Fiber internet offers faster speeds and better reliability than cable, but cable is more available, report says

Fiber-optic cables transmit data as light through thin strands of glass, while cable internet uses electrical signals over copper coaxial cables. This fundamental difference makes cable more susceptible to interference from extreme weather and moisture, while fiber supports much higher bandwidth and symmetrical upload and download speeds. Cable networks share bandwidth with neighboring households, which can slow speeds during peak usage hours, whereas fiber is not subject to such sharing.

As of September 2025, more than 60 percent of American households had access to fiber connectivity, according to the Fiber Broadband Association. Meanwhile, 96.9 percent of Americans have access to fixed broadband service at speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps, according to the FCC. While fiber speeds often start around 300 to 500 Mbps, some providers like Ziply Fiber offer plans up to 50 Gbps. Google Fiber's 1 Gbps symmetrical plan costs $70 per month, while Xfinity's cable internet offers 1 Gbps download for $70 per month, though upload speeds are lower and prices are locked for five years.

Fiber internet requires an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) at the home, which most service providers include, while cable plans may require a separate modem and router. Many internet service providers now use hybrid fiber-coaxial networks, delivering fiber to neighborhoods and coaxial cable to homes, which can provide download speeds of 1 Gbps or more but with lower upload speeds. Cable internet often comes bundled with TV and phone services, and for areas without strong wired options, 5G home internet is an alternative, though it typically offers slower speeds and higher latency.

The report also advises that a cheap router or poorly optimized settings can slow Wi-Fi performance even with a fast internet plan, and using an Ethernet connection can reduce latency for gaming and video calls.