Every week somebody asks me, "Dan, is fiber internet worth it?" My honest answer is the one nobody likes: it depends. Here in Buffalo, fiber internet is a real choice for a lot of families now, and in Buffalo, MN, you can check your exact address in about a minute. But "worth it" depends on your address, your household, and what you're putting up with today. Here are the five questions I'd ask before you change anything.
1. Is fiber actually available at my address?
This one sounds obvious, but it saves everybody a lot of time. Fiber can be on one street and not on the next one over. Before you compare anything else, check what's actually available where you live. The best connection is the one you can actually get. If fiber isn't at your address yet, I'll tell you straight and help you figure out your next-best option.
2. How does my household really use the internet?
Make a quick list of what happens in your house on a normal weeknight. Is somebody on a work video call? Are the kids streaming, gaming, or doing homework? Is anyone backing up photos or sending big files?
Pay extra attention to uploads, meaning what you send out. Most people only think about download speed, but video calls, cloud backups, and posting videos all depend on upload speed. Fiber's upload speed is as fast as its download, and that's often the part people notice first. If you want the side-by-side version, I put together a plain-English chart on my compare page that shows how fiber, cable, 5G Home, satellite, and DSL reach your home and handle uploads.
3. How steady is my connection when everyone's online?
Speed on paper is one thing. How your connection holds up at 7 p.m., when the whole neighborhood is streaming, is another. Ask yourself:
- Does the video buffer at the same time every evening?
- Do video calls freeze or drop when someone else in the house starts streaming?
- Does a storm or a heavy snow knock your connection around?
If you answered "yes" more than once, that's a good sign a different type of connection could make a real difference. Fiber carries your connection as light through glass strands, so it tends to stay steady at busy times and isn't affected by how far you are from the provider. (The compare page goes into this a bit more.)
4. What does switching actually involve?
Changing internet shouldn't feel like a hostage negotiation. Before you switch, find out:
- Your current terms. Are you in a contract? Is there an early termination fee? Do you have equipment to return?
- The new terms. Is there a contract? Are there equipment or installation charges? Will your price change after an intro period?
- The install itself. Does someone need to come inside? How long does it usually take? Do you need to be home?
Write the answers down. If anyone gets vague, that's an answer too.
5. Who do I call when something goes wrong?
Every connection has a bad day eventually. What matters is what happens next. Can you reach a real person? Do they know your area? