gigabit internet?
Gigabit internet is an internet service that delivers speeds up to 1 gig or 1,000 Mbps. Gigabit internet is typically offered by fiber internet providers, however, cable internet providers are also to provide the service using a hybrid coaxial cable connection.
What speeds can you get with fiber?
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 02/05/21.
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Written by:
David AndersSenior Writer, Broadband Content
David joined the Allconnect team in 2017, specializing in broadband and TV content. His work has been referenced by a variety of sources, including ArcGIS, DIRECTV and more. As a Senior Writer, David is motivate… Read more
Edited by:
Robin LaytonEditor, Broadband & Wireless Content
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