“The Cheapest Cable TV Providers Near Me!”
Fiber internet is the latest advancement in the world of broadband. This technology uses fiber-optic cables to transmit data and has proven to be more robust and reliable than the older ones in common use. As data transmission happens via light pulses, fiber optic cables have the potential to carry a large quantity of data expeditiously.
Though relatively recent, running fiber to homes is a fast evolving method of delivering much higher bandwidth and speeds to consumers for a more seamless audiovisual experience. Most fiber internet subscribers can enjoy up to 1 Gbps symmetrical i.e. same upload and download speeds with a pure fiber internet connection.
Types of Fiber Internet
All fiber home internet services are not the same. There are numerous types of last mile connections that ISPs can install. And the last mile connection is what decides the quality of your fiber connection. Take a look at two of the most commonly used last mile connections:
FTTH or Fiber-to-the-Home
Service providers that deliver 100% fiber internet run fiber-optic lines to each serviced home. FTTH is the most costly type of connection both to deploy, and subscribe. Yet the purest type of fiber connections, with no coaxial or copper cables involved.
FTTN or Fiber-to-the-Node
Some fiber internet providers don’t go any further than connecting their fiber lines to the Node or Curb, around 1,000 ft. from the most distant subscriber location, that serves an entire neighborhood. The rest of the span is mostly covered using coaxial or copper cables, affecting both the quality and speed of the fiber optic connection, which essentially becomes a hybrid of Fiber and Coaxial/Copper.
Comparing Fiber Optic & Other Internet Types
Currently, fiber optic internet is well-known for its exceptional performance and reliability in the United States. But how does it compete with other types of internet connections in terms of cost and speed? Let’s quickly find out!
The Difference in Cost
Largely speaking, fiber broadband plans are priced higher compared to cable or high-speed DSL internet. Having said that, the overall value of your monetary investment in a high-speed fiber optic plan takes care of this aspect. But if you don’t prefer ultra-fast speeds or large amounts of bandwidth, the higher price may be a downside for you.
The Difference in Speed
Fiber optic internet has the potential to transfer huge amounts of data at an impressive speed which gives it a competitive advantage over all other connection types. In fact, there is such a wide gap between the performance of a fiber internet and satellite, DSL, or cable broadband, that it would be pretty tough to do a fair comparison.
Average Speeds Comparison
- Fiber Internet speed: Up to 1,000 Mbps
- DSL Speeds: 5 to 100 Mbps
- Cable Speeds: 10 to 500 Mbps
- Satellite Speeds: 12-100 Mbps
Guide to Convert Your Connection to Fiber Optics
Here is a list of things essential for converting your connection to fiber optics:
- If your provider offers Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) service, the first thing you will need is a fiber optic cable. This helps you to take maximum advantage of the fiber services available in your area.
- The next thing you’ll need is an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) or a fiber-optic modem. Your traditional cable or DSL modems are not compatible with fiber networks because of differences in the process of signal conversion between these technologies.
- Lastly, if you use an in-home Wi-Fi network, a fiber connection delivering faster speeds than your old internet service would push you to purchase a new wireless router that supports your new service.
Top Fiber Providers in the United States
Fiber internet plans with a maximum download speed of up to 1,000 Mbps are now available from nearly every major internet service provider in the U.S. This has helped keep the gigabit service cost competitive, with most providers offering plans for under $100 a month, along with features such as no data cap or annual contract.
At present, there are over 1,500 fiber internet providers in the U.S. but some outshine others, thanks to their speeds, pricing, customer satisfaction, and terms of service. So, let’s take a look at fiber internet offerings from some of the most reliable names in the industry.
AT&T | CenturyLink | Windstream Kinetic | Optimum by Altice | MetroNet | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Plans | AT&T Fiber 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1 Gig | CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit | Windstream Kinetic Gig | Optimum Internet 1 Gig | MetroNet Fiber 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1 Gigabit |
Price | $35/mo. to $60/mo. | $65/mo. | $57/mo. | $84.99/mo. | $49.95/mo. to $59.95/mo. |
Internet Speed | 300 Mbps to 1 Gig | 940 Mbps | 1 Gig | 940 Mbps | 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps |
AT&T
AT&T’s Fiber footprint spreads across its 21-state service territory, making it easier for more and more people to access 100% pure fiber broadband. AT&T Fiber gets you a promo price for the first 12 months, providing you a golden opportunity to save on the regular rate for an entire year.Currently, AT&T Fiber packages offer 3 speed tiers i.e. Fiber 300, 500, and 1 Gig, none of which comes with any data cap or annual contract. The only downside is AT&T Fiber plans are currently available to only under a third of customers in the provider’s footprint.
