5G vs. 1 Gig Home Internet - Which Is Right For You?

Key Takeaways

• 5G is wireless and easy to set up, while fiber uses cables and takes longer to install but gives a more stable connection.
  
• Fiber internet offers equal upload and download speeds, which makes it better for video calls, gaming and cloud backups.
  
• 5G speeds can change depending on your location, network congestion, and how close you are to a cell tower.
  
• If you live in a smart home or have many devices, fiber handles multiple connections better without slowing down.
  
• 5G is great for people who move often, live in RVs, or need flexible internet without wires.
  
• Fiber costs more upfront but gives better long-term value with stable speeds, no data caps, and future-ready performance.

Wireless Internet vs. Wired Internet

The biggest difference between these services comes down to how they keep your devices connected to the internet.

• 5G home internet is wireless. That means it delivers your connection over radio waves that are emitted and received by nearby cell towers. To access the internet, your devices will need to use a 5G modem or gateway, which is similar to how a smartphone connects to a mobile network.

This technology eliminates the need to run physical cables to your home, which makes 5G home networks very easy to set up. However, it also means your connection strength depends on how close you are to the nearest tower, as well as how congested the network is and whether there are environmental factors, like buildings or trees, interfering with your signal.

• 1G fiber optic home internet is wired. That means it delivers your connection by sending light signals through fiber optic cables, which are made of ultra-thin glass strands. Because light travels so quickly (about 186,000 miles per second in a vacuum, in case you’re curious), this type of connection is highly efficient, providing a dedicated path for your internet traffic that isn’t affected by wireless interference.
  
  It’s also the only type of connection that delivers symmetrical speeds, meaning your upload speeds are just as fast as your download speeds.

However, you can still access the internet wirelessly by connecting a WiFi router to your fiber lines. The WiFi router will create a wireless network throughout your home that delivers connectivity over radio waves.

The strength of your WiFi signal depends on your router’s capabilities, which means even with 1 Gbps speeds from your internet provider, you’ll need a high-quality, Gig-capable router to experience fast speeds on all your devices.

Speed, Reliability and Latency

While both services can deliver gigabit speeds, here are some of the main differences that can impact your online activities in terms of speed, reliability and latency.

• Speed: 5G home internet can offer speeds up to 1 Gbps in ideal conditions, but speeds may fluctuate based on signal strength and congestion. Fiber optic internet delivers consistent 1 Gbps upload and download speeds, which is especially important for tasks like video conferencing, gaming and uploading large files.
  
• Reliability: Fiber is known for its stability because it’s mostly unaffected by weather, physical obstructions and network congestion. On the other hand, 5G internet can be inconsistent, especially in areas with poor coverage or where lots of people are connected at the same time.
  
• Latency: Latency (or lag) refers to the time it takes for data to travel between your devices and the internet. Fiber optic internet has extremely low latency, making it ideal for real-time activities like gaming, video calls and cloud computing. 5G home internet has higher latency due to the nature of wireless transmission, which can impact these activities.

Coverage and Availability 5G vs. 1 Gig Home Internet

Neither type of service is available everywhere, although both are expanding their infrastructure all the time. Here’s what you can expect in terms of coverage:

• 5G home internet: While 5G has broader coverage in urban and suburban areas, speeds and reliability can vary based on network infrastructure. In rural areas, 5G coverage may be limited or rely on lower-frequency signals with lower speeds.
  
• 1 Gig fiber optic internet: Fiber internet is available in areas where fiber infrastructure has been installed, but if you live in an area with no infrastructure, you’ll likely have to choose another option.

Both technologies are expanding, but fiber optic networks require larger physical infrastructure investments, while 5G can roll out more quickly in certain areas. You can see what services are available in your area by checking broadband coverage maps, like this one from the FCC.

• Pro: Ideal for areas without wired internet access. If fiber or cable internet isn’t available in your area, 5G may be one of the fastest options you can get. Since 5G connects to cell towers, it doesn’t require underground cables or lines running to your home. This makes it easier to bring high-speed internet to places where fiber hasn’t been installed yet.
  
• Con: Signal strength may vary based on where you live. Your speed and reliability depend on how close you are to a 5G tower, how many people are using the network at once and whether anything (like buildings or trees) is blocking the signal.
  
• Con: Uploads are slower than downloads. Most 5G home internet plans offer fast download speeds with much slower upload speeds, which can make video calls, cloud backups and online gaming feel sluggish, laggy or choppy.
  
• Con: Higher latency than wired connections. Because it’s wireless, 5G home internet has higher latency (or lag) than fiber. This can impact real-time activities like gaming, video calls or conferencing, and cloud-based work.

• Pro: Low latency. Fiber’s wired connection has some of the lowest latency of any internet service, making it ideal for activities that require real-time responsiveness, like gaming, streaming and remote work.
  
