More Fort Collins homeowners are starting to ask the same question: Is it time to upgrade? Specifically, is fiber internet better than cable?
Internet performance affects everything—work calls, video streaming, gaming, smart devices. When the connection slows or stalls, the entire household feels it.
Here’s how fiber compares and what your local provider offers today.
Speed
Both cable and fiber offer high download speeds. But what matters more is how stable those speeds are when multiple people are online.
Cable internet uses coaxial lines originally built for TV. That bandwidth is shared, which means speeds can slow down during peak hours.
Fiber internet uses light to transmit data, not electricity. It holds speed consistently even when everyone around you is online. If you’re not sure what your connection is delivering today, run a speed test to find out.
Verdict: Fiber delivers faster, more stable speed during busy times.
Upload Performance
Most cable plans focus on download speeds. Upload speeds are usually much slower, which can cause lag during daily tasks.
That’s a problem for things like video conferencing, cloud backups, and large file transfers—all of which rely heavily on fast upload speeds.
Upload speed matters more than most people realize, especially if your household works or learns from home. Fiber provides symmetrical speeds. Uploads happen just as fast as downloads.
Verdict: Fiber is a better fit for modern internet usage.
Latency
Latency is the time delay between sending a signal and getting a response. Higher latency causes lag in games, delays in calls, and frustration during live-streamed events.
Fiber has lower latency than cable because it doesn’t suffer from the same signal degradation or electrical interference.
Verdict: Fiber is faster to respond, especially in real-time applications.
Reliability
Cable networks may experience more slowdowns and interruptions, especially during storms or heavy usage in the neighborhood. Coaxial wiring also degrades more quickly over time.
Fiber is more durable and less vulnerable to interference. It works over longer distances without losing signal quality.
Verdict: Fiber is a more dependable option in most scenarios.
Bandwidth for Multiple Devices
Today’s households aren’t using one or two devices—they’re running dozens. Smart TVs, phones, tablets, laptops, security systems, thermostats, and more.
Cable networks can struggle to support that load, especially during shared usage windows. Fiber has the bandwidth to handle it all. If your household is pushing the limits of your current plan, see how a 2-Gig connection changes the experience. If your household is maxing out your current plan, consider upgrading today.
Verdict: Fiber offers more headroom for digital demand.
Installation and Access
Cable is already installed in most neighborhoods. It’s easy to activate and use.
Fiber is expanding quickly in Fort Collins and many other cities. Check your address to see if Connexion fiber is available at your home. Others may still be in the buildout phase.
Verdict: Cable is more available, but fiber is becoming more accessible every year.
Price and Terms
Cable plans often use promotional pricing that jumps after the first year. Data caps, overage fees, and early termination charges are common.
Many fiber providers offer simpler pricing. Connexion, for example, doesn’t use promo rates or contracts. Learn more about the difference between cable and fiber terms to see what you’re really paying for.
Verdict: Fiber and cable internet can have similar costs. Finding a local municipal fiber internet provider will likely protect you from hidden fees and overage charges.
Privacy and Data Handling
Some ISPs sell user data to third-party advertisers or track browsing behavior for targeting. If privacy is a concern, look for a provider with strong protections and transparent practices.
Connexion’s privacy-first approach means your information stays yours. Connexion does not sell or monetize your data, period.
Verdict: Not all ISPs are equal when it comes to privacy. Local, community-owned fiber providers may offer more user protection.
So, Is Fiber Internet Better?
Yes. For most homes, fiber internet delivers better speed, lower latency, stronger reliability, and a smoother experience when multiple devices are in use. It’s built for the way we use the internet today—and for how that use will keep growing.
Cable still works. But fiber is designed for what comes next.
Unlike national providers, Connexion is Fort Collins-owned and future-focused—designed to give your household the speed, privacy, and reliability it deserves.
Fort Collins Homeowners Have a Fiber Option
If you live in Fort Collins, you don’t have to wait for better service. Connexion’s residential internet plans offer symmetrical speeds, no data caps, and no contracts. Income-qualified residents can also benefit from our digital inclusion program and pay just $20/month for 1 Gbps service.
Switching is easy. Here’s how to get started.