5G vs. Fiber for Home Internet

5th Generation of Cellular Networks – the fasts and the most reliable of the ‘G’s is expected to launch by the end of 2019. 5G is a significantly improved version of 4G because it will offer 10x faster internet speed, low latency, and higher bandwidth. So, one thing is for sure that it is a smarter idea to switch to 5G if you are a 4G broadband user because 5G will not fail to impress you.

However, if you want to choose between 5G vs. fiber optic for your home internet, the following considerations will help you make the right decision according to your requirements:

5G vs. Fiber: Cost

Cost is the most crucial aspect because 5G vs. Fiber cost will most probably have a stark difference. If you are planning to select 5G, the biggest expenses will include purchasing a 5G enabled device and purchasing the prepaid 5G service of your cellular network service provider. 5G subscription charges are on-going; and initially, they will be most probably on the more expensive side.

Whereas Fiber Optic is more feasible in the long-run, but fiber optic network installation can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars. So, before dreaming about fiber optic, find out whether or not your area has a fully developed and operating fiber optic infrastructure. If yes! Then you wouldn’t have to pay a substantial amount of money to get your fiber optic connection. Unfortunately, if it is not available, then you might have to wait until fiber optic infrastructure reaches your area because laying down the infrastructure can take several months to several years and heavy investment.

5G vs. Fiber: Security

Cybercrime is a huge security concern for all industries, including home users. The last thing you would want is your personal data, and sensitive information like bank details, credit card information, or your work files to get into the wrong hands.

5G is a new technology. Although, its developers claim that it will provide sufficient data security, but 5G is not tried and tested. Hence, you can never be sure enough whether or not it will live up to its security claims. Whereas, fiber optic is a trustable technology that offers adequate data security and data protection remedies. So, if you are dealing with sensitive data more often, then fiber optic would be a better home network choice.

5G vs. Fiber: Performance

It all comes back to performance, in which neither 5G will disappoint you nor fiber. Both technologies have their advantages and disadvantages. If 5G offers wireless connectivity, then fiber offers WiFi broadband internet. Both 5G and Fiber are no less than the other when it comes to internet speed, bandwidth, latency, signal strength, data transmission rates, reliability, and capacity.

However, the biggest concern that differentiates the performance of 5G and fiber is the fact that when it comes to 5G, the performance is ‘claimed’ to be extraordinary. On the other side, fiber has proved itself time and time again, so you can opt fiber optic with the surety that it will live up to its expectations.