Fiber Optic Internet vs Cable Internet: Choose The Best Internet Providers.

If you are choosing the fast internet service provider for your home or your business, the two most preferred options available are fiber optic internet vs cable internet  Each has its own strong and weak points. The users must know the distinctions to select the right company and the suitable plan. This blog will highlight the key difference between Fiber optic internet and cable internet, the technologies used by Fibre and cable Internet, and the best internet providers, and plans for you. 

Fiber Optic vs Cable Internet –  Comparison

Fiber Optic Internet 

Fiber optic internet is where an internet connection is transmitted through strands of glass or plastic. This makes it very fast with speeds of up to 250 Mbps to 10 Gbps with equal upload and download speeds. Fiber is less likely to be affected by other signals and thus suits well those who often use the internet, like gamers, streamers, and work-from-home employees. But, fiber optic internet is not as popular as cable where it is estimated that only 14% of the population in the U. S. has high-speed fiber connections. 

Cable Internet 

Cable, on the other hand, depends on using coaxial cables to transmit data through electrical signals. Cable internet can provide decent speeds that range from 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps but is usually slower than fiber internet. Furthermore, the internet speed provided by cable is not constant, especially at times when many people are connected as it is divided by the number of people in a certain area. Nevertheless, cable internet is more widespread, it covers almost 88% of the US territory. 

Fiber Optic vs Cable Internet: Choosing the Best Providers and Plans 

There are some factors that you need to consider when choosing an internet provider and they include; the speed of the internet, the reliability of the internet, the availability of the internet, and the cost of the internet. Here are some of the top providers for both fiber optic and cable internet, along with their plans 

Fiber Optic Internet Providers 

Fiber Optic Internet Providers 

Verizon Fios Plans

  •  Fios 300/300: $69. 99/month 
  •  Fios 500/500: $89. 99/month 
  •  Fios Gigabit Connection: The cost of the item is $99. 99/month 

AT&T Fiber Plans 

  •  AT&T Internet 300: It is $55 per month. 
  •  AT&T Internet 500: It is at $65 per month. 
  •  AT&T Internet 1000: $80 per month would be charged. 

Google Fiber Plan

  •  Google Fiber 1 Gbps: Lumbar support at $70/month. 
  •  Google Fiber 2 Gbps: The minimum amount of money that one has to pay is $100 per month. 

Cable Internet Providers 

Cable Internet Providers 

Comcast Xfinity Plans

  •  Performance Starter: $19. 99/- per month for up to 50 Mbps. 
  •  Blast! : $49. 99$/month (up to 200 Mbps). 
  •  Gigabit Pro: $299. This is $95/month with a maximum of 2Gbps. 

Spectrum Plans 

  •  Spectrum Internet: $49. 99$/month (up to 200 Mbps) 
  •  Spectrum Internet Ultra: The last one of the listed prices is $69. 99$/mo (up to 400 Mbps). 
  •  Spectrum Internet Gig: Thus, the total cost of the item is $109. 99$/month (up to 1 Gbps) 

Cox Communications Plans

  •  Starter 10: $29. It is 99/month for up to 10 Mbps. 
  •  Essential 50: $49. 99/month (Up to 50Mbps). 
  •  Ultimate 100: $79. 99/month (up to 100 Mbps).

Fiber optic Internet vs cable Internet –Which One Should You Choose? 

The choice between fiber optic and cable internet largely depends on your specific needs. Go for Fiber Optic if: 

  • You need high-speed internet when you are into activities such as gaming, streaming, or when you have large files to upload. 
  • You want a connection that will not fail often and when it does fail, it should not be for a long time. 
  • You are in a position to access fiber optic service since you are in an area of service coverage. 

  Opt for Cable Internet if:

  •  You require a cheaper option and fiber is not an option for you. 
  •  Your internet usage is average; you use the internet for browsing and some streaming now and then. 
  •  You need a more extensive coverage from a provider. 

Conclusion 

Each of the two, fiber optic and cable internet, has its advantages and disadvantages. Fiber provides faster and more stable connection but it is not as popular as copper and is usually more costly. Cable internet is readily and cheaper but the speed may not be as high as that of fiber, especially at certain times of the day. 

When selecting a provider and plan, consider your usage, wants and needs, and what is offered in your region. This will assist you in arriving at a decision that will be most suitable for you. 

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