Choosing Between Fiber and 5G in 2025: What You Need to Know for Your Household
In today’s fast-paced world, technology evolves rapidly. Lately, fiber and 5G have become the most highly talked-about technologies. How do you determine what is best for you and your family’s communication needs? Below, we dive into explanations of what these mean and some important points to consider when deciding what works for you.
5G, 5Gbps, 5GHz – what’s with all the G’s in communication technology?
So, with 5G wireless I’m getting 5Gbps of service, right? Incorrect. 5G wireless stands for the 5th generation of wireless; it doesn’t have anything to do with the actual speed you are receiving. The first generation of wireless was initially released in 2019.
5Gbps stands for 5 Gigabits per second, which is a measurement of internet speed. If you have an internet service that is 5G or 5 Gig, that speed is equivalent to 5,000 Mbps and is extremely fast.
5GHz refers to gigahertz, which is a Wi-Fi frequency. There are two different Wi-Fi frequencies, 2.4GHz and 5GHz. 5GHz is faster and better at working through network interference; however, has a shorter range of coverage and can’t travel through walls as well as the 2.4GHz frequency.
What is Fiber?
Fiber-optics, also known as fiber, uses tiny strands of glass wire to transmit data. A fiber network is scalable and can meet the needs of users well into the future. It delivers high-speed internet directly to homes and businesses through underground cables. This technology is incredibly reliable, offers symmetrical upload and download speeds, and maintains consistent connections even during peak usage times.
Speed: Currently, NDTC’s fiber network can provide speeds up to 10 Gbps (that’s 10,000 gigabytes per second)!
Coverage: Strong signal throughout the home. If additional coverage is needed, a mesh unit can be used. Works great for home and work-from-home settings, easily supports multiple devices simultaneously.
Reliability: Dependable, consistent connectivity without interruptions or slowdowns over a dedicated fiber connection directly to your home or business through wire buried in the ground.
Data Limits: Data caps and speed throttling aren’t a thing, so you can enjoy unlimited data and consistent speeds every time you go online.
Symmetrical Speeds: Upload and download speeds are the same, making fiber the perfect option for online gaming, working from home, and video conferencing.
What is 5G?
5G is a wireless cellular network that relies on towers to transmit data. 5G wireless stands for the 5th generation of wireless; it doesn’t have anything to do with the actual speed you are receiving. The first generation of wireless was initially released in 2019.
Speed: Typically, 5G users see speeds around 80-200Mbps; 1,000Mbps (or 1Gbps) is attainable, depending on the cellular network.
Coverage: 5G home internet is not yet widely available in all areas, particularly rural areas.
Reliability: 5G wireless service can experience issues with signal interference, physical obstructions, and network congestion.
Data Limits: 5G wireless can slow down when you reach a data limit, or lag during peak hours.
Mobility: Offers internet on the go; great for devices like smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
Latency: Can be higher compared to fiber, affecting real-time applications.
Which one should you choose?
The choice depends on your specific needs.
- Fiber would be the better choice if you need a reliable, high-speed connection for your home or business, especially if you require high bandwidth for video streaming, remote work, or online gaming with no limits.
- 5G is a great option for your mobile devices and on-the-go flexibility.
At NDTC, we know that you have options for your communication services, and it isn’t always easy to make choices. Fortunately, living in an area served by NDTC, you already have access to the fastest, most reliable fiber-optic network available, making your choice a bit easier.
NDTC fiber is backed by a local team of your neighbors, family, or friends, who provide exceptional customer service. If any questions arise, our team of knowledgeable customer service representatives and technicians works hard to ensure you experience quick solutions and superior service.
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