5 Ways to Check If Your New Home Can Get Fiber Internet
Today, high-speed internet is essential in every home – such as other utilities like water and electricity. If you’re buying a new home, you need to make sure it has the best internet connection available.
Fiber internet reigns as the fastest and most reliable of all types of internet connections. It provides speeds up to 1 Gbps or more, which means downloading large files in seconds and streaming high-definition videos without buffering. Unlike other connections, fiber maintains consistent speeds even during peak times.
The good news is that your chances of finding a fiber-ready home are increasing. With 46% of locations in the US now serviceable by fiber, it’s clear that this technology is growing rapidly. In 2023 alone, the US added 7.6 million new fiber connections.
As a home buyer, you might wonder how to tell if your house can get fiber internet. You’re not alone. Many home buyers ask this question. That’s why we’re here to help. This blog will show you simple ways to check if a house is fiber-ready. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to look for answers.
1. Check with Internet Service Providers
When considering a new home, one of the first steps to determine fiber availability is to check with internet service providers (ISPs). There are two ways to find out whether your new home can get fiber internet:
- Use ISP website. Many ISPs have online tools that allow you to check for fiber availability by entering an address.
For example, you can visit the Race Communications website. Enter the address of the home you’re considering. The tool will tell you if fiber internet is available in that area.
- Contact customer service. Representatives can provide detailed information on fiber availability and tell you if there are any planned upgrades in the area.
Fiber ISPs like Race Communications are continuously expanding their fiber network. If you’re buying a home in California, checking with them can give you a good idea of whether your new home can get fiber internet.
2. Use Online Tools and Maps
In addition to checking with ISPs, you can use online maps to verify fiber availability. These resources provide detailed information about internet coverage in specific areas.
FCC Broadband Data Map
The FCC Broadband Data Map is valuable for checking internet coverage across the United States. It provides detailed information about different types of internet connections, including fiber. Additionally, it’s regularly updated, giving you a clear picture of the internet options in a specific area.
To find out whether your new home can get fiber internet, enter the address of the home you’re interested in. Then, review the map to see the types of internet services available, including fiber.
BroadbandNow
BroadbandNow lets you enter an address and see a list of ISPs and their services in that area. It provides detailed coverage maps and user reviews, helping you compare different providers and their offerings. This tool is great for getting a comprehensive view of the internet options available at your new home.
FiberLocator
FiberLocator is helpful for businesses but can also help homeowners identify fiber networks nearby. It offers detailed maps showing the routes of fiber networks, which can help you understand how close fiber infrastructure is to your potential new home.
HighSpeedInternet
HighSpeedInternet is another excellent resource for checking fiber availability. This website allows you to search by zip code to find the best internet options in your area. It compares various providers and their plans, helping you choose the right service.
Additionally, HighSpeedInternet offers tools to troubleshoot internet problems, understand different types of internet connections, and determine how much internet speed you need based on your usage
3. Physical Signs and Local Infrastructure
Sometimes, you can determine if a neighborhood is fiber-ready by looking for physical signs and checking the local infrastructure.
Identify Fiber Cabinets (ONTs)
When visiting a potential new home, look around the neighborhood for signs of fiber infrastructure. Fiber cabinets, also known as Optical Network Terminals (ONTs), are often green or gray metal boxes that indicate fiber is available. These cabinets house the equipment needed to deliver fiber internet to homes.
Look for Aerial or Underground Fiber Lines
Fiber internet can run to homes in two main ways: aerial or underground.
Aerial fiber lines are strung along utility poles, similar to how traditional phone and cable lines are installed. Look for thin, black cables attached to utility poles. These cables often have small tags or labels indicating they are fiber-optic. The cables might be bundled with other utility lines, but their distinct markings can help you identify them.
Underground fiber lines are buried beneath the ground and run through conduits to protect them from environmental damage. Finding it is less straightforward since the cables are not visible. However, you can look for ground-level utility boxes or covers marked with labels such as “fiber optic” or “telecom.” These markers indicate where fiber lines are buried.
Ask Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents can be a valuable source of information about a home’s internet capabilities. When touring a home, ask the agent if the property is fiber-ready. They might have insights based on previous sales in the area or direct information from the seller.
According to Fiber Broadband Association, having fiber in the house increases its value up to 3.1%, so the real estate agent should know this.
5. Community and Homeowner Associations
Community and homeowner associations (HOAs) play a crucial role in the availability of fiber internet. They often work with ISPs to bring advanced services to their neighborhoods.
Engage with Community Meetings
If you’re considering a home in a neighborhood with an HOA, attend community meetings. These meetings often cover infrastructure topics, including internet services. You can ask directly about the availability of fiber internet and any future plans for upgrades.
Check HOA Newsletters and Websites
Many HOAs provide regular updates through newsletters or websites. These resources can contain valuable information about internet services in the community. Look for announcements about fiber deployments or upgrades. This information can help you gauge the current and future internet capabilities of the neighborhood.
Now You Know How to Check If Your New Home Can Get Fiber Internet
With faster speeds and better reliability, fiber internet makes your home ready for all your digital needs. By using the steps we’ve outlined—checking with ISPs, using online tools, observing physical infrastructure, and engaging with community associations—you can confidently determine if your new home can get fiber internet.
At Race Communications, we offer fiber internet with speeds up to 10Gbps. Enjoy the benefits of no data caps and no contracts.
So, if you’re moving into a new home, reach out to us. We’re here to help ensure your new home has the high-speed internet you need. Contact us today to learn more and check fiber availability in your area.