Fixed Wireless vs. Fiber Internet
As more cellular companies push 5G wireless internet options with inexpensive rates, you may feel the temptation to switch from your current fiber plan. However, before you commit, let’s explore the pros and cons of fixed wireless vs. fiber internet.Fixed Wireless vs. Fiber Availability
Let’s dive into an in-depth comparison between fixed wireless vs. fiber internet.Fixed Wireless: Service Not up to Par in Many Rural Areas
On the surface, when comparing fixed wireless vs. fiber internet, fixed wireless appears less expensive than fiber, but the truth is that fixed internet providers are not selling a true home internet option. Instead, fixed internet devices rely on wireless technology, predominantly 4G and some 5G, to give you an internet connection using fixed wireless internet. Unfortunately, if you experience poor cellular reception at home, you’ll also have fixed wireless connectivity issues. Additionally, in areas where cellular service takes priority over internet service, customers could experience slower internet speeds or disruptions.Fixed Wireless Speeds Often Lead to Streaming Difficulties
On the surface, fixed wireless internet may look attractive; however, when you dig deep, customers report streaming difficulties. Many fixed wireless plans may only provide download speeds of 30 Mbps to 110 Mbps and upload speeds of 6 Mbps to 23 Mbps on 4G LTE wireless home internet. Home Telecom’s 1 Gbps fiber internet offers symmetrical upload and download speeds. Unfortunately, many fixed wireless providers also cap data at 100 GB or less, whereas Home Telecom provides unlimited data.If you work-from-home, have multiple connected devices, such as computers, gaming equipment, SmartTVs, thermostats, baby monitors, etc., you’ll likely experience significant issues with fixed wireless internet. In many cases, fixed wireless customers cannot connect all their devices or stream movies.
Fixed Wireless Companies Often Require Cellular Service Subscriptions
Most fixed wireless internet providers require that you’re a current cellular customer to qualify for their internet plan. So before you can sign up for their internet, you’ll have to go through the trouble of switching your cellular provider.In contrast, Home Telecom lets customers choose their unique combination of services or stand-alone internet service plans.
Fiber Internet Protects Your Connection From the Elements
Fiber internet focuses on utilizing robust technology that can withstand the elements. For example, Home Telecom buries our fiber lines and delivers the connection directly to your home, which protects against inclement weather and unexpected storms.Wi-Fi is affected by extreme heat, while 4G, 5G, and fixed wireless are affected by precipitation (such as hurricanes or torrential storms). This is why fixed wireless customers often experience outages during storms. Learn more about how storms influence your internet connection.
Direct Fixed Wireless vs. Fiber Internet Comparison
| Fixed Wireless | Fiber Internet | |
|---|---|---|
| Speeds | Up to 110 Megabits (Mbps) | Up to 1 Gigabit (Gbps) |
| Connection | Requires a direct line of sight, and obstacles can cause service disruptions | The connection remains consistent despite the distance |
| Security | Easier for hackers to infiltrate and challenging to identify breaches | More difficult for hackers to infiltrate and significantly easier to spot and identify potential breaches |
| Weather Disruptions | Affected by extreme heat and precipitation | Fiber lines are buried to protect against weather and storms |