Fiber FAQs

Fiber optical cable, or fiber cable, is made from silica glass or plastic filaments each as fine as a human hair. They’re used to turn data into light and then transmit that information at speeds that can approach the speed of light. Because light travels faster than anything else in the universe, fiber optics provide faster uploads and downloads while reducing network reaction times. CUA’s system is currently the area’s only provider that uses 100% fiber optics.

Fiber cable is used in multiple applications, including video transmissions, power lines, local access networks (LANs), and by internet service providers (ISPs) like us who are building fiber networks to deliver high-speed, high-capacity communications services to the businesses and residents we serve.

Fiber is known for being “future-proof,” meaning the fiber we install today will be able to handle increased data loads as the need for more speed continues to grow. Fiber technology makes it possible for CUA to deliver internet speeds up to 2.5 Gig (2,500 Mbps, megabits per second).

Fiber is more reliable than other types of networks and less prone to interference and complications from lightning and other natural elements. One additional advantage is that fiber speeds are the same for downstream and upstream speeds. Many inferior current internet delivery technologies have either slower overall speeds, or much slower upload speeds than download speeds. Fiber is designed for two-way data transfer, whereas wired systems were only designed for one-way.

Not only is fiber faster and more reliable than options like cable or DSL, but access to fiber internet can even raise the property value of homes. Indeed, one study indicates that having fiber internet can increase the value of a home by 3.1%! For the average-priced home in America, that could be a difference worth many thousands of dollars.

People are using the internet more than ever before. In fact, the average household already has more than twenty connected devices, and some experts project that number will triple in the next few years. Gaming consoles, smartphones, tablets, PC’s, thermostats, doorbells, security cameras, smart TV’s, Smart speakers, streaming media devices (Amazon Fire Stick TV, Apple TV, etc.) and many, many more devices are becoming part of our everyday lives. And, with the whole family using your home’s internet at the same time, the more bandwidth (speed) you have, the more you can do, without lagging or buffering.

Yes, CUA will provide a separate bill for its fiber services. CUA believes it can be helpful for customers to manage their fiber service costs separately. Another added benefit with CUA fiber is customers can choose their due date. This new feature with fiber billing is designed to accommodate the varied financial schedules of its customer base, offering greater control over personal finances. This flexibility helps alleviate payment stress and empowers customers to manage their bills on a timeline that works best for them.