Fiber internet has always been regarded as king when it comes to fast internet connections – but it comes with a price. Since there are still many types of internet out there, such as 5G and cable internet, many people are still torn if fiber internet is really worth their money. The average price of fiber optic internet in the US averages from $29.99 to $300 per month. Compared to other types of internet, the difference is a lot because cable only averages $19 to $125 per month. That’s more than half of the cost of fiber internet.
These figures make it understandable why many people ask, “Is fiber internet really worth the money?”. Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for this question because it will depend on several factors that will determine if high speed fiber internet is actually worth your money or not. In this article, we’ll be sharing the factors you need to look into when deciding if fiber internet is for you.
But First, What Makes Fiber Internet So Special?
The biggest selling point of fiber internet is its speed and reliability. Unlike other types of internet, it’s not easily disrupted by natural calamities, such as heavy rain or electrical interference, which can affect cable or DSL connections. Since the data is transmitted through fiber optic cables, known to deliver data at the speed of light, it offers unparalleled speed consistently.
So, does it justify the cost of this type of internet? That’s for you to find out.
- Location
Before anything else, you should check if fiber internet is already available in your location. The biggest disadvantage of fiber internet right now is its availability because, up until today, it’s not as widely available as satellite and cable internet. So that’s the first thing you should check so you don’t get disappointed if ever it’s not yet available in your location.
Also, fiber internet shouldn’t be your only option when it comes to reliable internet. There’s this relatively new technology called 5G that can also offer exceptional speeds. If you want to know more about it, you can look into HughesNet Internet or other providers that offer this type of internet.
- Usage
The cost of fiber internet will be worth it if you’re a heavy internet user who requires extremely fast speeds. For example, if you’re into gaming, streaming, and other bandwidth-extensive online activities, paying for fiber internet is definitely worth it. However, if you only use your internet for occasional browsing, checking and sending emails, and other light tasks, fiber internet might not be necessary.
- Budget
Your budget plays an important role in your decision. Even though you think that it’s worth your money, if it’s out of your budget, then it might not be a practical option. If your budget is a bit tight, we recommend you look into cable internet. Cable is capable of providing fast speeds, although not as fast and reliable as fiber, at a more affordable price. You can stick with cable internet until your budget allows you to switch to fiber comfortably.
- Customer Support
In the internet industry, poor customer support is so common that it’s already been considered a norm. However, there are still many decent fiber internet providers out there that provide great customer support. You just have to look into the reviews of the provider you’re eyeing to choose.
- Bundle Deals
Fiber internet plans don’t usually come with bundles or deals simply because it’s already expensive as it is. If you’re looking for a bundled fiber internet plan with TV or mobile service, it can be a bit of a challenge. It’s not impossible though, as some fiber internet providers offer bundles. But, your options will not be as many as bundled cable or bundled satellite internet.
Final Thoughts
The cost of fiber internet is on the higher side, but it can definitely be worth it, especially if you rely heavily on the internet for work, entertainment, or communication. But if not, the practical choice would be to settle for cable or satellite internet because they also offer fast, decent speeds that are not as expensive as fiber. But of course, they won’t be able to deliver the speed and reliability of fiber. Good luck!
