5G Internet vs Fiber-Optic Internet: Why Fiber is Better

Side-by-side images. One of a large and bulky 5G wireless tower, the other of a smaller IQ Fiber gateway.

When choosing between 5G and fiber-optic internet, there are several factors to consider. While 5G is convenient, wireless, and more accessible in certain areas, fiber-optic internet is more reliable and offers significantly faster speeds!

1. Fiber-optic service is more reliable than 5G.

5G is considered less reliable because the signal becomes weak quickly and doesn’t tolerate interference from things like weather, trees, or buildings. With 5G everyone using a tower shares the same signal. That means as everyone in a neighborhood comes home after work to stream shows or use the computer, the signal will decline. With fiber-optic, your connection is dedicated to you. Think of 5G as sitting in traffic in the middle of I-95, whereas fiber is an off-ramp directly to your home.

 

2. Fiber-optic service is much faster than 5G.

It’s a common misconception that 5G means you’ll get 5 gigabytes of speed – that’s not true. 5G is just the wireless frequency used to provide service. Fiber-optic internet has a much higher bandwidth than a 5G network does offering speeds up to hundreds of megabits per second more than 5G. Fiber also offers symmetrical upload and download speeds, which means you’ll be able to video call and upload files just as quickly as you stream TV. You’ll find that the upload speed using 5G internet is much slower.

 

3. You can be more productive on a fiber-optic network.

With faster speeds and better reliability, fiber-optic internet can help increase your productivity. You can download and upload files faster, stream high-quality video without buffering, and work more efficiently overall.

 

4. Fiber-optic can take on the demand of the future.

Fiber-optic internet can handle increased demand without sacrificing speed or reliability! IQ Fiber is a brand-new network built to handle up to 10 gigabytes of speed for every customer. 5G towers can max out capacity as users join the network. You can expect to see a drop in your speeds when more users connect to the network and more devices are streaming during peak hours.

 

5. Most fiber-optic networks are hidden underground.

5G networks require large towers to transmit service. They are unsightly and need to be placed close together for optimal service. Fiber is often laid underground, so after the initial construction, you won’t ever notice it again. Access to fiber-optic internet can also increase your overall home value by up to 3%. The backbone of the internet was built on fiber-optic networks, which is why it’s the most reliable and fastest way to connect all your devices seamlessly.

 

So, What’s the Downside to Fiber?

Availability. Fiber-optic internet is not available in all areas just yet because it’s a large time and cost commitment to build new networks. That is why IQ Fiber is focused on expanding our network to more neighborhoods in North Florida. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-speed, reliable fiber-optic internet, and we are constantly working towards that goal! Check your availability and see if IQ Fiber is in your neighborhood! If we haven’t reached you just yet, submit your information to stay informed about when you can join the Fiberhood!

 

About IQ Fiber

IQ Fiber is Northeast Florida’s only local fiber-optic internet service provider. Headquartered in Jacksonville, IQ Fiber is transforming the residential broadband market by offering a 100% fiber-optic network with a stress-free guarantee: no contracts, hidden fees, or data caps. Its network is supported by live, local customer service. IQ Fiber is focused on rapidly expanding its residential fiber network across Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns Counties.