Starting From
$55.00/mo.
Upload Speed : Up to 5 Gbps
Download Speed : Up to 5 Gbps
Starting From
$25.00/mo.
Upload Speed : Up to 1 Gbps
Download Speed : Up to 1 Gbps
Starting From
$39.95/mo.
Upload Speed : Up to 5 Gbps
Download Speed : Up to 5 Gbps
The quest for a faster, more reliable internet has led to a technological revolution in the way we connect to the world. This is especially true for gamers and streamers who crave fast internet speeds more than food. Among the various options available, fiber optic internet stands out as the pinnacle of modern connectivity.
According to a report by the Fiber Broadband Association, more than 68 million people use fiber internet in the USA, which means that 56% of internet users use fiber in their homes. As we move into 2024, the landscape of fiber optic companies is more competitive than ever. Dozens of Fiber optic vendors are now providing theirs across the country.
This raises an important question: Which company provide the best fiber internet in 2024? This blog post aims to answer this exact question. We will explore the top companies that have made significant strides in delivering exceptional service and value to their customers.
As we review the best fiber optic companies, we will also discuss the criteria used to evaluate them and the different types of high-speed internet that you can get. So, let’s start.
For consumers who want a straightforward answer, we can confidently say that AT&T fiber optic internet is overall the best performer. AT&T is one of the largest and oldest internet providers in the country. It offers a broad range of services and has been at the forefront of 5G technology.
The feature that makes AT&T one of the best fiber optic companies is that it not only provides its internet through fiber but also via DSL and IPBB (high-speed DSL internet). Currently, the company provides services in 23 states and plans to expand further.
AT&T provides extremely fast multi-gigabit speeds that range from 300 Mbps to a staggering 5 Gbps. The company also tops the list of various customer satisfaction indexes. For instance, last year AT&T scored the highest (726) of all competitors in the report published by J.D Power.
Let’s take a look at some Pros and Cons and evaluate why AT&T is one of the leading fiber internet providers.
| Features | AT&T |
| Contracts | No |
| Price increase after 12 months | No |
| Speed | 10 Mbps – 5 Gbps |
| Prices | $55 – $225/month |
| Types Of Internet | IPBB, Fiber, Fixed Wireless |
| Data Cap | No |
| Equipment | Included |
| Bundles | Available |
Now that we have discussed our leading internet service providers, let’s explore other worthy companies that deserve to be on our list.
As we move into 2024, 5 companies have distinguished themselves as leaders in the fiber internet arena. We have already discussed AT&T as the best. Here’s a closer look at what makes each of these the best fiber optic cable internet provider:
This telecom company was established on June 30, 2000. Verizon Fios has become one of the prime suppliers of broadband and wireless connectivity solutions in the country. Like AT&T, the company also provides both DSL and fiber internet to millions of customers across the country.
The plans start with just 300 Mbps speed and can range up to 2,000 Mbps. The prices are also reasonable and are in the range of $25.00/mo. – $84.99/mo. The downside to Fios is its limited availability. Currently, the service is available in only 9 states.
| Features | Verizon |
| Contracts | No |
| Price increase after 12 months | No |
| Speed | 300 Mbps – 1 Gbps |
| Prices | $60 – $80/month |
| Types Of Internet | Fixed Wireless |
| Data Cap | No |
| Equipment | Included |
| Bundles | Available |
EarthLink started in 1994 in the US. Now, it’s the second-biggest internet provider there, with over 4.8 million customers. They work in all 50 states and offer different types of internet like DSL, fiber, and satellite to homes and businesses. With EarthLink, you can get really fast internet that goes up to 5 Gbps. Even though EarthLink is a big company, their prices are a bit higher than others. Their plans start at $39.95 a month.
| Feature | EarthLink |
| Internet Type | DSL or Fiber |
| Speed | Up to 5 Gbps* |
| Data Caps | Unlimited Data |
| Availability | Nationwide, fiber availability is limited |
| Price Range | $54.95/mo. – $189.95/mo. (with Auto Pay) |
| Promo Pricing | No |
| Customer Reviews | 3.39/5 |
| Bundles | Internet only |
The third fiber optic cable company on our list is Frontier. Although Frontier is a very old internet provider, it entered the fiber market in the 2000s. In 2024, the company has expanded its fiber optic network to 12 states. With its vast coverage, the Frontier is now providing its fiber internet to more than 6.5 million users.
