What is fiber internet?
(and what are the benefits?)

Fiber internet is significantly faster than cable or DSL. The table below shows how long it takes to download different types of files on each connection, highlighting the performance advantage of fiber.

Fiber internet plans offer advantages over cable and DSL. Fiber’s design allows for faster speeds, more consistent reliability and stronger broadband performance when multiple devices are connected. The sections below explain how fiber compares to other connection types in each of these areas.

Astound offers Gigabit-speed internet, with plans up to 1 Gigabit per second (1,000 Mbps) available in many areas. In select regions, customers can access even faster options, with speeds ranging from 1.2 Gig to 2 Gig and beyond. To get started, check fiber availability in your area.

Fiber optic cables are built to be highly durable. Their design makes them resistant to electromagnetic interference, temperature fluctuations and most weather conditions, which means fewer service interruptions. Fiber is also less prone to physical damage than copper lines and typically lasts much longer, providing a more reliable connection over time.

With cable internet, speeds often slow during peak hours because bandwidth is shared among many users. Fiber internet is designed to handle more wireless traffic at much higher speeds, providing a consistent connection even when demand is high.

Fiber internet’s combination of speed, reliability and low latency makes it one of the best options for gamers. High bandwidth ensures smooth downloads and updates, while symmetrical upload and download speeds improve performance for multiplayer and cloud-based gaming. Because fiber experiences less congestion and fewer slowdowns than cable, players benefit from more stable connections, reduced lag and faster response times. However, gamers still need to select the right internet speed for their gaming needs.

Fiber networks are designed with capacity well beyond today’s demands. With multi-gig speeds already available in some areas, fiber has the bandwidth to support emerging technologies like smart homes, AR/VR and cloud-based applications. That means customers can count on their connection not just for today, but for whatever comes next.

According to the 2025 Fiber Broadband Association Deployment Report, fiber internet continues to expand but still faces challenges with reach, adoption and deployment hurdles.

1. Limited Reach: Fiber now passes 76.5 million U.S. homes (a 13% increase in 2024), but many rural areas still lack access.
2. Slow growth rates: Only 45.2% of homes with fiber available have subscribed. Some carriers have shifted their focus to 5G, which uses cell towers and eliminates the need for laying cable.
3. Deployment hurdles: Permitting delays, pole access, mapping issues and labor shortages slowed growth—providers estimate rollout could have been 7% higher in 2024 without these obstacles.

Now that you’re an expert on how fiber internet works and its benefits and disadvantages, you can decide whether it’s right for you.

To use fiber optic broadband, you’ll need a modem (often called an Optical Network Terminal, or ONT) and a router that are both compatible with fiber service. Choosing the right router is especially important, as it ensures you can take full advantage of your fiber connection and achieve the fastest speeds your plan offers.

A WiFi router is essential for getting the most out of your fiber connection. It performs two main functions: managing network traffic through IP addresses and allowing multiple devices to share the same internet connection. When choosing a router for fiber, there are a few key factors to consider.
 
What internet speed do you need?
When evaluating internet speed, think about both the number of devices connected and how they’re used. If your household streams movies or TV shows, works remotely or relies on multiple smart devices, you’ll need a router that can support higher bandwidth to keep everything running smoothly.

When evaluating internet speed, consider the quantity and the usage of devices you typically have connected to the internet.
 
How many connected devices do you have?
Along with laptops, tablets and phones, remember that many smart home devices, such as doorbell cameras, thermostats and even refrigerators, also connect to the internet and add to your household’s bandwidth needs.
 
What features are you looking for in a router?
Think about how you use the internet and whether you need to control how bandwidth is distributed across devices. Gamers may benefit from a router designed for gaming, which can reduce lag and optimize server connections. If you already have a strong router but still struggle with coverage in every room, consider a mesh WiFi system, like eero, to extend reliable connections throughout your home.

Now that you understand how fiber internet works, you can decide if it’s the right fit for your home. For households with many users or connected devices, fiber delivers the fastest and most reliable connection available.