Unraveling Fiber: Insights into Fiber Internet Adoption and Usage

• Fiber Internet Dominates: More than half of consumers state fiber ‘significantly faster’ than other tech.  

• Nearly two-thirds (59%) say fiber cheaper, or same price, as other internet tech. 

• Work From Home: Less than half of respondents say they use Fiber to work remotely. 

• Three quarters (74%) reported improved gaming experiences, with 51% experiencing less lag. 

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Feb. 5, 2025) -- Survey results from Kinetic’s 2024 Fiber Internet Research Study, offer a compelling glimpse into the current state of internet usage and consumer preferences, particularly focusing on the adoption of fiber, increased speeds and experiences of 500 fiber-internet users.  

The survey underscores fiber's role in streaming, remote work, and gaming, while also pointing out areas like internet speed awareness where consumer education could be improved.  

Internet Speed Preferences  Data reveals a diverse range of internet speeds among fiber users. While a significant portion (13%) reported using 1000 Mbps or 1 Gig plans, a notable 17% were unsure of their plan's speed. This uncertainty highlights a potential gap in consumer knowledge, suggesting that internet service providers (ISPs) could enhance customer education regarding the benefits and characteristics of different speed plans. 

Previous Internet Types and Fiber's Comparative Advantages  Before switching to fiber, many respondents used different internet types, with cable internet (34%) and 5G internet (19%) being the most common. This transition reflects fiber's perceived advantages, as 57% of participants noted that fiber is “significantly faster” than their previous connections. However, 9.2% felt that fiber was slower, indicating that while fiber is generally seen as superior, user experiences may vary, possibly due to installation or regional infrastructure issues. 

Cost Comparisons  Cost remains a critical factor in the decision to switch internet types. Interestingly, the survey shows a split perception: 42% of users found fiber to be more expensive, while 59% felt the prices were comparable, or cheaper suggesting that pricing strategies and perceived value can differ significantly among users. 

Internet Usage Patterns  The survey provides valuable insights into how respondents use their fiber internet at home. Streaming TV and movies (67%) and browsing the internet and social media (74%) were the most popular activities. This aligns with broader trends of increased digital media consumption and connectivity. Additionally, 42% of respondents reported using their internet for remote work, highlighting fiber's role in facilitating the modern work-from-home environment. 

Applications for Remote Work  When working from home, respondents primarily use video conferencing (64%) and Microsoft Office applications (66%). The reliance on these tools underscores the importance of stable and fast internet connections, which fiber promises to provide. Additionally, nearly half of the users (49%) use chat applications like Slack and Teams, indicating a collaborative and connected digital workspace. 

Improvements in Internet Experience  Since switching to fiber, many respondents reported improvements in their digital experience. Notably, 49% experienced fewer issues with video conferencing, and 43% spent less time troubleshooting smart devices. These findings suggest that fiber not only enhances connectivity but also reduces frustrations associated with digital disruptions, leading to a more seamless online experience. 

Impact on Entertainment and Gaming  Fiber internet significantly impacts entertainment and gaming experiences, according to the survey. A majority of respondents (74%) reported improved gaming experiences, with 51% experiencing less lag. Fiber's high-speed connectivity supports seamless streaming, as evidenced by 40% of users no longer experiencing buffering issues. This improvement in digital leisure activities underscores fiber's capability to handle high bandwidth demands efficiently. 

Social Media and Smart Home Integration  The survey revealed that fiber enhanced social media usage and smart home integration.     Users reported fewer issues uploading media to social platforms (31%) and improved browsing experiences (35%). Moreover, 55% of respondents felt happier with their overall home operations, thanks to enhanced smart device functionality. These findings highlight fiber's role in supporting a digitally connected and efficient home environment. 

The Kinetic’s 2024 Fiber Internet Research Study provides a comprehensive snapshot of fiber internet's growing prominence and its impact on various aspects of digital life. From facilitating remote work to enhancing entertainment and smart home experiences, fiber is increasingly seen as a necessity rather than a luxury. However, the survey also points to areas for improvement, such as user education on internet speeds and addressing regional disparities in fiber performance. 

As society continues to embrace digital transformation, understanding consumer experiences and preferences through surveys like this is vital. They offer invaluable insights that can guide ISPs in refining their services, ultimately leading to better connectivity and satisfaction for all users. Fiber internet is not just a trend—it's a cornerstone of our digital future. 

About this data: This study includes data from one survey conducted 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. The sample was balanced across age, gender, and market. Methodology here.