A Network for the Future
Fiber is not just an internet connection; it's a foundational investment in our community's infrastructure. It is the only technology that can seamlessly handle the demands of tomorrow's innovations, ensuring that Placerville remains connected and competitive. By choosing fiber, you are choosing a network that is built for today and for the future.
Why Fiber is Better
Fiber: The Fastest, Most Reliable, and Most Cost-Effective Choice
As the city of Placerville builds a world-class fiber network, you may be considering your options for high-speed internet. Technologies like 5G fixed wireless and satellite internet are available, but it is important to understand why a fiber-optic connection is the superior choice for your home or business, offering greater long-term value, reliability, and speed.
Unmatched Speed and Low Latency
A fiber-optic connection is the only technology that can provide a truly symmetrical, future-proof internet experience.
Fiber-Optic:
Our network uses pulses of light to transmit data through thin glass strands, delivering symmetrical speeds (equal upload and download speeds) that are unmatched by any other technology. For example, a 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) fiber plan provides both a 1 Gbps download and a 1 Gbps upload, which is crucial for video conferencing, uploading large files, and using cloud-based applications. Fiber’s wired connection also boasts extremely low latency, ensuring a responsive experience with no lag for online gaming or real-time video calls.
5G Fixed Wireless
This technology uses radio signals from a nearby cell tower to provide service. While it can offer fast downloads, its performance is often inconsistent and heavily influenced by network congestion and your distance from the tower. Upload speeds are also a fraction of the download speeds, which can be a significant bottleneck for anyone who works from home or shares large files.
Satellite Internet
Historically known for slow speeds and high latency due to the long distance data has to travel to and from space. Newer low-earth orbit (LEO) systems have improved, but they still cannot match fiber. While downloads can be fast under ideal conditions, satellite service can be prone to inconsistencies, and its latency, while improved, can still be higher than fiber, making it a poor choice for activities requiring real-time communication.
Superior Reliability
Reliability is a key factor for any modern internet user. When you need to rely on your connection for work, school, or entertainment, a wired network is always the most dependable option.
Fiber-Optic
Our fiber-optic network is buried underground, protecting it from many of the environmental factors that disrupt service. It is not affected by adverse weather conditions like heavy rain, wind, or snow, and is immune to the signal interference that can plague wireless networks. This provides a stable, consistent connection you can depend on 24/7.
5G Fixed Wireless & Satellite
Both of these technologies are vulnerable to weather. Heavy rain, snow, or even dense clouds can degrade or completely disrupt a satellite signal. Similarly, 5G fixed wireless performance can be affected by weather, as well as by physical obstructions like trees or buildings that block the signal path from the tower to your home.
Fiber-Optic
Fiber networks are built to be "future-proof," capable of handling a massive increase in data traffic and speed requirements for decades to come. This means you won't need to replace your infrastructure as technology evolves. Our open-access network also empowers you to choose from a competitive marketplace of providers, ensuring you get the best price for the long term.
5G Fixed Wireless & Satellite
While often marketed as affordable, these services can come with hidden costs and limitations. Satellite service often requires a significant upfront investment for the equipment, and many plans still have strict data caps that can result in overage fees or throttled speeds. While 5G plans often offer unlimited data, their fluctuating speeds and inconsistency mean you may be paying for a service that doesn't consistently deliver on its promise.
Price
Because our fiber network is “Open Access”, you’ll find our pricing is far better than other options. Our Internet Service Providers (ISP) compete for your business and you have the choice to choose what speeds and budget works best for your needs!
Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness
While the initial cost of installing fiber might seem more involved than a simple wireless setup, the long-term value is far greater.