With upload and download speeds up to 8 Gig available in most areas, you can work faster and play harder than with other internet technologies.
Enjoy a seamless online experience - connect any way you want, as much as you want, even during peak usage times.
Fiber is virtually immune to service loss due to electrical interference or inclement weather.
Get more enjoyment from the technologies of today and be ready for the bandwidth-busting technologies of tomorrow.
We give you tools to help you thrive in today's fast-paced business world.
| Feature | TDS Fiber Internet | Cable Internet | Fixed Wireless (5G Home) | Low Earth-Orbit Satellite (LEO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connection Type | Varies by location - TDS addresses with speeds greater than 1 Gig are 100% fiber-optic to the home | Hybrid fiber-coax (shared neighborhood cable) | Cellular 4G/5G from nearby towers | Satellite to low-earth orbit satellites |
| Max Download Speeds | Up to 8,000 Mbps | Up to 1000-2000 Mbps | 100-300 Mbps (up to 1 Gbps in rare areas) | 50-110 Mbps |
| Upload Speeds (Online Gaming, Video Calls, Work At Home) |
Symmetrical (same as download) | Much slower than download | Moderate (10-75 Mbps typical) | Very Limited (5-25 Mbps) |
| Speed Consistency | Very high (dedicated line) | Medium (slows during peak hours) | Variable (tower congestion, time of day) | Variable (weather, satellite congestion) |
| Latency | Very low (9ms) | Low-moderate (15-35ms) | Moderate (25-60ms) | Higher (38-40+ms) |
| Reliability | Excellent (weather-resistant, no congestion) | Good, but shared bandwidth | Fair-Good, depends on cellular load | Fair, impacted by weather & obstructions |
| Unlimited Data | Yes | Yes | Yes. Data may be deprioritized or slowed | Yes. Plans may have priority limits |
| Weather Sensitivity | Not affected | Minimal impact | Rare signal issues | Rain, snow, obstructions matter |
| Long-Term Scalability | Excellent Even faster speeds possible |
Limited by coax | Limited by spectrum | Limited by capacity |
Fiber internet is an advanced broadband connection that utilizes thin strands of glass or plastic, known as optical fibers, to transmit data at unparalleled speeds and with increased reliability. Unlike traditional copper cables, fiber-optic technology relies on pulses of light to carry data, resulting in superior performance and reliability.
Several factors make fiber internet much faster than a digital subscriber line (DSL) or cable. Learn more about the speed of fiber internet here.
Unlike traditional copper wire connections, 5G home internet service, and LEO satellite internet, fiber-optic cables offer faster speeds, greater bandwidth, and are less susceptible to interference. Learn more about fiber-optic internet connections here.
Yes. Fiber internet can be used for Wi-Fi, just like other types of internet connections. The fiber internet connection typically extends to a device called a modem or optical network terminal (ONT), which may also have a built-in router. The router is responsible for creating a Wi-Fi network that allows multiple devices within your home or business to wirelessly connect to the internet.
Using Wi-Fi with fiber internet provides the convenience of connecting multiple devices without the need for physical cables. It allows for greater flexibility in device placement and is especially beneficial for mobile devices and those in locations where running Ethernet cables may not be practical.
Yes. Fiber internet can provide multi-gigabit data transfer speeds that are significantly faster than those delivered by traditional internet connections like DSL or cable. This means quicker downloads, smoother streaming, and much faster uploads.
When TDS announces new fiber internet service is coming to your community, you may have questions. Take a moment to learn about the registration and ordering process while the fiber network is under construction.
Interested in TDS Fiber Internet?
Enjoy our best deals and priority
installation by ordering service
prior to construction in your area.
Online Order $50 Bill Credit: Available for new internet customers that order internet service via TDS’ website. Bill credit will apply to your first bill.
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