Cable vs Fiber Internet – A Detailed Comparison

Cable and fiber internet are arguably the fastest internet connection types available. Having been a user of both internet connections for several years, I’ve experienced several perks and some downsides with each of these services.

However, most internet users do not understand how both connections differ. Both cable and fiber internet connections offer reliable internet speeds, but I believe it’s important to understand the major differences between them. Simply because by learning how both connections differ, you can make an informed and better internet choice.

So, if you’re interested in learning about some major differences between cable and fiber internet, read on:

Technology:

Cable Internet:

The cable internet is delivered to our homes via coaxial cables in the form of electric signals. The coaxial cables are the same technology that is used to deliver TV services. As these coaxial cables are also used with TV, it’s one of the major reasons for the wide availability of cable internet.

Fiber Internet:

Unlike coaxial cables, fiber internet takes help from fiber optics; a thin glass strand to deliver the internet via light signals. As fiber internet is delivered via light signals, it may offer better internet speeds than cable internet. However, fiber internet has limited availability with only 43% nationwide coverage. 

Cost and Speed Offered:

Cable Internet:

Cable ISPs offer a range of plans; from affordable to expensive ones to choose from. In comparison to fiber internet, cable internet plans may be cheaper; starting from as low as $20 or as high as $250 a month. Also, a major reason why cable internet plans may be cheaper is that cable ISPs often don’t need to install the infrastructure as it’s already widely available.

In terms of speeds offered, cable internet may offer reliable internet speeds of up to 2,000Mbps on high-speed cable internet plans. Also, it’s vital to note that most cable ISPs offer greater download speeds than upload speeds because most daily-life tasks require more download speeds.

Fiber Internet:

As mentioned earlier, fiber internet is often more expensive than cable internet. It’s because fiber internet users may need to cover the hefty installation costs of fiber infrastructure. Typically, fiber internet plans start from $30 and go up to $300 a month.

That said, the speeds offered by fiber internet justify the cost as it offers symmetrical internet speeds of up to 10,000Mbps. Also, symmetrical i.e., the same upload and download speeds are exclusive to fiber internet only.

Data Limit:

Cable Internet: 

Most cable internet providers may impose a data cap on their plans. This is because nearby cable connections have shared bandwidth, and cable ISPs may impose data limits to keep the network traffic and congestion at the minimum.

Although an exception, you may find a few reliable cable IPSs offering uncapped internet plans. For example, Spectrum Internet packages are an affordable option for people who prefer cable internet without annoying data caps.

Fiber Internet: 

As discussed above, the technology behind fiber internet makes it the fastest internet type available. Since fiber optics deliver internet using light signals, fiber internet users have greater bandwidth than cable internet users. Consequently, the greater bandwidth translates to less network congestion, and hence, most fiber ISPs may not impose data caps on their plans.

Pros and Cons of Cable and Fiber Internet:

Cable Internet:

Fiber Internet:

Wrapping Up: A Quick Comparison

Before I wind up, here’s a quick overview of how cable and fiber internet differ: