1-866-445-808412 Benefits of Fiber Internet
You probably know fiber takes high-speed internet to another level with speeds of 2 gigabits per second (Gbps) and faster, but do you know its other exciting benefits?
Not only does choosing fiber-optic internet benefit you and your household today — it future-proofs your home connectivity for the needs of tomorrow.
Here’s a quick look at 12 benefits of fiber internet, which we’ll dive into deeper below. Fiber internet is:
Faster — a lot faster
Budget-friendly
Quickly getting even faster — with tremendous bandwidth potential
Able to handle more devices simultaneously
Reliable
Strong and clear over long distances
Available with premium tech support
Built for symmetrical speeds (download/upload)
More secure
Future-proof
Better for streaming and gaming
Good for your home’s value
Let’s start with this quick refresher on what fiber internet is and why it’s so different from other internet types of internet connections/services.
What is fiber internet?
Fiber started becoming an internet connection option for homes in the early 2000s and is arguably better than any other access method for broadband. That’s because it uses glass fibers and light signals instead of copper wires and electrical signals. Data transmitted through fiber-optic wires travel significantly faster than data sent through traditional copper wires.
Fiber-optic internet transforms digital electrical signals from your devices into flashes of light that travel through the clear strand, internally reflecting at extremely high speeds. At the other end, it’s transformed back into signals readable by computing devices. The special equipment that handles this data transformation is the optical network terminal (ONT).
Fiber-optic infrastructure has reached about half the country and is expanding rapidly, but it’s no easy task. Running new communications’ lines to every corner of the country takes time and investment. Luckily, once it’s available in your area, getting fiber installed is generally as quick and easy as cable or DSL internet.
Head to our in-depth guide on how fiber internet works for more details. Otherwise, let’s get to fiber’s leading benefit: speed.
1. Fiber internet is faster.
Faster than other available internet technology, fiber easily achieves 1 Gbps (aka gigabit) speeds. Leading internet service providers (ISPs) like Kinetic also offer residential fiber plans of 2 Gbps or more. Some of the most advanced business and tech applications might see speeds up to 10 Gbps with today’s higher end fiber-optic products.
Compare that with the next-fastest internet type, cable, which typically maxes out around 1.5 Mbps. Most cable connections are actually more like 300 Mbps, while DSL internet speeds will be closer to 100 Mbps. Check out this complete internet speed guide to understand truly how fast fiber is compared to every other option.
Need more proof? We surveyed 500 people who switched to fiber and 77% said fiber is faster than their old internet. A majority (57%) even pointed out that fiber was significantly faster than what they used before, be it cable, DSL, 5G, satellite, or otherwise (2024 – Kinetic Raw data report*).
2. Fiber internet is budget-friendly.
If you don’t have fiber internet yet, it’s probably because it isn’t available in your area or within your budget.
Fiber internet has long been more of a high-end option for internet service. Unless you wanted to spend multiple times more than you would for the next-fastest internet option, you were out of luck. But that’s changing.
Fiber-optic internet used to cost over a hundred dollars a month, but it’s easy to find fiber plans for $100 or less these days.
3. Fiber internet is (quickly) getting faster.
Fiber internet is quickly getting faster thanks to advancements in both fiber-optic technology and networking equipment. Current consumer speeds reach up to 50 Gbps, but the potential is much higher. Fiber’s ability to transmit data via light pulses through strands of glass or plastic allows for tremendous bandwidth capacity.
Unlike copper cables, where the signal can degrade over long distances and are limited by electrical interference, fiber-optic cables carry data with light, which is immune to such issues. This allows fiber to handle vast amounts of data simultaneously over longer distances without losing speed.
As ISPs continue to upgrade their infrastructure, fiber-optic networks can scale without needing significant changes to the material itself, making 100 Gbps or even 1 terabit per second (Tbps) — equal to 1,000 Gbps — speeds realistic in the near future.
4. Fiber internet can handle more devices.
As more families work from home, learn from home, and turn their houses into smart homes, fiber internet is becoming increasingly popular.
We surveyed 265 fiber users who have smart devices in their home. Of this group:
56% said they’re happier with how their connected home works.
45% said their smart devices don’t glitch as much.
25% said they yell at their smart devices less often.
(2024 – Kinetic Raw data report*)
Fiber provides higher bandwidth that is especially recommended for power users — people with a lot of devices (more than 10) in their home, especially when simultaneously streaming across multiple devices.
Think about it: Three family members could be using laptops and phones, one family member could be streaming HD TV, the family could have three voice assistant devices set up, and four security cameras could line the house. That’s already 14 devices using up bandwidth at the same time.
Regardless of whether you actually have this many devices today, it’s easy to imagine having them in the near future. As fridges, washing machines, light bulbs, and even toilets and showers get Wi-Fi connectivity, fiber’s multi-device support will prove critical.
And when your whole home relies on an internet connection, fiber’s reliability is a bonus, too.
5. Fiber internet advantages.
Thanks to fiber-optic internet’s unique glass and light composition, there is less opportunity for cross-talk or interference from other devices on the network. Proximity to other cables can be an issue for copper cable and DSL lines, for example, fiber optics are immune to electromagnetic interference.
Additionally, fiber networks hold up better against heavy data loads, so performance remains consistent, even during peak usage. Traditional broadband connections can slow down under those kinds of strain.
