Why You Should Switch to Fiber-Optic Internet

The need for reliable, high-speed internet at home has become non-negotiable for many households. Whether you’re powering through your workday or streaming your favorite series in 4K, lightning-fast internet is a must.

While there are several internet types to choose from — including old standbys like cable and DSL — fiber-optic internet is a good choice if you want the fastest upload and download speeds available.

Fiber internet is the answer to modern connectivity demands for many households — households with many devices and constantly connected users. A whole-home Wi-Fi setup with fiber-optic internet keeps everyone happy and online.

Let’s explore why making the switch to fiber-optic internet might be the right call for you, starting with a primer on what fiber internet is.

What is fiber-optic internet?

Fiber-optic internet is one of three common types of internet connections used today (spoiler alert: It’s also the fastest). Fiber-optic cables are made of glass or plastic and work by passing light signals to transmit data through tubes connected to your home.

The other two types of traditional broadband internet are DSL and cable. DSL (digital subscriber line) sends data through copper telephone wires. Unlike outdated dial-up connections, DSL doesn’t tie up (or even require) phone landlines.

Cable internet relies on electrical currents to send internet data through television cables. This can impact connectivity during weather events.. Additionally, both cable and DSL were built using existing infrastructure. This can cause reliability issues with your internet connection in the form of shared bandwidth or electrical interference.

Fiber optic is the newest and generally considered the most reliable type of internet connection.

Unmatched Performance and Speed

Internet speed is a major factor when deciding whether you should switch to fiber-optic internet. It delivers faster download and upload speeds than other types of internet, making it ideal for data-intensive activities like streaming, gaming, and video conferencing.

In fact, a Kinetic survey of fiber internet users revealed that 77% who switched to fiber from another type of internet reported faster speeds after making the change. And 57% said they considered their connection a lot faster compared to their old internet type.

Here’s a breakdown of the different speeds you might experience with fiber wireless high-speed internet compared with other popular options.

• Fiber internet: 1 to 2 gigabits per second (Gbps)

• Cable internet: 5 megabits (Mbps) to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps)

• DSL internet: 1 to 25 megabits per second (Mbps)

For reference, 1 gigabit is equal to 1,000 megabits!

*Note that the actual speeds users will see are influenced by factors like network congestion, equipment quality, and the specific internet service provider (ISP).

(2024 – Kinetic Raw data report*)

Enhanced Reliability and Stability

A reliable internet connection is important in every household — and fiber stands out as the top choice for a stable network.

In our recent survey of 500 fiber-optic users, over 42% of respondents said they work from home. Out of that group, nearly half (49%) said they experience fewer issues with video conferencing. That’s because fiber provides consistent performance in several ways.

• Fewer weather disruptions: Unlike DSL and cable internet, severe weather events don’t typically impact fiber-optic cables. Fiber relies on light rather than electrical currents, so power surges and lightning don’t affect data transmission.

• Minimal signal loss: Unlike traditional copper cables used in DSL and cable internet, fiber-optic cables transmit light signals immune to electromagnetic interference and signal weakening over long distances. This translates to a more consistent and reliable internet connection. Kinetic, for instance, has a 99.9% network reliability.

• No sharing bandwidth: Fiber has a higher bandwidth capacity than DSL and cable internet. This means your connectivity probably won’t be impacted by high internet consumption in your area. (2024 – Kinetic Raw data report*).

A Future-Proof Internet Connection

Is fiber-optic internet a good choice in the long run? The answer is yes. It’s already designed for data-intensive activities, such as streaming 8K video or playing virtual reality games. But fiber is also positioned to support future technological advancements like higher speeds and quantum networking.

Fiber-optic internet is a smart investment that can handle increasing bandwidths for years to come.

Increased Security for Your Data

In today’s highly connected world, cybersecurity has never been more critical.

Fiber-optic internet security offers inherent security advantages, as intercepting information transmitted through fiber cables is much more difficult than with copper-based lines or satellite connections.

Fiber alone isn’t enough. Additional internet security protection, such as antivirus software, firewalls, and virtual private networks (VPNs), can help prevent viruses, phishing attacks, malware, and ransomware.