• Pro: Supports multiple devices seamlessly. Fiber’s high bandwidth means you can use multiple devices at once without slowdowns.
  
• Con: It may not be available where you live. Fiber infrastructure is expanding, but it’s not available in every area yet. If your neighborhood doesn’t have fiber infrastructure, you may not have the option to get it.
  
• Con: Installation can take longer. Setting up fiber typically requires a professional installation, and if fiber lines haven’t been laid in your area, construction may be needed before service can be activated.
  
• Con: May have higher upfront costs. While fiber plans are often competitively priced, installation fees can be higher than 5G home internet, especially if new lines need to be run to your home. However, some providers, including EPB, don’t charge installation fees for home internet.

1. Online Gaming

Online gaming isn’t just about playing the game itself. It can also involve voice chat (like Discord), live streaming to platforms like Twitch, downloading new games and installing large updates or patches. Because of this, you’ll need an internet connection that’s fast, stable and has low latency to avoid lag, buffering or disconnections.

• Best option: 1 Gig (or faster) fiber optic internet. With symmetrical speeds and ultra-low latency, fiber ensures smooth gameplay, clear voice chat, fast downloads and uninterrupted streaming.
  
• Can 5G work? In some cases, it can, but it depends on signal strength. Higher latency and fluctuating speeds can cause in-game lag, longer load times, dropped voice chat and slower downloads—especially if your connection weakens during peak hours or in crowded areas.

1. Streaming 

Whether you’re binge-watching in 4K, scrolling through TikTok, catching up on live sports or streaming music throughout your home, a fast, stable internet connection ensures a buffer-free experience.

• Best option: 1 Gig fiber optic internet. Fiber delivers consistent, high speeds that won’t slow down, even if multiple people are streaming at the same time.
  
• Can 5G work? It can work well if your signal is strong, but network congestion, weather and interference can cause buffering or lower video quality—especially in peak hours.

1. Video Calls & Virtual Meetings 

Whether you’re taking work meetings on Zoom, catching up with friends on FaceTime, or attending a virtual class, a smooth video call experience depends on both upload and download speeds.

• Best option: 1 Gig fiber optic internet. Since fiber offers symmetrical upload and download speeds, your video feed stays clear and uninterrupted and your audio remains lag-free.
  
• Can 5G work? It’s possible, but slower upload speeds and fluctuating signal strength could lead to choppy video, frozen screens or delayed audio.

1. Smart Home Devices 

Today’s smart homes are packed with WiFi-connected gadgets—security cameras, thermostats, smart speakers, video doorbells and even kitchen appliances—all of which need a strong and reliable connection to function properly.

• Best option: 1 Gig fiber optic internet. Fiber provides a stable, high-bandwidth connection that can handle dozens of devices at once without interference. However, you’ll need a good WiFi router to keep all your devices connected at once.
  
• Can 5G work? It can support smart home devices, but reliability may be an issue, especially for security cameras that need constant, uninterrupted connectivity to record and upload footage.

1. Cloud-Based Work & File Storage 

If you work with large files, collaborate through cloud platforms or constantly sync data to services like Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive, you’ll need fast upload speeds and a stable connection.

• Best option: 1 Gig fiber optic internet. With symmetrical speeds, uploading files to the cloud is just as fast as downloading them, making it ideal for graphic designers, photographers, video editors and professionals handling large amounts of data.
  
• Can 5G work? Not ideal. Since 5G home internet usually has much slower upload speeds, syncing, saving and backing up files can take significantly longer compared to fiber.

1. Remote Work & Virtual Collaboration 

Working from home requires a reliable connection for virtual meetings, cloud-based tools and real-time collaboration with colleagues.

• Best option: 1 Gig fiber optic internet. Fiber’s stable speeds and low latency ensure that remote work remains smooth and uninterrupted, even with multiple devices running at once.
  
• Can 5G work? It can handle basic tasks like emailing and browsing, but slower uploads and connection drops could cause lag in video meetings or delays when working on shared cloud documents

1. Household with Multiple Users & Devices 

If multiple people in your home are using the internet at the same time—whether for streaming, gaming, working or browsing—a connection that can handle high demand without slowing down is essential.

• Best option: 1 Gig fiber optic internet. Fiber is designed to support multiple devices simultaneously, delivering fast speeds across the entire household.
  
• Can 5G work? It can work for smaller households, but if multiple users are streaming, gaming or video calling at once, you may notice slowdowns or connectivity drops.

1. RVs, Tiny Homes, Van/Bus Homes, Frequent Travelers & Digital Nomads 

If you’re constantly on the move—whether you live in an RV, tiny home, a converted van or bus, or if you work as a pilot or flight attendant or live a digital nomad lifestyle—portability and flexibility matter just as much as speed.