Fiber-optic cables are also much less prone to degradation over time than copper. Copper lines can corrode, especially in harsh environmental conditions, leading to more frequent maintenance and downtime. Fiber’s glass structure, however, remains stable for decades, requiring less upkeep and fewer repairs.
6. Fiber internet is not sensitive to distance.
Broadband access methods like copper DSL are distance-sensitive. You have to live within a certain distance of the nearest switch to be able to take full advantage of those speeds. On the flip side, distance doesn’t alter the strength of fiber-optic connections, so data transfer continues at a consistent speed regardless of location.
Unlike metal wires, fiber-optic cables use light, which faces far less resistance than electrical signals. Electrical signals weaken over long distances due to resistance and interference, but light can travel much farther in glass fibers with minimal signal loss. This limited resistance allows fiber to maintain high speeds across long distances, ensuring consistent, reliable data transfer.
7. Kinetic Fiber internet offers premium tech support.
Keep in mind that Wi-Fi is its own separate animal. So, while your home may be connected via hard connection to fiber-optic internet, you still have to consider the wireless experience at home and invest in the right technology to support it.
That’s what Kinetic is really focused on as an internet service provider — the premium in-home Wi-Fi experience offering the best customer premises equipment (CPE), including top wireless gateway routers and extenders selected based on quality and compatibility with Kinetic internet network.
8. Fiber internet offers symmetrical speeds.
Fiber internet provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, making it ideal for activities like video conferencing, online gaming, and uploading large files. Unlike cable or DSL, which often have much slower upload speeds, fiber ensures that sending data is as fast as receiving it.
This is especially important for those working or learning from home.
We surveyed 211 fiber users who work from home. Of this group:
49% said they experienced fewer issues with video conferencing with fiber.
59% felt they worked more efficiently.
54% found remote work less stressful.
(2024 – Kinetic Raw data report*)
9. Fiber internet is more secure.
Fiber connections, which transmit data as light through glass, are much harder to hack into than traditional metal electrical wires.
However, fiber internet is not completely immune to security threats. Other vulnerabilities in the network or user devices can still be exploited. Users should always adopt good internet security.
10. Fiber internet is a future-proof technology.
You’ve learned about the technology, composition, and speed that makes fiber so special. It’s also what makes it a long-lasting solution for internet connectivity. Fiber networks are built with future advancements in mind, making them a smart long-term investment.
The infrastructure is designed to easily handle growing bandwidth needs and faster speeds without requiring significant upgrades. As new technologies and data-heavy services emerge — like 8K video streaming, virtual reality, and smart home systems — fiber’s massive bandwidth can support them.
11. Fiber internet enhances streaming and gaming experiences.
With fiber internet’s low latency (delay) and high bandwidth (speed and capacity), you can enjoy smoother, buffer-free streaming and gaming, even in households with multiple users and devices. For the highest resolution and most enjoyable experience, fiber is the connection of choice.
We surveyed 241 gamers with fiber internet and:
74% reported an improved gaming experience after switching to fiber
51% experienced less lag
Additionally, we surveyed 335 fiber users who regularly stream TV, movies and live events. Among this group, 43% encountered fewer streaming issues, and 40% reported no problems at all.
(2024 – Kinetic Raw data report*)
12. Fiber internet can increase the value of your home.
Making smart upgrades to your house can help increase its value, and fiber internet hookups can be as enticing as new appliances or energy-efficient features.
Homes with fiber internet access might command higher property values due to the increasing demand for fast, reliable connectivity. In fact, a recent study by the Fiber Broadband Association found that fiber internet can add 4.9% to the value of a single-family home.
Potential buyers, especially those working from home or who heavily use streaming and gaming services, may prioritize homes with fiber internet access. A fiber connection provides future-proof infrastructure that can support modern technology and connectivity needs, making properties with fiber more appealing in any market.
Ready to switch to fiber?
When you’re ready to switch to fiber, it’s critical to choose the right fiber internet service provider.
In terms of wireless internet offerings and in-home experience, Kinetic is at the forefront of the industry. Kinetic emphasizes a premium Wi-Fi experience, along with an award-winning internet security platform.
Kinetic Fiber Internet offers lightning-fast connections and ultra-low lag with speeds up to 2 Gbps. And, with 99.9% network reliability, you stay connected when it matters most. Check to see if Kinetic Fiber is available in your area and explore our plans to get started.
Benefits of Fiber Internet FAQs
Is fiber internet better than regular Wi-Fi?
Fiber speeds are still transmitted throughout your home on your Wi-Fi network, so it’s not accurate to compare the two — they work together. But, fiber is likely better than your old internet. It’s significantly faster and more reliable, secure, and future-proof than older connections like cable, DSL, or mobile data.
Will I notice a difference with fiber internet?
Depending on your current service type, you will likely experience noticeable improvements in speed, reliability, and overall performance, especially with data-intensive activities like streaming, video conferencing, and gaming.
Are there any downsides to fiber internet?
While fiber internet has historically been much more expensive than cable and other slower connections, that’s no longer true. Fiber internet plans are well within most household budgets and are getting more affordable every year.
Is it worth upgrading to fiber-optic internet?
Yes, especially since the cost of upgrading can be minimal. Upgrading to fiber is worth it if you want faster, more reliable internet with future-proof technology that supports modern digital lives and multiple devices.
*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.