AT&T Fiber 1 GIG comes at an appealing price point at just $60/month. You have to pay a $10/month equipment rental fee every month, but even then the overall monthly bill would be lower than what you will get from most other Gig service providers. AT&T's other Fiber plans, which are relatively lower than the Fiber Gigabit on the speed scale, are also an incredible value.
For customers who prefer to have the same upload and download speed, AT&T Fiber offers symmetrical speeds to make sure all your speed needs are completely fulfilled. With AT&T, it does not matter what you use the internet for because the service lets you connect your smart devices, play competitive online games, stream 4K UHD, conduct business meetings, etc. Simply put, you will never fall short of speed, data or bandwidth. And, you’ll never have to worry about data overage charges either.
AT&T fiber internet subscribers also get to benefit from a FREE internet security suite and the Gig service comes with HBO Max™ included which is a $14.99 value. Coupled with 99% reliability and top-rated customer satisfaction, AT&T definitely gets you full worth of your money and then some.
If you are looking for affordable yet outstanding cable TV service in any of its 17 service states, Suddenlink is definitely your best bet. With an impressive lot of variety, Suddenlink cable TV packages are exciting, to say the least. Each comes with local networks and popular channels from multiple genres. And with Suddenlink TV listings, you could find a channel to fit your every mood.
Fiber Internet Plan | Max Upload/Download Speed | Promotional Price |
---|---|---|
AT&T Fiber 300 | 300/300 Mbps |
$35/mo.
plus taxes & equip. fee. Autopay & Paperless bill req’d. |
AT&T Fiber 500 |
500/500 Mbps |
$45/mo.
plus taxes & equip. fee. Autopay & Paperless bill req’d. |
AT&T Fiber 1 Gig | 1 Gbps/1 Gbps |
$60/mo.
plus taxes & equip. fee. Autopay & Paperless bill req’d. |
Browse AT&T internet service plans and call at 1-855-925-2541 to check availability in your area.
CenturyLink
Ranked as the 4th largest in the provision of fiber internet, CenturyLink takes pride in connecting America for decades now. CenturyLink offers extraordinary high-speed DSL and fiber internet, and services span an impressive 37 states nationwide. Albeit availability of either may vary with region.
Besides the large coverage area, competitive pricing is another strong suit of CenturyLink. Starting at just $65 a month, CenturyLink Fiber internet has the potential to completely revolutionize your experience of the modern digital lifestyle. The only downside, if any, is people in CenturyLink Fiber footprint may not have lower speed options available to them. While a range of choices would be nice, CenturyLink Fiber gigabit plan is still a worthwhile deal, offering one of the cheapest fiber plans across the U.S.
Talking about speeds, CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit plan delivers enough bandwidth to download music and podcasts, play multi-player games in real-time, stream TV shows and movies in HD and 4K quality, and create a cloud backup of your entire hard drive. Plus, you can connect multiple devices with your ultra-fast CenturyLink in-home Wi-Fi. All this with unlimited data and contract-free service, making it a pretty viable option for any American household.
And to sweeten the deal, the CenturyLink Gigabit standalone offer comes with a free modem and installation when you order online!
Fiber Internet Plan | Max Download/Upload Speeds | Price | Data Cap |
---|---|---|---|
CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit | 940/940 Mbps | $65/mo. | None |
Browse CenturyLink internet service plans and call at 1-855-349-9310 to check availability in your area.
Windstream Kinetic
Windstream’s claim-to-fame is its DSL internet service that covers the otherwise underserved rural America. As for urban and suburban service locations, Windstream’s upgraded network capabilities allow it to offer high-speed DSL internet over a hybrid Fiber-Copper network alongside FTTH connections in select areas. Today, Windstream takes pride in being the 6th largest fiber internet provider in the U.S., making its fiber services available to over 3.9 million people nationwide.
Windstream Kinetic Gig is delivered over a pure fiber optic connection, and puts at your disposal ultra-fast fiber speeds, allowing you to power up multiple devices simultaneously including your Smart Home gadgets. Climb the Gaming Leaderboards or use innovative tech like VR, work with artistic development tools or run an in-home theatre—everything is possible with Windstream Kinetic Gig internet.
Regardless of your plan, equipment choice, and location, your Kinetic plan comes without any data limits or annual contract. Not to mention, Windstream's promise to never throttle your internet speeds. If you’re lucky enough to get the Windstream Kinetic Gig plan at the low introductory price, fast speeds are even more enticing.
The best part is Windstream Kinetic offers often include a free speed upgrade as part of the promotion when you sign up for select plans. For instance if you are in a Fiber addressable location, you can enjoy Gigabit internet for 3 months without paying the speed upgrade cost i.e. $30/month. So if available, do try out Windstream Kinetic Gig with the unbelievably generous promo offer.
For residents of Concord, North Carolina, Windstream is currently offering its Gig internet for a bargain!
