Ready to switch to the speed, security, and consistency of fiber, but not sure where to start? Check out this guide on how to get fiber optic internet.
Each year, more and more people switch to fiber internet – and it’s easy to see why! Speed, security, and consistent connectivity make fiber internet the go-to choice for streaming, gaming, and everything in between. Whether you’re interested in fiber for working remotely or enjoying your favorite online activities, knowing how to get fiber internet is essential if you don’t already have it.
Luckily, the process is easier than you think, and telling whether you have fiber connectivity already is also a breeze! Today, let’s explore both how to tell what kind of internet you have and how to get fiber internet from a trusted local provider like Glo.
Fiber optic internet uses light signals transmitted through strands of glass or plastic to deliver data at (nearly) the speed of light. It requires special infrastructure, which means not every neighborhood or building has access yet. To get fiber internet in your home, you’ll need to tackle several steps, including:
Let’s dig into these steps in a little more detail.
Before diving into new plans or providers, it’s worth finding out whether you already have fiber internet, especially if you’ve moved recently or haven't looked at your internet bill in a while. How do you do that? Turns out, there are several ways.
There are several websites and tools that can quickly check your address for fiber internet. Sites like the FCC’s National Broadband Map, BroadbandNow, or even your local municipality’s planning portal could have answers. Just enter your address into these websites to see what types of internet service – DSL, cable, satellite, fixed wireless, or fiber – are available in your area.
Your current internet service bill can also be revealing. Look for terms like “fiber,” “FiOS,” “GPON,” or even “XGSPON,” all of which typically indicate a fiber connection. If your speeds are in the gigabit range and symmetrical (e.g., 2,000 Mbps upload and 2,000 Mbps download speeds), chances are good that you're already on fiber internet and don’t need to change anything!
Internet service providers (ISPs) also often list the types of services they offer by address. By logging into your ISP’s portal or using their internet availability tools, you can see if fiber is offered in your location and whether your specific plan includes fiber access. If your ISP gave you access to a mobile app, check that as well; it often serves the same functions as their website.
Sometimes, the equipment in your home can tell you the type of connection you're using. Home fiber internet is only possible with an ONT, or “Optical Network Terminal,” which converts fiber signals into usable internet. ONTs are shaped like small electronic boxes, and they’re usually mounted on the walls (inside or outside the home). This is different from a cable modem, which is what is used by traditional internet services. If you have an ONT connected to your router, you're probably on a fiber network.
If you’ve confirmed that you don’t yet have fiber – or you just want to explore other providers – it’s time to do some research. After all, getting fiber internet is one thing. Getting fiber internet that has everything you need? That’s another!
The best way to know if you qualify for fiber internet is to search for fiber internet providers in your area. All fiber internet providers, like Glo, only offer this service to subscribers in specific ZIP codes or neighborhoods. That’s because fiber depends on specific infrastructure (such as buried fiber cables), and it takes time to expand that coverage to larger areas.
To see whether your provider of choice offers fiber near your home, Google their coverage or visit a local provider’s site to find maps for their current coverage. Even if you’re not currently eligible, you might be on a waitlist or in a pending build-out zone, which means fiber internet could be available sooner rather than later.
There can be significant differences in internet providers claiming to offer fiber. For instance, many providers will call out fiber when in reality, fiber is only used to build the backbone of their network, but they still use coax to connect homes. This application negates many of the benefits of fiber, as the last leg will still experience all the limitations of cable internet. At Glo Fiber, our network is fully fiber to the home. This means that we use fiber entirely from the plant to your house, so you can get the full benefits of a fiber network.
Once you’ve found a provider that offers fiber internet at your address, you need to know how to get fiber internet at your house. Generally, you can order services online or by phone. During the ordering process, you’ll:
Fiber always requires professional installation, especially if new lines need to be run to your home. However, if you choose the right fiber internet provider, installation should go smoothly, and hooking up your new high-speed internet won’t take long at all.
A professional fiber installation appointment has a few major steps, including:
Depending on your home’s layout and the existing wiring, installation can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. A new fiber connection will likely not need to run new wires or connections through your house and will only require one line to the new ONT. The rest of your devices will connect wirelessly.
In some cases, work may be done on your property before the appointment date to get the line ready (i.e., to bury the line between the street and your home), but you are generally not required to be there.
For your part, all you’ll need to do is make sure someone is home for the actual appointment date and that the technician has clear access to any wiring or connection points. After installation, your provider will test the connection to ensure you're getting the speeds you need, answer any questions you might have, and give you tips on how to maintain your home internet network.
As you can see, getting fiber optic internet is straightforward – especially if you partner with Glo. We’re expanding our network all the time, offering symmetrical uploads and downloads with speeds of up to 5 Gig! Superior local service, exceptional reliability, and simple pricing: that’s the internet you get with Glo. Get in touch with us today to learn more!