It is natural to have so many questions while switching to a new connection type. Your mind must be going a hundred miles an hour wondering about several aspects of the service.  If you have decided to get on the fiber bandwagon and got a list of queries to be addressed, we have got your back.

Here is all you can ask your fiber optic internet provider to start off:

Common Questions to Ask While Purchasing a Fiber Internet Connection

Now that you have decided to purchase fiber optic internet, your next move is to do your homework on which are the best fiber internet providers in your area. After this, you can get in touch with the sales support team of the shortlisted provider and get started with these questions:

1. Which fiber internet plan is appropriate for my home?

This is probably the most important question you can ask your provider because subscribing to the right speed tier plan is important. Make sure you mention how many internet users are in your home, the approximate number of connected devices, and your internet usage activities like streaming, gaming, or video conferencing.

Also, inquire about the difference between original and advertised speeds. Sometimes, the speed offered by the fiber internet providers depends on your location. Asking about this ensures you don’t get stuck with a lower speed without knowing.

If you want to bundle with cable TV, you should also let your provider know your channel package preferences. Some packages favor children, so it might be a good idea to mention how many internet users in your home are kids.

2. What is the latency like for gamers?

Fiber optic internet is known to be a godsend for gamers because of the low ping rate and latency it offers. However, this factor is subjective from provider to provider. If you are a gamer, you must ask your provider about the latency and aim for the one that ensures minimum latency to enjoy a seamless gaming experience.

3. What is their response time in the event of issues with the connection?

Prompt and helpful customer service is a necessary prerequisite for any good purchase. Fiber internet is a product specifically for consumers who want a quick turnaround. It is natural to wonder if your provider’s customer service is as fast as their speed.

Make sure you get some intel on how long it could roughly take for you to get on the phone with an agent and how long it could potentially troubleshoot an issue with your connection.

4. What is the extra charge and rental fee for their equipment?

It is very easy to get turned around by the fine print while leasing equipment. Gain clarity about how much you will be charged for the equipment you are renting or purchasing from the provider. This is because you might find yourself clutching a bigger bill than you anticipated at month's end.

Your monthly rent or installment is one thing, some providers also charge the customer a service charge fee for WiFi gateways. Make sure you are aware of all the charges so you can budget accordingly. If needed, also ask about third-party gateway alternatives. You never know, you may strike a better deal that way.

5. What are the specifications of contract duration and price changes?

Some providers offer contract periods for their plans and packages. These providers also tend to charge a hefty cancellation fee. For this reason, it is important to know how long will you have to adhere to the contract and the cancellation fee so you can plan and make an informed decision.

Another reason why it is important to know about the contract duration is because sometimes the advertised prices are for a promotional period only. This discounted price is subject to a hike after a promotional period ends. If you are under contract for an increased price, it can burn a hole through your pocket.

6. What are the specifications of data limits and caps?

If you have heavy internet usage trends, like content creation, working from home, etc. you might need to be aware of data caps. Some providers place a data limit or cap their data at 1.2 TB. Before committing to the provider, ask about their data limit policy. Also, find out whether or not you can purchase extra data or unlimited data and how much to have clarity over your options.

7. What are some of the bundled options and discount offers?

Who doesn’t love a good bargain? Why should it be any different in the case of the Internet? Ask your provider about the discounted bundle deals and other promotional offers (if any). Sometimes your package includes some perks that you never get to find out about. Learn your way through every possible deal, discount, perk, and freebie that you can.

8. What are the installation fees?

When subscribing to a fiber optic internet service, knowing how fiber optic internet is installed is imperative so you are better prepared.

One has to be aware of the costs like installation prices or equipment. This tends to make a big dent in your monthly budget. It may be the case that you can snag a better deal with some other provider if you factor in the installation fee.

9. What are the implications of moving or changing addresses?

If you are someone who moves around a lot for work, or you are just a wanderer, this is something that you may need to consider before committing to a provider. A provider with hefty moving charges is not for you. You are better off opting for a provider that offers free connection relocation.

