Fiber vs. Cable Internet

Frequently Asked Questions

• What's the difference between cable and fiber internet?

  Cable internet uses coaxial copper cables, while fiber internet uses advanced fiber-optic cables made of glass strands. Fiber offers faster, more reliable, and symmetrical download and upload speeds compared to cable.

• Is fiber internet faster than cable?

  Yes, fiber internet is significantly faster than cable internet. With dedicated lines and advanced technology, fiber supports high data-consuming activities — such as streaming, gaming, and downloading — even during peak hours.

• Is fiber internet shared?

  Fiber internet runs on dedicated fiber lines, ensuring consistent high speeds for each user. Unlike cable internet, even if your fiber connection is shared (meaning several residences or people are using the same cable connection) you won’t experience a slow down due to high traffic. You can opt for either shared fiber internet (common in most residential areas) or a private fiber connection. Keep in mind that a private fiber line will typically be more expensive, but guarantees exclusive access and privacy to your line.

• Does EarthLink service my area?

  EarthLink provides fiber internet services in many locations. Check your availability in the address lookup here and see if EarthLink Fiber is offered in your area.

  If we’re unable to offer you EarthLink Fiber Internet, we can explore other internet services options available in your area.

• Are there cable internet alternatives?

  Yes, EarthLink Fiber is a superior alternative to cable internet, offering faster speeds, better reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, EarthLink offers wireless home internet and satellite internet instead of cable.

• How much faster is fiber than cable?

  Fiber can be up to 20 times faster than cable internet, depending on the plan and provider. EarthLink Fiber offers speeds up to 5 Gigs for a lightning-fast experience.

• How fast is cable internet?

  Cable internet speeds vary by provider and plan, but they are generally slower than fiber, especially during peak hours and with shared connections.

• Why is fiber better than cable internet?

  Fiber internet is better than cable because it offers faster speeds, improved reliability, more sustainability, security, and cost-effectiveness in the long run.

• Does fiber internet work without electricity?

  Good news! Unlike cable internet, which relies on electricity, fiber-optic cables transmit data using light. This makes fiber internet less vulnerable to power outages and voltage fluctuations.
  The fiber-optic lines themselves remain unaffected by electrical disruptions, but other components of the fiber network may still require power. These components include your modem, router, and local equipment. That means, with a backup power source for your devices, you can maintain a stable internet connection even during a power outage.

• Is fiber or cable internet more widely available?

  As of now, cable internet still has a wider reach because it’s been around longer. However, fiber internet is rapidly expanding, providing high-speed internet to an increasing number of homes and businesses each day.

• Is fiber availability growing?

  Absolutely! Fiber internet is one of the fastest-growing forms of internet service. Service providers like EarthLink are continuously working to expand fiber networks across the country. So, even if fiber isn’t in your area yet, it could be soon!