Both fiber-optic internet and 5G are hot right now, with mobile phone companies embracing 5G and fixed wireless home internet plans. Fiber internet is also making strides to connect more of America with faster, more reliable broadband than cable or DSL.
What are the key differences, and which one is worth investing in? The truth -- which wireless companies don't typically share -- is that wireless 5G technology depends on fiber-optic networks for their fast performance.
Overview: Fiber vs. 5G
Fiber internet is the next step in internet technology, quickly becoming a more popular solution than legacy cable internet. Fiber internet transmits huge loads of data at lightning-fast speeds via thin glass wires that are less prone to degradation than copper cable wires. Despite its superior performance, it's still slow to hit many areas, as building it out takes significant investment and local government cooperation.
5G stands for fifth generation, which just means that it's better than 4G and all the previous generations of mobile phone technology.
What does that actually mean? Basically, 5G is the fastest and most efficient form of cellular technology. Cellular is the key term here: while cell technology can now handle internet traffic as well as voice calls, it's a wireless technology that relies on radio frequencies for data transmission. This makes its growth more widespread than wired networks.
Here's the thing. Wireless internet connections still need to connect physically to the internet, and for 5G to offer its uber-fast speeds, it needs...you guessed it: fiber.
Read more: How fast is 5G compared to fiber?
Fiber network foundations
While leading cellular companies may claim they don't need fiber networks, in reality many of them are relying on a fiber backhaul -- the connection between the cell site and the internet -- to transport those big data loads. 5G can get away with other forms of backhaul, like microwave when fiber's not available, but the ideal scenario is to lease space on local fiber networks.
Fiber internet's high bandwidth and speed capabilities using state-of-the-art technologies are designed for increased data usage as data demands continue to grow. It's built for the future, while cellular technologies like 5G may evolve and will only need more fiber backhaul.
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5G reality check
5G is making rapid advances, including into non-terrestrial networks to function as a satellite solution. It certainly serves as the best cellphone technology in many developed countries and is poised to grow significantly in the next few years.
However, 5G as a standalone internet service has some drawbacks. Compared to a direct fiber-optic connection, 5G may not deliver on fast speed, reliability or cost-efficiency. And it still needs a fiber network to carry its data, which 5G carriers are not fully transparent about.
Read more: Fiber internet vs. satellite internet: Which is right for you?
Fiber-optic internet infrastructure
The value of fiber internet technology will only appreciate as bandwidth expands to handle more traffic with the growth of AI and data centers. Cities and towns that want to enhance connectivity as part of their economic growth plans should invest in fiber first, 5G second. Residential customers deciding between fiber internet and 5G should understand that fiber internet is a superior technology and, in most cases, 5G is relying on a fiber network already.
All in all, both fiber-optic and 5G are forward-looking connectivity solutions making progress in connecting the globe. But 5G can't replace the stability and performance of fiber-optic networks. Remember, 5G is a complement to fiber -- not the other way around.
In Washington, Oregon, Idaho or Montana and ready to learn more about working with Ziply Fiber? Check your address and learn about our plans for residential customers here, or visit our commercial page for details about business solutions.