Fiber Internet Plan | Max Upload/Download Speed | Promo Price |
---|---|---|
Windstream Kinetic Gig | 1 Gbps |
$57/mo.
1 to 3 months Free Internet/Modem After 12 months $85/mo. |
Browse Windstream Kinetic plans. Windstream plans and price vary from one area to another, so we recommend you confirm offer availability in your area by calling at 1-855-349-9312.
Optimum by Altice
Optimum is the 9th largest fiber internet provider in the U.S. and covers nearly 1.6 million people nationwide. The provider offers both hybrid Fiber-Coaxial and pure fiber optic internet in its service locations, however, the availability of the latter service type is limited to select areas.
Where the Optimum Gigabit plan comes through a pure fiber optic connection, it is unarguably one of the most competitively priced in the U.S. market. And a solid deal for the digital lifestyle. This next-gen internet connection delivers symmetrical speeds and reliable service which allows you to connect multiple devices without experiencing a glitch. Watch quality video content in the best picture quality, download huge files in no time, and play games without any wait times with up to 940/880 Mbps speeds.
Moreover, Optimum fiber internet puts at your disposal Smart WiFi 6 so sit back and relax as your in-home WiFi experience is bound to be phenomenal too. The provider offers subscribers a $5 discount for paperless billing, so don’t forget to enroll and benefit from the saving you can make.
Whether you get your Optimum Gig service delivered via a pure Fiber connection or hybrid Fiber-Coaxial, what makes the deal even sweeter is that Optimum Internet 1 Gig comes without any data caps and you are not asked to sign an annual contract. Access to Wi-Fi hotspots on the go is another perk you get to enjoy with your Optimum subscription.
Fiber Internet Plan | Max Upload/Download Speed | Promo Price |
---|---|---|
Optimum Internet 1 Gig | 940 Mbps |
$79.99/mo. for 12 months
(plus taxes, fees & charges) |
Browse Optimum plans and call at 1-844-520-8978 to check availability in your area.
MetroNet
If you are looking for ultra-fast fiber internet plans without any contracts or data caps in the Midwest, MetroNet Internet can be your safest bet. Comparatively, MetroNet is a small fiber internet provider with services spreading across 8 states in the US. At present, cutting-edge fiber internet is available to a little over 2 million Americans, but MetroNet is rapidly expanding its coverage in current and new markets.
One of the primary reasons why MetroNet effortlessly outshines other industry players is the provider’s concentrated focus on delivering a pure fiber optic broadband service. As a result, you get fast and stable speeds without experiencing any slowdown or network congestion during peak traffic time.
MetroNet puts at your disposal a variety of internet speed plans to choose from, ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gigabit. And to sweeten the deal, all plans are competitively priced and deliver fast and reliable symmetrical speeds with unlimited data and a FREE WiFi router.
MetroNet plans are perfect for small to large households with multiple connected devices. Be it work from home or online classes, you can do anything online without facing any disruption. While other activities such as video chatting, streaming, online banking, and gaming all get done in a breeze. When you sign up for the MetroNet fiber internet plan, your experience is defined by the Fiber Advantage and you can enjoy ultra-low latency and fast speeds at economical price points.
MetroNet Fiber Internet Plans | Max. Download/Upload Speed | Promo Price |
---|---|---|
MetroNet Fiber 100 | 100/100 Mbps | $49.95/mo. |
MetroNet Fiber 200 | 200/200 Mbps |
$49.95/mo.
for 12 months |
MetroNet Fiber 500 | 500/500 Mbps |
$59.95/mo.
for 24 months |
MetroNet Fiber Gigabit | 1 Gbps/1 Gbps |
$59.95/mo.
for the first 6 months & $69.95/mo. for the next 12 months |
Browse MetroNet internet plans and call at 1-844-343-1143 to check availability in your area.
There You Are!
If you wish to explore fiber internet providers in your neighborhood dial 1-855-349-9328 to get pro support. Our experts can check out fiber optic internet availability at your address. And, also guide you as to which fiber optic providers and packages are the best match for your connectivity needs.
FAQs
What is the monthly cost of a fiber internet plan?
Largely speaking, fiber internet plans from some of the top providers in the U.S. may cost you somewhere in the range of $35/mo. to $80/mo. or more, depending on your exact location.
What is the difference between cable internet and fiber optic?
The primary difference is that cable internet is delivered over coaxial cable lines which are essentially made out of copper and carry data in the form of an electrical signal. While fiber internet is delivered via fiber optic cables which are primarily made of super-thin strands of glass or plastic, and carry data via light pulses.
What is the download and upload speed of fiber internet?
Most fiber internet providers deliver symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps. Meaning you get up to 1 Gbps download and upload speeds.