Connect at the speed of light with fiber internet

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fiber internet?

Fiber-optic Internet is a broadband connection utilizing fiber-optic cables allowing to reach some of the highest speeds in the world. The speed is thanks to the glass strands in fiber optic cables that can send data at about 70% the speed of light.

These cables are laid across the world — and even underwater — to keep everyone connected. Fiber cables are the ideal equipment for this job because they last longer, are less susceptible to damage, and can handle more data and faster speeds. They don’t need to be replaced as often as other types of wires.

To learn more, check out our blog post.

How fast is fiber optic internet?

EarthLink offers a range of plans best suited for your internet habits and budget. We can provide speeds up to 5 Gigs, but we provide plans for 25+ Mbps, 100+ Mbps, 500+ Mbps and 1-5 Gigs (1,000-5,000 Mbps).

Is fiber internet available in my area?

Fiber is selectively available, typically in major cities and high-density communities. If you live in a major metro area, it’s more than likely fiber is available to you. However, if you live in a smaller community or rural area, fiber is less likely to be available.

But good news! Thanks to early adoption, many cities and communities are thinking “fiber forward” and making plans to incorporate the world’s fastest internet technology in their future. To check to see if fiber is available in your area, look up your home or business address in the bar at the top of the page or call one of our internet experts today at 866-618-0397.

Will fiber optics make my Wi-Fi and internet service faster?

When it comes to internet speed, there’s nothing faster than fiber connection. EarthLink offers several fiber internet plans – ranging from 25 Mbps to 5 Gigs – tailored to your budget and speed needs.

If you’d like to compare your current internet speeds with our EarthLink Fiber plans, try our free internet speed test.

Is fiber internet different from cable internet?

There are many ways fiber internet is different (and superior) to cable internet. First, the technology and cables utilized aren’t one in the same.

Fiber optic cables made from bound, tightened glass strands send light to power the internet into your home. These cables are being set around the world (even at the bottom of the ocean!) and can travel at the speed of light.

Cable internet uses copper cables and is powered by electricity. Fiber is noticeably faster, safer, more reliable and often cheaper than cable.

How is fiber internet different from wireless home internet?

Unlike fiber and cable internet, EarthLink Wireless Home Internet doesn’t require any type of cables or professional installation to get internet at your home or place of business. Our wireless home internet router (which you can easily set up yourself!) pulls signals from nearby cellular towers and powers your internet from 5G and 4G networks.

Instead of choosing the speed you want, EarthLink Wireless Home Internet sends the fastest speeds available near you. Instead, you’ll choose a wireless home internet plan based on how much data you’ll use rather than speed. EarthLink Fiber has no data limits, so you can stream, game and download to your heart’s content!

What is the process for EarthLink Fiber installation, and how long will it take?

Because we’re working with advanced internet technology, an expert technician will need to install your new EarthLink Fiber Internet. Our professional installers are outside contractors, who may also represent and work with some of our competitors, but rest assured, you’re getting EarthLink Fiber Internet.

Once you’ve selected a plan that works best for you, one of our experts will organize a time and date to complete your installation that works around your schedule. We ask that you provide a range of hours you or a person at least 18 years old will be available to let our technician into your home. The installation may take a few hours for the technician to update internet lines in your home and ensure your new equipment is functioning properly.

Best of all, for a limited time only, we’re offering free installations when you sign up with EarthLink Fiber! To learn more about how fiber internet is installed, check out our blog post here.