Everyone wants an internet connection that offers the fastest speeds possible. That’s because a high-speed network has the potential to cater to multiple users, support multiple devices, and power multiple online activities at the same time. Fortunately, internet technology has evolved enough to deliver groundbreaking speeds that exceed 1,000 Mbps. With a gigabit internet, you can video conference in 4K quality, upload large files to the cloud, control smart home automation, and wrap up hundreds of tasks in a go.
Which internet connection type provides such blazing-fast speeds? Fiber internet.
Fiber internet is the latest iteration of residential internet connections. Instead of transmitting data packets through traditional copper cables or satellites, this internet type beams data in the form of light pulses at extremely advanced speeds. These light pulses travel along sophisticated fiber-optic cables and reach consumers’ homes, either directly (Fiber To The Home) or indirectly (Fiber To The Curb). One of the most outstanding features of fiber internet is that it enables a symmetrical downstream and upstream, and retains signal strength even at longer distances.
Seeing the exceptional performance of fiber internet, many cable companies like Spectrum have also upgraded their backbone with fiber connections to push their speeds up to 940 Mbps. Though fiber internet is yet to be implemented on a large scale, having a US-wide availability of only 43%, it won’t be wrong to say that fiber is the beacon of a hyper-connected future.
If you haven’t already moved to fiber internet, now is the time to do so. Speaking of switching, here is a list of the best fiber internet providers in 2021. Compare them at your discretion and take your pick.
AT&T Fiber
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the US, with the greatest coverage in Midwest and southeast states, along with Nevada and California. Its fiber-optic internet service is branded as “AT&T Fiber,” and delivers fiber-fast speeds with unlimited data and no contract commitments. AT&T Fiber speeds start at 300 Mbps and go as high as 940 Mbps. Plus, the exceptional customer service is always ready to help you out on the phone, through website support, troubleshooting guides, or over at retail outlets. The American Customer Satisfaction Index has given AT&T a score of 71/100 this year, which is the highest on the list.
Verizon Fios
Following AT&T close by, Verizon Fios is one of the most popular fiber internet providers in the US, known for laying the groundwork for FTTH distribution to residential customers, back in 2005. At the moment, it is available in only a handful of states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. Like AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios offers unlimited data and no contracts, but unlike AT&T Fiber, its equipment fee hits a higher mark.
Verizon Fios has mainly three internet plans: Fios 200 (with download/upload speeds up to 200 Mbps), Fios 400 (with download/upload speeds up to 400 Mbps), and Fios Gigabit (with download speeds up to 940 Mbps and upload speeds up to 880 Mbps). The American Customer Satisfaction Index has given Verizon Fios a score of 71/100 this year, which matches AT&T at the top.
CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit
CenturyLink, rebranded as Lumen Technologies, covers more areas than both AT&T and Verizon when it comes to fiber-optic networks. It is a pure blessing for rural residents, who usually don’t have access to higher speeds, and have to resort to unstable satellite options. Currently, CenturyLink has two plans in the fiber internet category for consumers. One provides a speed of up to 200 Mbps for average households, while the other climbs to 940 Mbps, satiating high-end internet users. CenturyLink doesn’t have contract commitments nor does it impose data caps on its subscribers. The American Customer Satisfaction Index has given it a score of 62/100 this year.
Windstream Kinetic
Lately, Windstream has been experimenting with fiber infrastructures and investing in speed upgrades that touch fiber-level efficiency. Its “Kinetic” brand encompasses such fiber-fast connections that promise a speed ranging from 200 Mbps and going up to 1,000 Mbps, though the Kinetic service is only available in select neighborhoods. Like CenturyLink, Windstream fulfills the network requirements of rural residents more proactively than other providers do.
Along with unlimited data and no contracts, Windstream protects your network with the award-winning Kinetic Secure. Its plans are affordable and structurally designed to satisfy all internet users, whether entry-level or hardcore. The American Customer Satisfaction Index has given Windstream a score of 61/100 this year, which shadows CenturyLink.
Google Fiber
Google has taken over the world with its state-of-the-art search engine. Now, it has also entered the telecommunications arena and launched its fiber internet service for residential and business users. As of 2021, Google Fiber is available in nine states only, having a major coverage in Texas, Missouri, and Kansas, though it has started expanding into new cities like Utah, as well. What kind of speeds can you get with Google Fiber? Up to 2,000 Mbps and that too under $100! Though this may be overkill, Google Fiber’s gigabit internet is the gold standard and comes with no data caps, no contracts, and equipment added into the plan at no extra cost.
Here are some other honorable mentions:
| Providers | States Covered | Max Speed |
| EarthLink Fiber | 21 | Up to 940 Mbps |
| Frontier FiberOptic | 6 | Up to 940 Mbps |
| Metronet | 7 | Up to 1,000 Mbps |
| Optimum Fiber | 4 | Up to 1,000 Mbps |
| C Spire Fiber | 8 | Up to 1,000 Mbps |
Wrapping Up
Fiber internet is the benchmark for high-speed connectivity in the market at present. It provides symmetrical download and uploads speeds, up to 1,000 Mbps, over fiber-optic cables. With such Gig-level speeds, you can boost your web performance and have a stellar experience online. If you’re wondering which fiber internet provider to choose for your home, then consider the ISPs mentioned above. These are the top fiber internet companies with the largest coverage, the highest speeds, the most affordable coverage, and the greatest customer satisfaction scores at their back.