Fiber-optic Internet is the most advanced and reliable Internet connection on the market. Learn how Fiber Internet is installed and how to get it in your home.
As our reliance on the Internet grows, so has our need for fast, dependable Internet service. And while most people are familiar with DSL and Cable, Fiber-Optic service is a newer option that has become increasingly available these last few years.
If you're interested in Fiber Internet, you may be wondering how to get it, what the installation process is like, what equipment is needed, and how much installation costs. In this blog post, we will address these questions and provide information to help you learn more about one of the fastest Internet connections available today!
If you're considering upgrading to Fiber Internet, you might be wondering about the installation process. Since it's also a form of Internet service, the process must be similar to Cable — right?
The short answer is yes. DSL, Cable Internet, and Fiber all use underground cables to transmit data; the biggest difference lies in how the the data is sent through those cables. The traditional internet connections you're familiar with, DSL and Cable Internet, rely on existing infrastructure and transmit data using electrical signals. DSL internet utilizes telephone lines, but performance decreases with distance from the provider. Cable Internet was introduced as a slightly faster option and uses copper-cored cables originally installed to deliver cable television service. Fiber-Optic Internet, on the other hand, uses thin strands of glass bundled together to trasmit data using light. This technology was created with the Internet in mind and, thus, is consistently faster, more durable, and more secure than traditional copper cables.
Because of this, though, Fiber Internet requires installing new infrastructure to function. Where DSL and Cable utilize existing lines, Fiber does not, so to use and access Fiber Internet, these fiber cables have to be installed near the intended service area.
When installing fiber-optic cables, the depth at which they are buried is crucial for both protection and functionality. Generally, these cables are installed at a depth of between 12 and 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) in urban areas, and between 24 and 36 inches (60 to 90 centimeters) in rural areas. This depth helps shield the fiber service lines from physical damage due to construction activities, natural disturbances, and routine maintenance of above-ground infrastructure. Technicians ensure that fiber optic cables are adequately buried to minimize the risk of signal disruption, maintaining consistent and reliable connectivity for users.
For internet service providers, Fiber Internet can be expensive to install. Where Cable Internet can leverage the existing infrastructure of coaxial cables used initially for telephone and television, Fiber Internet is new and requires dedicated network cabling to be installed before the system can function.
Although providers can install Fiber service lines where Cable lines currently run, whether over poles or underground, the development costs and installation of the network make providing fiber internet services expensive. Back in 2013, Goldman Sachs estimated it would cost Google $140 billion to cover the entire country with Google Fiber, a cost that has almost certainly increased over the past decade.
In metropolitan areas, internet providers can often recoup these installation costs more quickly due to higher customer density. However, is fiber internet expensive in rural areas? In these regions, where homes are more spread out, the proposition of installing fiber can be financially challenging for providers. The installation of fiber cables can run tens of thousands of dollars per mile, making it a lower priority in areas with limited customer bases.
For consumers, however, the fiber cable installation process and costs associated with Fiber internet plans are similar to Cable. A technician will come to your house to install the fiber terminal, which is mounted outside and connect it to an indoor gateway to activate the fiber connection. They will then test the connection to ensure optimal bandwidth, check for any attenuation issues (a weakening of the signal over distance), and provide instructions to connect your devices to the network. While there is usually an installation fee, many ISPs offer free installation or waive the fee for new customers to make the cost of accessing Fiber internet as low as possible.
At Glo Fiber, we believe that everyone deserves access to reliable and cost-effective telecommunication services, regardless of their location. We understand that Internet access is a necessity in today's world, which is why we are committed to providing non-urban communities with access to reliable Internet service.
To get Fiber Internet installed in your home, the first step is checking availability in your area. This can sometimes be challenging, but with Glo Fiber, it's easy! All you need to do is click the ”Check Address” button on any of the pages on our website, enter your address, and instantly find out if our service is available near you. If Fiber service is available, you can schedule an installation appointment, which is a quick and straightforward process. A technician will install an optical network terminal (ONT) on your property, run a Fiber-Optic cable from the ONT to your router, and configure it to work with your home Internet plan.
If Fiber service isn’t available in your area yet, don't worry! We may be coming to your neighborhood soon. Please get in touch with us by phone, email, or in person at a store location to let us know where you would like to see our Fiber service next, and we'll do our best to make it happen. Glo Fiber is committed to providing reliable and affordable Internet access available to everyone, so we are continuously working on expanding our coverage areas.
[MD1]Link: https://www.glofiber.com/en/local
Unlike Cable Internet, a modem is not required for Fiber Internet. Instead, you will need an ONT (Optical Network Terminal), a router, and an Ethernet cable, all of which will be provided and set up by your fiber installation technician. The ONT serves a similar role as themodem in a Cable plan, performing the same functions to deliver your internet service.
Although Fiber-Optic Internet isn’t as widely available as Cable or DSL, its availability is expanding faster than ever before. And though installation costs are high for providers, making it challenging to roll out to everyone, the installation cost for consumers in service areas is relatively low. At Glo Fiber, we make it a point to offer fast internet plans at affordable prices. And with Fiber TV service and home phone bundle options available, staying connected has never been easier. To learn more about Glo Fiber and how to get access to one of the fastest fiber networks in your area, contact us today!