How Fiber Internet Improves Streaming | AT&T
Why fiber internet is the best choice for streaming
When your internet connection is slow, streaming movies and shows may feel unbearable because of excessive buffering. What you need is fiber. Fiber-optic internet may help improve your streaming experience. In this article we’ll explain how fiber internet works, and why fiber internet may be the best choice for streaming, gaming, and browsing—making it one of the fastest, most reliable technologies available today.
Info at a glance
- What is Fiber internet? How does it work?
- Why is fiber internet ideal for streaming?
- What are the benefits of fiber internet?
- How fast is fiber internet?
- What internet is best for streaming?
- Does streaming use a lot of data?
- Does faster internet improve streaming?
- What speed do I need for streaming?
- How can I test my internet speed?
- Does fiber internet improve gaming?
- How to install AT&T Fiber
What is fiber internet? How does it work?
Fiber internet, also known as fiber-optic internet, is a type of high-speed broadband internet that uses a network of bundled thin strands of glass fibers to transmit information by sending light over fiber-optic cables. It's recognized for its speed and reliability, and is currently one of the fastest forms of internet technology available.
How fiber internet works is fascinating too! Here's a simplified breakdown of how it works:
- Data transmission: The process begins with data being converted into light signals. This data could be anything you're sending or receiving over the internet, such as emails, web pages, or streaming video.
- Signal travel: These light signals are then transmitted through the fiber optic cables. These cables are made up of bundles of fiber optic strands, each not much thicker than a human hair.
- Data reception: When the light signals reach their destination, they're converted back into the data that your computer or other devices can understand.
Why is fiber internet ideal for streaming?
Fiber-optic cables have the capacity to transmit enormous quantities of data over long distances. This makes fiber-optic internet the best option for activities that require high-speed data transmission such as streaming movies and shows, such as 4K, video conferencing, and online gaming.
What are the benefits of fiber internet?
Fiber internet has several key advantages over other types of internet.
- Highest download and upload speeds available: Fiber internet offers significantly faster speeds than DSL or cable internet services, making it the best choice available on the market today for speed and quality.
- Balanced upload and download speeds: Unlike traditional broadband services, which often have faster download speeds than upload speeds, fiber internet is known for having nearly equal rates for upload and download speeds. This is particularly beneficial for you when you need to upload large files fast.
- Reliable and consistent connection: Even a service with high maximum speeds can be a letdown if it lacks reliability. Fiber internet however is known for delivering consistently fast speeds, regardless of peak usage times.* This is particularly crucial for your streaming experience, as it's not only inconvenient but also frustrating when your internet speed drops right when you need it the most—like in the evening, when everyone is trying to stream their favorite shows and movies at the same time.
Learn more frequently asked questions about the benefits of fiber internet
How fast is fiber internet?
Fiber internet is known for its high-speed capabilities and is the best option you will find when it comes to speed. The speed of fiber internet can vary based on the specific plan and provider, but it typically ranges from 250 megabits per second (Mbps) to 1,000Mbps (or 1 gigabit per second—Gbps or GIG) for both upload and download speeds. Some fiber providers like AT&T even offer plans with speeds up to 2Gbps or 5Gbps (2 GIG or 5 GIG) —that’s 2000 or 5000 megabits per second!
By comparison, fiber speeds far exceed other internet technologies. Additionally, unlike traditional forms of internet, fiber offers symmetrical speeds, meaning your upload speed is just as fast as your download speed. This makes fiber internet an excellent choice for activities that require a lot of bandwidth, like streaming high-definition video, online gaming, uploading large files, and even using multiple devices at the same time.
Choose how fast you want to go
What internet is best for streaming?
Fiber is often preferred by heavy online gamers, multi-streamer households, and even big uploaders, like businesses—because it can handle huge amounts of information extremely quickly without deteriorating speed or quality.
With fiber internet you can also run more devices on your home Wi-Fi® at the same time because there’s more bandwidth. Think of it as additional lanes on a highway—allowing more cars on the same road without slowing down traffic. You can stream a movie in the living room while your kids are on their tablets watching YouTube or playing video games on their computer in their bedroom. Thanks to the faster speeds of fiber internet, everyone’s experience is significantly better.
Want to see how much internet speed you need to power your household?
Does streaming use a lot of data?
Yes, streaming uses a lot of data—especially if you’re streaming video in high-definition (HD) or ultra-high-definition (4K). How much data you’ll use also depends on how you’re streaming that content. For example, data consumption is about 1GB of data per hour when streamed on a smartphone, and up to 3GB per hour for HD video on a tablet or connected device, and streaming 4K content can use up to 7GB of data per hour.
If you’re worried about data, you’ll be happy to know that AT&T has no data caps for its fiber internet plans. You get unlimited data with any of AT&T Fiber® internet plans, which range in speeds from 300Mbps to 5Gbps**2 (5 GIG), so you can stream all you want without worrying about additional fees or going over any data limits. With AT&T Fiber, you’ll get our fastest internet* plans, including speeds up to 2 GIG and 5 GIG, with no annual contract and no data caps.
**Fastest among major internet service providers, based on 5Gbps offering.
Does faster internet improve streaming?
