While most people see fiber optic internet as something limited to large cities, it’s available in areas nationwide. If you’ve ever wondered how to get fiber internet in your area, read on to learn more about the availability of this fast, reliable internet service.
Why is Fiber Internet Better than Cable or DSL?
Selecting fiber internet brings several advantages. Fiber offers fast upload and download speeds, enabling smooth file sharing, gaming, and streaming. Furthermore, fiber optic lines are less vulnerable to interference, creating stable connections. Fiber internet offers symmetrical speed, where download and upload speeds are the same. Find fiber internet where you live to get all these benefits.
Can I Get Fiber Internet in My City
The easiest way to find fiber internet availability is to call or chat with your ISP (internet service provider). Most ISPs will gladly tell you which types of internet are available in your town.
How Can I Tell if I Have Fiber Internet?
Most of us take internet access for granted, and we give little thought to how we receive it. If you’d like to learn whether you have fiber internet, follow these easy steps:
- Ask your ISP. The best way to find out which kind of internet you have is to ask your provider. Customer service wait times can be long, but it’s a worthwhile effort.
- Read your bill. Providers offer plans tailored to their fiber optic networks. Read your billing statement or visit the provider’s website to see if you have fiber internet.
- Check your internet speed. If your connection slows down at peak times, you’re likely on a DSL or cable connection—and sharing bandwidth with neighbors. If you’re getting fast, constant speeds, you probably have fiber internet.
- Perform a speed test. Symmetrical speeds are a good indicator of fiber internet. Do a speed test, such as Ookla’s, to see if your numbers are the same.
- Look for infrastructure. Nearby fiber optic infrastructure is another clue. Look for cabinets and boxes near homes and streets; they house fiber optic cables that deliver fast, reliable internet.
Finally, your internet equipment will tell you a lot about your connection. ISPs typically give customers routers and modems designed for fiber internet. These devices are designed to work with fiber optic infrastructure.
Why Can’t I Get Fiber Internet?
According to the FBA, roughly 43% of users had access to fiber optic internet in 2022—a significant increase from just a few years ago. It’s still not available in some areas, simply because there’s no infrastructure to support it. Additionally, high deployment costs keep fiber internet out of some areas.
When Will Fiber Come to My Area?
While we’d like to offer a hard-and-fast answer, it’s not that simple. Fiber internet availability depends on several factors, including the presence of infrastructure and ISPs’ willingness to invest in deployment.
Getting Fiber Internet
There are a few ways to speed up fiber internet deployment. Start by:
- Asking if there’s fiber infrastructure nearby.
- Encouraging your ISP to deploy fiber internet on existing equipment.
- Calling local utilities and government entities to ask about fiber internet access programs.
In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, a reliable internet connection isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. By asking the right questions and following these tips, you can find and benefit from your area’s fiber optic internet services.