Fiber optic TV services 2024

Best fiber TV providers: Fios TV

What is fiber optic TV?

Like lightning-fast fiber internet, fiber TV uses thin cables made of glass or plastic to transmit information instantaneously. This technology gives fiber optic TV providers the bandwidth needed to send large amounts of data, perfect for delivering high channel counts, HD picture and a reliable signal. Currently, the only TV provider that uses fiber optic technology is Verizon.

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Fiber TV vs. other connection types

How does fiber TV compare to cable?

Fiber optic and cable TV services are similar, but they use different cables to bring you TV and internet. Here’s a look at how they compare:

• Availability: Fiber is only available to about 30% of the population, whereas cable is available to nearly 90%, according to the FCC.
• Pricing: Fiber optic and cable TV bundles are priced fairly evenly. However, fiber typically delivers higher channel counts and faster speeds for the cost, which can make fiber optic the more cost-effective choice.
• Channel counts: Since fiber optic cables generally provide more bandwidth, fiber optic TV packages often give you more channel options with up to 550+ channels available in some areas.
• Picture quality: Both service types offer HD channels and programming, but reliability and total HD channels is generally higher with fiber optic.
• Bundle options: The high channel counts and fast internet speeds you get with fiber optics make it a great choice for quality TV and internet bundles. If you don’t need a lot of channels or very fast internet speeds, consider a low-cost cable bundle.

Get more information about fiber optic and cable services in your area. Our TV and internet experts will help you find the right providers and plans for your home.

How does fiber TV compare to streaming?

Fiber TV offers a faster, more reliable TV experience than cable, but streaming does not require any installation processes – you can simply download the streaming app on your TV and be on your way. Here’s how they compare: 

• Availability: Like we mentioned above, fiber is not widely available and only one provider offers a fiber TV service. Streaming, however, is available to everyone with an internet connection. 
• Pricing: Since fiber offers the fastest speeds on the market, it’s generally the most expensive service, even for TV. The Fios TV plans are reasonably priced to start, and a few of them fall in line with the prices of YouTube TV and Hulu. 
• Channel counts: Fiber TV offers more channels than streaming right now. Verizon Fios TV has channel counts of over 400, while YouTube TV has over 100. 
• Bundling: Verizon Fios offers a Mix and Match bundling service that allows you to customize your internet and TV plans. You won’t get this with streaming services. 

Where is fiber optic TV available?

You’re most likely to find fiber optic TV in metro areas, but currently only about 30% of the U.S. population has access to fiber technology. However, many fiber providers are consistently expanding their service, so you may have the option before long. Here’s a look at where the largest fiber optic TV and internet providers currently offer service.

Verizon fiber optic TV is available in select cities across 8 states and Washington D.C.

Why are other providers not offering fiber TV?

Since streaming services have been on the rise and many customers are cutting the cord, providers no longer want to invest in operating a TV service, especially one that is expensive like fiber. Google Fiber was the only other provider offering it before it stopped selling its TV service in 2021 to focus on streaming. This has left Verizon Fios as the only fiber TV option on the market.

Fiber TV FAQs

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