The company offers one of the best fiber plans in the country. The speeds range from 500 Mbps to a staggering 5,000 Mbps. However, the prices are a little on the higher end. Prices are in the range of $44.99/mo. – $154.99/mo.
| Features | Frontier |
| Contracts | No |
| Data Cap | Yes |
| Fiber internet | Yes |
| DSL | Yes |
| Less Expensive | Yes |
| Speed up to 5 Gbps | Yes |
| Availability | 29 states |
| Customer Rating | 3.75 |
| Starting Price | $44.99/month |
| ACSI Score | 74 |
| Internet Speed Range | 500 – 5,000 Mbps |
Metronet is the largest fiber optic cable company in the US that is not part of a bigger company and offers a fully fiber-optic internet connection. They work in more than 250 places across 16 states. In June 2022, Metronet joined forces with Vexus Fiber in Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.
Similar to other top fiber optic companies, Metronet provides fiber internet plans ranging from just 100 Mbps to 5 Gbps. Compared to other companies, the monthly prices are also quite affordable and vary from $29.95 to $119.95.
| Features | Frontier |
| Starting Price | $29.95 per month |
| Maximum Speed | 5000 Mbps |
| Availability | 16 states |
| Data Cap | Unlimited data |
| Contract | Not required |
| Promo Pricing | Yes |
| Bundle Deals | Available |
| Perks | Free installation, free eero Pro 6 wireless router, $50 gift card |
| Customer Rating | 3.88/ 5 |
Evaluating internet providers is a tricky task as it involves a lot of factors and the performance of an ISP is subjective. However, our team of experts at TopRatedInternet carefully studies the features and performance of each ISP in different regions to rank them on our list. Here’s how we evaluate the fiber optic industry.
If you are switching your fiber internet service or want to try the fiber network for the first time, finding the best plan and company can be a little confusing. However, with the right approach, you can easily identify providers that offer the speed, reliability, and customer service you need.
The steps are very simple. First, you will need to find the companies that offer their services in your area. For, this simply go to the Fixed Broadband Deployment page of FCC. Once you are on the page, type in your address and the website will show you all the leading fiber optic companies operating in your area.
Once you have selected your desired internet provider, navigate to the company website and choose the plan you like most. However, not all fiber internet suppliers offer every plan in all areas. To check whether your desired plan is available in your area, you can use the company plan availability checker on its website. Just enter your address to get all the information you need.
Optical fiber transmission is the fastest type of internet available for residential purposes. Unlike traditional copper cables, fiber optic internet uses light to transmit data. Fiber optic cables consist of tiny strands of glass or plastic known as optical fibers. These fibers are as thin as human hair and are bundled together in cables. The cables reflect the light signals internally and help in high-speed data transmission.
There are a lot of benefits to using fiber optic solutions. Let’s discuss some of them:
Not all fiber connections are the same and the type of connection you get can significantly affect your network performance. So, before buying a plan always ask your ISP the type of connection it provides in your area. Let’s understand the different types:
FTTH (Fiber to the Home) or FTTP (Fiber to the Premises) is the gold standard. In this setup, fiber cables run directly from the service provider’s central hub to your home or business. It’s like having a superhighway of light right on your doorstep.
In an FTTN setup, fiber-optic cables extend to a neighborhood node (usually a street cabinet or distribution point). From there, existing copper or coaxial cables connect to individual homes.
