Fiber vs 5G

How does Fiber Internet Differ from 5G Home Internet?

You may be hearing a lot these days about the 5G home internet offered by cellular providers. But what exactly is it, and how does it differ from DRN’s fiber Internet?

Before we compare these two Internet technologies, let’s clear up a common misconception. The abbreviation 5G refers to the fifth generation of wireless technology for cellular networks, which was initially released in 2019. The “G” in 5G does NOT stand for gigabit and has nothing to do with Internet speeds.

Fiber Internet

How It Works
Fiber internet uses fiber-optic cables consisting of bundled strands of glass, which are buried under the ground to provide a direct internet connection. Fiber is the gold standard.

Speeds

A range of fiber internet plans are typically offered, with speeds up to 2 Gbps (2,000 Mbps) and more. You may also be able to get symmetrical speeds, meaning your uploads are just as fast as your downloads.

Reliability

Fiber internet has a much larger capacity to carry data and is less prone to technical malfunctions or slowdowns. This results in a connection you can count on, with a proven track record of 99.9% reliability.

5G Home Internet

How It Works
5G home internet uses the 5G network towers of a cellular company to provide a fixed wireless connection. Speeds will vary by location, depending on how far the customer is from a local tower or transmitter.

Speeds

Speeds offered by 5G home internet average just 150 Mbps. What’s more, several factors can adversely affect speeds, including network congestion and line-of-sight issues from obstacles such as buildings or terrain. Even inclement weather can slow things down.

Reliability

5G home internet can get bogged down by high-traffic demands and technical issues stemming from poor cell service.

It’s clear that despite the hype around 5G, fiber remains the go-to connection type for extremely fast and reliable internet. Simply put, you can’t do better than fiber internet. It’s the preferred connection — and the best overall value — for large households with multiple users and devices, people who work from home, online gamers, and streaming enthusiasts.

Happy young father and son playing video games while spending time at home

Why Choose DRN Fiber Internet?

DRN is the clear winner when it come to the
best Internet connection for you.
Here’s why:

Capital Credits — When you subscribe to Internet from DRN, you become a member of the cooperative. As a cooperative, DRN pays dividends out to its members when DRN does well.
Local — DRN is a local cooperative that is invested in the communities we serve. Our employees live in our area and are involved in many community organizations. DRN donates to many non-profit organizations in our area to help support their causes.
No Shared Connections — Your Internet service is your own. With no data caps or shared connections, you will not experience slowdown in peak usage periods.
Reliability — Stable connection, less affected by obstacles and weather.

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