Thinking about cutting the cord and switching to fiber internet, but afraid to lose access to your favorite sports channels? It’s scary, we get it. Good news: it’s easy to stream sports. In this blog, we’ll go through how to use streaming services with fiber internet to watch your favorite games.

Cable vs. streaming: why should you switch?

First of all, let’s establish why you should switch from cable to fiber. Cable is an older technology that often comes with slower speeds and unreliable service. Cable companies often get customers locked into a bundle, too. Not only are customers reliant on the service, but they also often end up paying high monthly fees for a lot of things they don’t need, like tons of irrelevant channels. 

Read more: Why you should make the switch to fiber internet

Streaming allows you to access content directly from streaming providers, like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Peacock, Disney+ and many live sports channels (see below). This puts the consumer in control of what they watch and what they pay for. No longer using one of the services you signed up for? No problem, just cancel it. 

Read more: Stream smart: how to cut the cord and keep your shows

So you’re ready to switch to streaming. Why choose fiber internet?

You can stream with cable, but fiber is better for several reasons. Here are a few:

Fast speeds: Fiber-optic cables transmit data using light, allowing for incredibly fast internet speeds. This means you can stream movies, shows and live sports events in HD or even 4K resolution without buffering or lag, providing a seamless viewing experience.

Reliable performance: Unlike traditional cable or DSL connections that can experience slowdowns during peak hours, fiber internet delivers consistent speeds throughout the day. With fiber internet, you get your own dedicated internet connection instead of sharing it with others in your area, as is the case with cable. This is crucial for live sports streaming, especially during intense moments when you don't want your connection to falter.

Low latency: Fiber internet typically has lower latency compared to other types of connections. This means you'll experience minimal delays between the live action and what you see on your screen, enhancing the real-time feel of sports events.

Device support: With fiber internet, you can stream sports on multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing speed or quality. Whether you’re watching on a smart TV, laptop, tablet, or smartphone – even all of the above – fiber can handle the demand with ease.

Choosing the right sports streaming service

Wondering how to stream NFL games, NFL, MLB and other sports events? The key is choosing the right streaming service. 

Streaming TV services give you the experience of watching cable TV, and you can even get some without commercials. 

Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, DIRECTV and FuboTV are known for their vast sports content. Compare their features and pricing to find the one that fits your needs and budget. Look out for services that offer a Sunday ticket free trial or NFL ticket on Amazon Prime. ROOTS Sports is available on FuboTV and DIRECTV. 

Check out Ziply Fiber’s streaming TV page for a helpful chart of streaming services and what they offer. Ziply Fiber also offers a new feature called MyBundle, which helps you determine which streaming package is right for you based on a series of questions. (Click the blue “find my streaming bundle” button to try it out.)

Find out more about Ziply Fiber’s affordable fiber internet plans

Tips for optimal sports streaming with fiber internet

Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of your fiber internet sports streaming service.

Check compatibility: Ensure that your streaming device (e.g., smart TV, streaming stick, gaming console) supports HD or 4K streaming if you want to enjoy high-resolution sports content. 

Optimize your home network: Consider upgrading your router if it’s on the older side. Make sure your WiFi extenders, if you use any, are working and are in the right location(s) to deliver a signal to the right spots in your home.  

Enable quality settings: Most streaming platforms offer quality settings that allow you to adjust the video resolution based on your internet speed. If you have a fast fiber connection, opt for higher resolutions like 1080p or 4K for a crystal-clear viewing experience.

Consider DVR and replay options: Some streaming services offer DVR functionality or instant replay features, allowing you to pause, rewind or record live sports events. Take advantage of these features to never miss a moment of the action.

With fiber internet, you can watch all your favorite teams on your own terms. With streaming TV services, it will feel just like TV viewing as you know it, but without a bloated cable package. Visit Ziply Fiber today to find a plan that’s right for you and the streaming service that’s a fit for all the sports fans in your household. With fiber internet, streaming sports can be a slam dunk.

Find out more about Ziply Fiber’s affordable fiber internet plans