• Best option: 5G home internet. Since 5G is completely wireless, you can take it with you wherever there’s a strong signal, making it ideal for those who frequently change locations. Some providers even offer mobile 5G hotspots, which let you stay connected on the road.
  
• Can fiber work? Not really. Fiber requires a physical wired connection, so it’s not an option for travelers or people who relocate frequently. However, if you have a permanent home base where fiber is available, it’s an excellent primary connection.

Making the Right Choice

When choosing between 5G home internet and 1 Gig fiber, consider:

• How many people use the internet in your home? The more users that are connected at once, the more bandwidth you need.
  
• What activities do you do online? Gaming, streaming and remote work all require fast, stable speeds.
  
• Do you need fast upload speeds? If you upload large files, video chat frequently or use cloud storage, fiber’s symmetrical speeds will make a big difference.
  
• How reliable does your internet need to be? If you need a connection you can count on without interruptions, fiber is your best bet.

Both 5G and fiber optic internet have their advantages, but if you need the fastest, most reliable connection for a household with heavy internet use, fiber is hard to beat.

• 1 Gig fiber optic internet requires a physical wired connection, which means an installation team may need to run fiber lines to your home if they aren’t already there.
  
  This process can take longer and sometimes requires drilling or external cabling, depending on your provider. Once installed, you’ll need a WiFi router to distribute the connection wirelessly throughout your home.
  
• A quick reminder about WiFi: Regardless of which internet type you choose, your experience will depend on your home’s WiFi setup. Even if you have a 1 Gig fiber connection, you’ll need a high-quality, gig-capable router to take full advantage of those speeds wirelessly.
  
  With 5G home internet, signal strength from the 5G modem affects your WiFi coverage, so placement in your home matters.

What You Pay Now vs. Later

Pricing out your new internet plan? Here’s what to consider in terms of cost.

• Upfront Costs: 5G home internet is often cheaper to install, since there’s no physical infrastructure required. Fiber may have installation fees if your home isn’t already wired for it. However, some fiber providers (including EPB) offer free installation as part of their service.
  
• Ongoing Costs: 5G home internet can have variable pricing based on data usage or network congestion, whereas fiber optic internet plans typically offer consistent pricing with no data caps.
  
• Long-Term Savings: While 5G may seem cheaper initially, fiber offers better long-term value due to its reliability and future-proof infrastructure. With fiber, your connection won’t slow down due to congestion and you won’t need to replace equipment as often.

Availability: What’s in Your Area?

Neither service is available everywhere. Here’s what you can expect in terms of coverage.

• 5G home internet is available in many cities and suburbs, but signal strength varies depending on location. If you live in a rural or crowded area, you may get weaker speeds or network congestion.
  
• 1 Gig fiber optic internet is expanding, but availability depends on whether fiber infrastructure has been built in your area. If you can get fiber, it’s typically the best option for long-term stability and performance.
  

Choosing What’s Best for Your Home

With everything we’ve covered, you might be wondering: Which option is right for me? The answer depends on a few key factors.

• Consider your location and availability. The first thing to check is which providers and services are available in your area. If fiber isn’t an option where you live, 5G home internet could be a good alternative—especially if you have strong signal coverage.
  
• Match your internet to your needs. Think about how you use the internet daily:
  
• If you stream in 4K, game online, work from home or have lots of connected devices, fiber optic internet will offer more consistent performance.
  
• If you move frequently, live in a rental, or just need a simple setup, 5G home internet might be the better fit.

Futureproofing: Will Your Internet Keep Up?

Technology changes quickly, and choosing the right internet service isn’t just about today—it’s also about being ready for the future.

• 1 Gig fiber optic internet is already built to support future internet speeds and demands, making it a great long-term investment.
  
• 5G home internet is improving, but it still faces challenges with speed consistency and congestion, which means you may need to upgrade sooner as technology evolves.

Customer Support Matters

No matter which service you choose, good customer support makes a big difference. Before committing to a provider, check:

• Do they have strong customer reviews?
• Do they offer 24/7 support?
• What happens if something goes wrong? (Fiber is generally more reliable, but 5G users may experience signal drops.)

• Portability & flexibility: 5G is better for renters, travelers and digital nomads who need a wireless solution.
• Cost: 5G may have a lower upfront cost, but fiber offers more long-term value with stable pricing and no data caps.
• Test your options, if possible: If both services are available in your area, some providers allow you to test their service before committing. If you’re unsure, look for a no-contract or trial period to see which connection works best in your home.
• Stay informed and update your equipment: Both 5G and fiber optic technology are evolving—which means internet speeds, availability and infrastructure will continue to improve. Staying informed will help you maximize your investment and make sure your connection meets your needs in the years ahead.

If you’re an EPB customer, you can power all of your devices and online activities at once with the area’s only 100% fiber optic home internet. Find your perfect speed and get connected to the world’s fastest community-wide internet.