FTTC strikes a balance between FTTH/FTTP and FTTN. Fiber cables extend to a curb or cabinet near your home, and then existing copper or coaxial cables complete the connection.
Just like all products and services, fiber internet at the start wasn’t so fast and reliable. In its initial days, it could only support speeds of 5 Mbps or 10 Mbps. However, in the past few years, technology has seen a dramatic shift, and now you can support entire communities reliably with just a single connection.
Most fiber optic companies offer plans starting with a speed of 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps. However, leading internet companies like ZiplyFiber and AT&T offer multigigabit speeds that can get as high as 50 Gbps.
| FEATURES | FIBER | DSL | CABLE |
| Latency | 12 ms – 33 ms | 19.5 ms – 51 ms | 22 ms – 28 ms |
| Upload Speed | 300 Mbps – 10 Gbps | 0.128 Mbps – 100 Mbps | 5 Mbps – 50 Mbps |
| Download Speed | 300 Mbps – 10 Gbps | 0.50 Mbps – 100 Mbps | 50 Mbps – 300 Mbps |
Here’s what you need to know about the devices that will help you get the most out of your fiber service:
Modem and Router: A modem is the gateway between your home network and your internet service provider (ISP), translating signals back and forth. The router, on the other hand, distributes the internet connection to your devices. If you are a gamer or streamer, it is always a good idea to get a router that supports WiFi 6. This will enable you to get the best speeds.
Optical Network Terminal (ONT): It’s a device that connects to the fiber-optic cable coming into your home and converts the light signals into digital signals that your modem can understand.
When it comes to acquiring this equipment, you have two options: buying or renting.
Renting from your ISP can be convenient, as it often includes technical support, upgrades, and replacements at no additional cost. However, while there’s an upfront cost, buying your equipment can save you money in the long run. Over time, the cumulative rental fees may exceed the purchase price of quality devices. Plus, getting your own device gives you control over the features that you want.
If you’re tech-savvy and prefer a hands-on approach, purchasing might be the way to go.
As we delve into 2024, the demand for high-speed, reliable internet has never been greater. With our list of the top 10 fiber optic companies in the USA, you can easily find the right ISP in your area. Remember that the best choice depends on your unique needs, location, and budget. Research thoroughly, read user reviews, and explore the options available in your area.
FAQs
AT&T Fiber is the best fiber internet provider in the country. It has the largest coverage area and serves more than 12.17 percent of the U.S. population. AT&T is available at around 19 million access locations in over 100 metro areas across 21 states. AT&T Fiber plans start at $55 per month, and you can get up to 5000 Mbps of symmetrical upload and download speeds.
Ziply Fiber is the fastest fiber-optic internet provider in the USA. It can deliver up to 10 Gbps of equal upload and download speeds on its 100 percent fiber-rich, multi-gigabit network.
Ziply Fiber offers the cheapest fiber internet plans for the first 12 months. Their promo price starts at $20 per month, which is $30 cheaper than the average cost of fiber-optic internet plans.
AT&T has the most expansive fiber-optic cable network in the USA. AT&T Fiber service can reach more than 15 million households in over 100 cities across 21 states. AT&T boasts 1.1 million route miles of fiber cable around the globe and nearly 500,000 route miles within the country.
The best fiber-optic internet provider in your area should be able to offer up to multi-gigabit internet speeds with 99.99 percent network reliability at the lowest possible rates.
WiFi 6 routers operating on DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 4.0 are best for supporting the gigabit and multigigabit symmetrical speeds of fiber-optic internet connections. Some of the best brands for fiber internet routers are TP-Link, ASUS, Linksys, and Netgear.
The fiber optic cables transmit data at light speed, while the coaxial cables act as an amplifier, boosting the signal strength of the data to ensure a strong, consistent connection over long distances. This hybrid connection type ensures that subscribers can experience fast download and upload speeds regardless of their distance from the nearest provider hub.
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