An internet connection is like a work assistant. The better it performs, the better you’d be able to reach your goals on time. With an abundance of internet connections available in the market, it’s a daunting task to pick the one that doesn’t affect your productivity.

Among the various types of internet available, the popular duo is hands down cable and fiber. While some stand with cable internet because it’s a widely available and affordable option, fiber ‘stans’ consider themselves lucky enough to enjoy its blazing-fast connectivity, regardless of the heavy pricing it comes with.

Understanding What Lies Underneath

Cable

The technology that powers cable internet is the same as cable TV. The network that is used to transmit data consists of a coaxial cable. A coaxial cable contains a copper core, insulated with another copper shield and aluminum, and an exterior layer made entirely of plastic. Coaxial cables can simultaneously power cable Internet and TV. Most ISPs take advantage of this and offer services with internet + TV bundles. Speaking of which, have you tried Mediacom bundles yet? If not, you should!

Fiber

Fiber internet is relatively faster than the traditional coaxial cable. Fiber internet uses Fiber-Optic cables to transmit data. Unlike coaxial cable, which relies on electrical current to send and receive data, fiber-optic cables use light signals. These light signals ensure blazing-fast data delivery and no distortion, especially over long distances. What makes Fiber-Optic powered internet connections a total winner is symmetrical upload and download speeds it provides.

The Face-Off – Which One’s Better?

Reliability

Cable internet loses connection strength over time. Harsh weather conditions and temperature changes are the two main factors that inevitably wear coaxial cables out. Moreover, the interference from proximate power lines and radio signals also fiddle with the flow of data transmission. Fiber internet, on the other hand,  provides much robust connectivity. Harsh weather conditions do not hinder its connectivity. Plus, it’s not susceptible to moisture damage as well.

Speed

Fiber internet is an easy winner when it comes to delivering high bandwidths and faster speeds. Of course, you can attain fast downloads up to 1000 Mbps with cable internet too. However, the fiber counterpart is equipped to surpass your expectations. Even FCC believes that Fiber Optic internet can deliver 117% of the speeds advertised while remaining consistent during peak-demand times.

Cost

Cable internet stands unbeatable in terms of affordability. Whether it’s the cost of installation of a new connection or pricing of packages, you can save a few extra bucks. On the other hand, fiber internet is still a little too far from being affordable. Not only does it come with hefty installation charges, but you also can’t ignore the activation fees lurking behind. However, if you’re still willing to give fiber internet a go, then be sure to look for affordable fiber internet packages in your area. Sometimes, providers’ offers vary from location to location. Who knows, your area might have the best internet speeds and a bunch of ongoing promotional offers.

Availability

Cable internet is easily available countrywide. Be it a rural locality or an urban one, you would easily find affordable cable TV and Internet packages. Relatively speaking, fiber internet still lacks a stronger availability network. Some areas don’t have an infrastructure that would support fiber internet, not only in rural areas but in some metropolitan ones too.

Top Cable & Fiber Internet Providers You Can Consider

Depending On Their Availability, Of Course!

Cox Communications

• Type of connection: Cable and Fiber
• Download speeds from 10 Mbps up to 940 Mbps
• Plans starting from $29.99 a month

Charter Spectrum

• Type of connection: Cable and Fiber
• Download speeds from 60 Mbps up to 940 Mbps
• Plans starting from $49.99 a month

Mediacom

• Type of connection: Cable
• Download speeds from 10 Mbps up to 940 Mbps
• Plans starting from $39.99 a month

Frontier FiOS

• Type of connection: Fiber and Cable
• Download speeds from 50 Mbps and 1000 Mbps
• Plans starting from $29.99 a month

Windstream Communications

• Type of connection: Cable and Fiber
• Download speeds from 50 Mbps up to 1000 Mbps
• Plans starting from $27.00 a month

All in All

Fiber internet is hands down the fastest type of internet connection in the market. With symmetrical upload and download speeds, there’s no way you’d like to settle for anything less. However, for areas where Fiber is unavailable and you want to keep things budget-friendly, then feel free to get a cable internet connection to hop online.