In this day and age, having a strong internet connection has become more of a necessity. People not just want access to blazing-fast speeds but they also seek a service that vows to provide them with uninterrupted experience. Fortunately, the prayers have been answered as there now exists fiber-optic internet that is highly reliable and allows the users with a high-speed connection. Some of you might think that having fiber-optic internet in your area is still a dream. However, you will be surprised to know that various ISPs have now started to offer different fiber internet packages and that too at affordable rates. This means that you can finally enjoy the smooth browsing experience that you have always longed for.

What Is Fiber Optic Internet?

For those who don’t know, fiber optic internet is the latest revolution in the world of broadband. Due to this, the rate of data transmission has been increased so much so that incredibly fast internet speeds can now be delivered to people at an economical cost. The fact that it transfers considerably massive amounts of data at decent speeds gives fiber optic a competitive edge over different connection types.

Do you think fiber optic technology was introduced in the 21^st century? If so, then you are mistaken! It was 1970 when a group of scientists invented fiber optic wire whilst working with fused silica. They then noticed that the wire they created can actually carry 65,000 times more information than copper. Seven years later in 1977, General Telephone and Electronics carried out the first test run. During the same year, Bell performed his experiment. Both of them deployed small-scale networks to run optical telephone systems. And because fiber optic had an advantage over electrical transmission, it began to take copper wire’s place.

Since then, fiber optic cables have been used for communication. In recent years, different fiber internet packages have been rolled out by numerous ISPs for residential consumers so they may benefit from this technology.

How Does Fiber-Optic Internet Work?

Flexible fibers, plastic, or glass are used in the making of fiber optic cables. The material used in their manufacturing depends on if the data transfer has to take place over a long or short distance. The data is transferred via light pulses at incredible speeds. These fibers can also carry multiple signals at the same time by using multiple lasers of different colors. This is why huge amounts of data can be transmitted through fiber optic cables.

Fiber Optic Cable vs Other Internet Types

There is no other internet type better than fiber optic cable when it comes to reliability and speed. Let’s compare it with other common internet types used today.

1. Cable

Coaxial cables are used to deliver cable broadband. As they offer greater bandwidth as compared to copper, you can expect it to give you a decent download and upload speed. After the arrival of DOCSIS 3.0 & 3.1 networking protocols, many cable service providers in the United States have upgraded their coaxial cables. However, these cables can be affected by outside factors that may disturb their signal strength. Plus, they won’t be able to transfer data as fast as a fiber. Spectrum offers internet to its users via coaxial cables. I have a friend who is subscribed to the gold Spectrum internet plans. According to him, it works fine for his needs.

2.   DSL

Perhaps one of the most popular internet types, DSL is still used today frequently in rural America.  It uses copper phone lines to transfer data. The speed range that you can expect from a DSL connection is somewhere between 0.5-75Mbps. But some internet service providers have made some adjustments to the DSL network by incorporating fiber technology. This has improved the DSL speed and users now can expect to receive 100Mpbs. WOW internet offers DSL connection.

3.  Satellite

Satellite internet has created a strong buzz among the people due to the fact that they can receive connection wirelessly. This means that from the satellite dish installed at the user’s end, data would first be transferred to the satellite in space before it is transmitted to the provider’s center where the connection is established with the help of a wired network. Then, the data is sent back to the satellite which then reaches the subscriber. It is a long loop that contributes to high latency which is why satellite internet is considered notorious. This is also why Earthlink internet stopped providing satellite service. Plus, the speed offered to the users is not impressive when compared to what fiber optic cable offers.

The Best Fiber Internet Packages of 2023

Today, there are more than 1400 fiber internet providers that are operating within the United States. Let’s now look at who is offering the most exciting fiber internet packages.

1. AT&T

The AT&T internet service is highly popular all over the country. The company also offers a fiber network to its subscribers. They are currently giving this service to 21 states including Georgia, California, Florida, Nevada, and Ohio. By opting for their fiber offering, you can expect to get symmetrical speeds i.e. the same download and upload power. Plus, you will get unlimited data as well!

Internet Deals	Download/Upload Speed	Cost
AT&T Fiber 100	100/100 Mbps	$55/month
AT&T Fiber 300	300/300 Mbps	$65/month
AT&T Fiber 1000	1/1 Gbps	$80/month

2. Frontier FiberOptic

Apart from AT&T, Frontier internet is also a viable option for those who want to enjoy a high-speed internet connection. The company is now offering fiber optic internet service to 11 states including Minnesota, New York, Illinois, and Indiana. The Frontier fiber internet will provide you with three different speed plans, unlimited data, and a lot of bandwidth. You will also get a wireless router for free. There are no contractual obligations. And best of all, there are no hidden costs involved when you subscribe to the network.

Internet Deals	Download/Upload Speeds	Cost
Fiber Optic 50 Mbps	50/50 Mbps	$49.99/month
Fiber Optic 500 Mbps	500/500 Mbps	$59.99/month
Fiber Optic Gig	940/880 Mbps	$79.99/month

3. CenturyLink

CenturyLink really made a huge impact with its fiber-optic offering. It has now become the 4^th largest in the provision of fiber internet. It offers just one plan called the CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit. Opting for their service will change things for you. How? Well, for starters you would receive a high-speed internet connection of 940 Mbps. This means that you can play online games or stream HD videos with great ease. When you choose to subscribe to the service, you would receive a free modem. Plus, you will not need to pay anything for the installation.

Internet Deal	Download/Upload Speed	Cost
CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit	940/940 Mbps	$65/month

4. Windstream Kinetic

Yes, the highly trusted ISP, Windstream Kinetic is now also offering fiber optic internet services. Just like CenturyLink, it offers just one fiber optic plan called Windstream Kinetic Gig. It is a pure fiber-optic connection that will allow you to use different devices at once without your connection neither breaking nor slowing down. You can easily use smart home gadgets, VR, or any other tools. There is also no data cap!

Internet Deal	Download/Upload Speed	Cost
Windstream Kinetic Gig	1/1 Gbps	$67/month

Conclusion  

Considering how fiber optic internet is quickly becoming popular mainly because of the kind of speed it provides and the factor of affordability, it won’t be long before the world adapts to this technology completely. These are some of the options that are currently offering fiber optic internet. Other than these are Optimum, and COX. There are six COX internet plans including Gigablast S which is easily among the best fiber internet packages that you can opt for. It is advised to take your time and consider all the options before making your final decision about which deal to go for.