Streaming of any kind—whether it be movies, TV, or music—relies on bandwidth to deliver what you’re watching or listening to. And if what you’re watching has a higher resolution—such as 4K—it takes more bandwidth to deliver your program, and that bandwidth requires faster internet to work properly.
That’s why when you try to stream a higher-resolution video on a slower connection, it may not work as well, come out blurry, or lag. Investing in fiber-optic internet means investing in speed—and the faster your connection, the better your streaming experience will be. And if you like gaming and doing live streams, fiber internet has good speed for internet activities of all kinds.
What speed do I need for streaming?
The speed you need for streaming will depend on multiple factors, including:
- The total amount of devices you have connected to your internet at any given time.
-
The amount of people who’ll be streaming at the same time—which will decrease your bandwidth.
-
The streaming quality you’ll be watching at. Are your shows playing in Standard Definition, High Definition, or even Ultra High Definition? For the ultra-connected home, consider AT&T Fiber, especially if you want to stream multiple high-definition and 4K shows at the same time.
Determine how much internet speed you need with this helpful article
How can I test my internet speed?
Before you sign up for a new internet plan, check your current internet speed to know where you are today and how much additional speed you might need. You can run the speed test through a wired connection or your Wi-Fi.
What are internet download speeds?
Download speeds are the pace at which data can move from the internet to your device. When this speed is higher, tasks like streaming videos, downloading files, or getting on websites can be done faster. Imagine it like a race—the higher the speed, the quicker you get to the finish line.
What are internet upload speeds?
Internet upload speeds are the speed at which data can leave your device and travel to where it needs to go on the internet. When you have a higher upload speed, it means you can do things like post pictures or files to social media or other websites faster. Think of it like sending a package—the faster the delivery speed, the sooner it arrives at its destination.
Does fiber internet improve gaming?
For gamers, having a reliable internet connection is key, and that's where fiber internet comes in. Many internet services get bogged down when lots of people are using them at the same time. It’s like a highway: if there are too many cars (or, in this case, users), traffic starts to slow down. This can have real consequences for gamers, especially if you're in the middle of an intense gaming session. But with fiber internet, you have less to worry about. Even when everyone's online, fiber can keep up, giving you super-fast speeds no matter what.
Fiber internet delivers consistently fast speeds, even during high-demand periods (based on a wired connection). This consistency is beneficial for competitive gamers, providing a stable gaming environment that allows them to concentrate on enhancing their performance (instead of worrying about the performance of their internet).
Learn more about why fiber is the best type of internet for gaming
What is the process for AT&T Fiber installation?
If you’re ready to install AT&T Fiber in your home, congratulations, you’re about to experience a whole new level of speed and experience. Before you schedule your AT&T Fiber installation appointment, you’ll first want to watch our video that explains what to expect during your fiber setup and how to prepare.
Is AT&T Fiber available in my area?
AT&T Fiber internet is rolling out quickly across the United States—including in some rural areas. Check if AT&T Fiber is currently available in your state. Then, pick your AT&T Fiber plan and schedule an appointment for an AT&T technician to come out and install your new fiber internet setup.
Enter your address to check AT&T Fiber availability
If AT&T Fiber isn’t yet available at your address, ask to be notified when fiber internet comes to your neighborhood so that you’re one of the first to sign up.
Is fiber internet available in rural areas?
Rural areas often face the challenge of not having access to high-speed internet. Until recently, the only options available to these typically overlooked areas were slower internet speeds offered by cable, DSL, and satellite internet. Thankfully, as the costs of fiber-optic internet have decreased, this is starting to change for many rural communities. In many situations, the local fiber internet service turns out to be cheaper than the cable internet provider. If you live in a rural area, enter your address to check if AT&T Fiber is available where you live.
Is AT&T Fiber better than Spectrum or Xfinity?
According to U.S. News “If you have a choice between AT&T's Fiber and Spectrum's cable, that's an easy call: AT&T offers symmetrical upload and download speeds that Spectrum can't match. With download speeds above 300Mbps, it's also cheaper than Spectrum.”
The choice is simple
AT&T Fiber | Spectrum | Xfinity | |
|---|---|---|---|
Fastest speed available | 5 GIG* | 1 GIG | 2 GIG |
100% fiber network | |||
Equal upload & download speeds | |||
Unlimited internet data included | |||
No annual contract | |||
Equipment fee included |
But don’t just take our word for it. Check out these reviews from real AT&T Fiber customers about their experience
Save over $275/year on AT&T Fiber®
With AT&T, you’ll save 20% each month when you bundle AT&T Fiber® and AT&T WirelessSM. That’s $275 per year in savings!
Build your cart to see how much your AT&T Fiber and AT&T Wireless bill will be
Ready to install hyper-fast AT&T Fiber internet in your home?
Experience the future of internet with fiber technology! Get fast-speed and reliable connections perfect for streaming, gaming, and handling multiple devices simultaneously. AT&T Fiber internet offers speeds and reliability and is rapidly expanding across the United States. Installing AT&T Fiber at home is simple. And don’t forget to bundle your AT&T wireless service with AT&T Fiber internet for extra savings.
Check if AT&T Fiber internet is available at your address to get started
More articles and resources
Explainer
Glossary of internet terms
Choosing the right internet plan for you might involve understanding a wide range of different terms. See our glossary of terms if you need help.
