What is gigabit internet?

Gigabit internet is an internet service that uses speeds of at least 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). 1 Gbps is equal to 1000 Mbps is significantly faster than many other types of internet access and is an excellent, trusted fit for households that need the best speeds and reliability to stream, game, and work without interruption. 

How does gigabit internet work?

Gigabit internet uses advanced technology to make fast and efficient data transmission possible.

High-speed fiber internet service most commonly relies on fiber-optic cable connections, the gold standard for gigabit service. Fiber-optic cables are ultra-thin strands of glass or plastic fibers that transmit data as light pulses. It’s a fast, reliable method because light signals can travel long distances without losing strength.

As a result, a fiber-optic gigabit connection can handle massive amounts of data to make your internet experience smooth and consistent. Combined with whole-home Wi-Fi, it’s a perfect solution for your internet connectivity needs.

Another major selling point of gigabit internet service is symmetrical download and upload speeds. This lets you upload content to the internet just as fast as you download it, a significant advantage for activities like live streaming and video conferencing.

Gigabit Internet vs. Other Internet Types

Fiber gigabit internet stands out compared to other high-speed internet options because it offers unparalleled speed and reliability.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) internet service is a popular option that uses traditional telephone lines to deliver internet service. While it does have a significant speed increase over dial-up, it’s still significantly slower than other broadband options. Most DSL services have a cap of around 100 Mbps, which is fine for a single user. However, that speed difference is noticeable as you add multiple devices that use the internet for gaming and streaming.

Even cable internet, which has relatively high availability, falls short compared to fiber gigabit internet service. ‘Cable internet uses the same coaxial cables as cable TV. While it offers fast download speeds, it still pales in comparison to symmetrical 1 Gbps speeds that fiber-optic gigabit internet provides. It also suffers from slower speeds during peak usage times, an issue that fiber internet does not have. 

Satellite internet, which is viable for rural users who can’t access DSL or cable internet, comes with its own drawbacks: latency issues and data caps. This makes it less than ideal for those who need high-speed, reliable service. Satellite speeds typically range from 12 to 100 Mbps—significantly slower than gigabit service.

The speed and reliability benefits of gigabit internet aren’t theoretical. In a recent survey, 64% of users who switched to fiber gigabit internet service told us it was much faster than their previous, non-fiber gigabit plans. (2024 – Kinetic Raw data report) .

Benefits of Gigabit Internet

Having a fast and reliable internet connection isn’t just a “nice to have” these days. It’s essential.  

Gigabit internet service offers numerous benefits to enhance your overall online experience, making it a preferred choice for many households and businesses. But what do those benefits look like? Consider the following:

Improved High-Bandwidth Activities  

Gigabit internet reduces potential performance issues associated with high-bandwidth activities like streaming, working from home, and gaming. In fact, 47% of surveyed users who stream with gigabit internet experienced fewer issues after switching, and 38% reported no issues at all (2024 – Kinetic Raw data report*). 

60% of users who work remotely and switched to gigabit service say it improved their video conferencing experience, and 64% said they’re able to work more quickly and efficiently. 

Gamers benefit even more, with 80% reporting an improved gaming experience since switching to gigabit fiber internet (2024 – Kinetic Raw data report*) .

Exceptional reliability

Gigabit internet's exceptional reliability is a significant factor of that improved experience. Kinetic’s 99.9% reliability rate ensures your connection remains stable and dependable, no matter what you throw at it. Work, study, and entertainment require consistent internet performance to run smoothly. (99.9% Service Availability: As measured by Windstream from March 2023 to March 2024, 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.) 

Seamless multi-device connectivity

The devices we use in our homes—from smart speakers, thermostats, and TVs to computers and game consoles—all demand bandwidth. Gigabit internet allows several users and devices to connect without compromising speed or performance.

In fact, 67% of our surveyed internet users with smart devices—around 106 total—are happier with how their home operates since switching to fiber gigabit internet (2024 – Kinetic Raw data report*). That increased capacity is vital for families and shared living spaces where all these items are used concurrently.

Lightning-fast upload and download speeds

One of gigabit internet’s standout features is its emphasis on fast upload and download speeds. These fast speeds surpass national averages, allowing seamless streaming, rapid file uploads, and lag-free video calls.  

Whether streaming 4K content or uploading large files to the cloud, gigabit internet ensures these activities occur uninterrupted. 

Is gigabit internet worth it?

The biggest question is whether those benefits and features are worth the cost, and as it turns out, it is. In fact, half of the people we surveyed who switched to gigabit fiber internet said it cost about the same or even less than their previous plan (2024 – Kinetic Raw data report*). 

Ready to try gigabit internet?

Fiber gigabit internet provides improved speeds and reliability that are leaps and bounds above other internet types. You’ll enjoy lightning-fast connectivity for every device in your home and hiccup-free streaming, gaming, and work experiences—all without breaking your budget. 

Ready to make the switch? Check Kinetic fiber availability for your location and learn more about the benefits of high-speed fiber internet services from Kinetic today.

What is gigabit internet? FAQs

Is it worth getting gigabit internet?

If you need the fastest possible internet speeds and the most reliable service, gigabit internet is well worth the cost, especially if you frequently engage in high-bandwidth activities like HD streaming, gaming, or working from home. Its faster speeds can often make for a cost-effective upgrade. 

How much should I be paying for gigabit Internet?

The cost of gigabit internet varies depending on your location and provider. Many gigabit internet providers charge between $60 and $100 per month.

Is 5G faster than Gigabit Internet?

5G internet service can offer impressive, competitive mobile speeds, but gigabit internet—especially with a fiber connection—is often more consistent and reliable.

Is 1 gig enough for home internet?

1 gigabit internet is generally more than enough for most households because it supports multiple devices and users at once. This speed allows seamless streaming, gaming, and downloading without noticeable slowdowns—even during peak usage times.

What is better, fiber or 5G?

Fiber and 5G each have their advantages. For many, fiber is an excellent choice for home or office use thanks to its consistent speed and reliability. 5G offers flexibility and high speeds on the go, but it’s often less reliable indoors due to the need for an unobstructed line of sight to a cell tower and congestion caused by too many users on the cellular network.

*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.