10. What are the different billing methods?

Every provider has a different billing method. For some, you get billed at the end of the month, for others, autopay is the way to go. Everyone has a preference regarding this. Ask about the available billing methods and pick the one you prefer.

For example, Cox bills you for services after a 30-day cycle. You receive a bill from them and the due date is the same every month. As for Xfinity, your card gets charged monthly for the full amount on your bill. This amount is deducted from the bank account you register with on your due date. Automatic payment is scheduled 20 days after the billing cycle closes. However, you can opt out of the auto-pay method in Xfinity. Some providers don’t have that option. So, be mindful of the billing method before selecting a fiber optic provider.

Things to Know Before Subscribing to Fiber Internet

Things to Know Before Subscribing to Fiber Internet

There is jargon that you should familiarize yourself with in the interest of a better purchase decision. This technical know-how about fiber internet will help you to use it optimally.

1. What is symmetrical speed?

What symmetrical speeds mean is that the upload and download speeds of your internet connection are the same.

2. What is the maximum distance for fiber

This parameter is dependent on various aspects like fiber type, transmission equipment, and network architecture. Generally, the distance can be up to 100 kilometers or 62 miles.

3. What makes fiber Internet faster?

Previously, the internet signal was transmitted through electrical wiring. However, fiber optic internet uses light photons to transmit signals. Essentially, fiber internet signal moves at the speed of light. This is also the reason this kind of connection can handle more bandwidth.

4. Is there a data limit on fiber Internet?

Fiber optic speed can go up to 1 Gbps or 1000 Mbps, however, this is not the extant of fiber technology. Some providers like AT&T offer multi-gig speeds up to 5000 Mbps or 5 Gbps.

5. What are the three types of fiber optic cable?

The three different kinds of fiber optic cable are as follows:

  • Single mode: A single strand of glass fiber with a diameter somewhere between 8.3 to 10 microns.
  • Multimode: Multiple single-mode strands with a cumulative diameter between 50 to 100 microns.
  • Plastic Optical Fiber: Optical fiber made out of polymer plastic.

6. Is 5G faster than fiber?

Fiber internet speeds are much faster than 5G. The highest speed 5G is known to reach is 20 Gbps download and 10 Gbps upload speeds. Whereas, fiber optic speeds can reach up to 1 Petabit per second in theory. The highest recorded speed on optic fiber cable is around 100 Gbps.

7. What are the 5 items needed for a fiber optic system to work?

These are the five items needed for a fiber optic system to work:

  • Fiber Optic Cable: Aerial or underground network of glass-core cables. Transmits data through light photons.
  • Clamshell: A protective cover that connects the fiber optic cable to your home safely and efficiently.
  • Fiber Optic Modem or Optical Network Terminal: Connects your home to the internet. It serves the same purpose as a modem with a cable internet connection.
  • Fiber internet router: A router or a gateway that can handle gig speed.
  • WiFi Extenders: Ensures WiFi signal all over your home eliminating all the dead zones.
  • Home Network Management App: It is a smartphone or desktop app that helps you manage your home WiFi network.

Now that you know all a subscriber should know about fiber optic and what to ask your provider, we can move on to the things you should have prepared before applying for a fiber internet connection.

Pre-call Checklist Before Ordering Fiber Internet

Things to Know Before Subscribing to Fiber Internet

If you want to save time and hassle, you can have these things at hand before calling an agent to subscribe to a fiber internet package.

  1. Social security service
  2. Payment Method
  3. Zip code and street address
  4. Email address and phone number, you want to register with
  5. A pen and a paper to take.
Find the Best Fiber Internet Providers in Your Area

These are all questions you should ask before subscribing to a fiber internet provider. Even if you find some of these queries to be too basic, you must get all this answered before you make a decision. The more you know about what is fiber optic internet prior to purchasing, the better.