Everything you need to know about choosing between fiber and cable internet in the Sunshine State
Fiber internet is superior to cable in almost every way - faster speeds, better reliability, and symmetrical upload/download. However, cable is more widely available and can be cheaper. In Florida, 64% of residents have access to fiber, while 89% can get cable internet.
Uses thin glass strands to transmit data as pulses of light
Uses coaxial cables originally designed for TV signals
Fiber internet uses hair-thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data using light signals. These light pulses can travel at incredible speeds with minimal signal loss, even over long distances. Think of it like a super-highway for data with no traffic jams.
The fiber cables run from your internet provider directly to your home (FTTH - Fiber to the Home), ensuring you get consistent, dedicated speeds regardless of how many neighbors are online.
Cable internet uses the same coaxial cables that deliver cable TV. It's a hybrid system - fiber cables carry data to neighborhood nodes, then coaxial cables complete the "last mile" to your home. This is why it's sometimes called HFC (Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial).
The challenge? You're sharing bandwidth with your neighbors on the same node. During peak hours (6-10 PM), your speeds may slow down as more people stream, game, and browse.
| Activity | Required Speed | Fiber Performance | Cable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4K Netflix Streaming | 25 Mbps | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent |
| Zoom Video Calls | 3-4 Mbps up/down | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Good (upload limited) |
| Online Gaming | 3-6 Mbps, low latency | ✅ Excellent (2-5ms) | ✅ Good (10-30ms) |
| Large File Uploads | 50+ Mbps upload | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Poor (35 Mbps max) |
| Multiple 4K Streams | 100+ Mbps | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Good (peak hours) |
| Smart Home Devices | 50-100 Mbps | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good |
Hurricane Season: Fiber cables are underground and less affected by storms. Cable lines on poles are vulnerable to wind damage.
Lightning: Florida leads the nation in lightning strikes. Fiber is immune to electrical interference, while cable modems can be damaged.
Heat & Humidity: Fiber performs consistently in Florida's climate. Cable connections can degrade in extreme heat.
Cable internet suffers from the "neighborhood effect" - your speeds drop when everyone gets home from work. Fiber provides dedicated bandwidth, so your neighbor's Netflix binge won't affect your Zoom call.
Average: $70-100/month for gigabit
*Promotional rates, increase after 12-24 months
Cable internet is available to 89% of Florida residents. Xfinity leads with coverage in 62% of the state, followed by Spectrum at 45%. Rural areas often only have cable or satellite options.
Technology demands are only increasing. What seems fast today may feel slow in 2-3 years. Consider these trends:
Fiber's virtually unlimited capacity makes it the better long-term investment, even if cable meets your needs today.
If you're moving to a new home or apartment in Florida, ask about internet options before signing a lease. Some complexes have exclusive agreements that limit your choices. Newer developments often have fiber pre-installed.