It’s also worth considering home and internet security protections to record and monitor device activity.

Support for Multiple Devices Without Slowing Down

Today’s households are filled with devices battling for bandwidth at any given moment. Smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, speakers, doorbell cameras, and even thermostats all thrive on the lightning-fast speeds and reliability of fiber internet.

In fact, 56% of Kinetic survey respondents with smart devices said they’re happier with how their whole home operates after making the switch. Additionally, 45% reported fewer glitches in their smart devices, and 25% said they yell at their smart devices less.

Fiber optic is a leading choice for simultaneously running multiple devices without a drop in performance — no matter how many people or devices are online at home (2024 – Kinetic Raw data report*).

Better Streaming and Gaming Experiences

You’re not alone if your idea of relaxation sometimes involves spending time online.

Out of the 500 fiber-optic users surveyed by Kinetic, nearly 400 said they stream TV, movies, or live sports at home, while over 240 play online games.

Of the media streamers, 43% said they experience fewer streaming issues, while 40% said they don’t have any issues at all.

Nearly three-quarters of gamers (74%) said switching to fiber improved their online gaming experience, and over 50% said they experience less lag while playing (2024 – Kinetic Raw data report*).

Fiber optics is a clear winner when it comes to low latency and high bandwidth — the key ingredients to seamless streaming and gaming.

No matter how many people (or smart devices) are online at home, you’ll experience smooth, buffer-free streaming and gaming. Say goodbye to family feuds about who gets to be online and when.

Environmental and Long-Term Cost Benefits

Everyone wants to do their part for the environment, and making the switch to fiber is a win for both you and the planet. In addition to the speed- and reliability-related benefits of fiber internet, fiber-optic wires also use less energy to transmit data signals than copper cables.

Fiber-optic internet not only boasts a smaller carbon footprint. It’s also a sustainable choice from a production standpoint. Copper cables require mining the planet for a limited natural resource. Fiber cables, on the other hand, are made of a silicon-and-oxygen compound that doesn’t require mining.

Using fiber-optic internet can also lead to long-term savings in energy costs. Less maintenance is required over time, and the network can be upgraded without digging up and replacing existing cables.

How to Make the Switch to Fiber-Optic Internet

It takes just a few steps to switch to fiber-optic internet:

• Check availability: First, see if fiber internet is available in your area. You can perform an internet search with your ZIP code to find a provider near you.

• Choose a fiber internet provider: Next, research different plans and pick a fiber internet provider. Check different pricing and speed tiers that suit your needs. Some providers require you to commit for a year or more. Others don’t. Kinetic Fiber Internet, for example, has no annual contracts or data caps.

• Schedule an installation: You’ll need a professional installer from your internet service provider to connect the fiber cable to your home. The fastest option is to get fiber to the home (FTTH), which connects your house directly to the provider’s fiber network. The fiber internet installation process is similar to that of traditional cable or DSL.

Ready to upgrade your internet experience? See whether Kinetic Fiber Internet is available to you today. Then make the switch and enjoy 99.9% network reliability and super-fast download AND upload speeds of up to 2 Gbps.

Why You Should Switch to Fiber-Optic Internet FAQs

Is it worth upgrading to fiber-optic internet?

Yes, upgrading to fiber-optic internet provides fast upload and download speeds, low latency, and a reliable connection.

Why is fiber better than regular internet?

Fiber is better than regular internet because the data transmission is faster. Additionally, you’re less likely to experience a lost connection due to weather events.

*About this data: Study includes data from survey conducted by third-party survey research company on Aug. 19, 2024, of respondents aged 18 and up across all 50 states. Participants were recruited using Random Device Engagement (RDE) and do not have a relationship with Kinetic or the survey research company used. More information on methodology here.

99.9% Service Availability: As measured by Windstream from March 2023 to January 2025, Kinetic service reliability is calculated by dividing Available Customer Hours by Total Customer Hours, excluding planned maintenance, emergencies (like hurricanes, winter storms, floods), and other uncontrollable events.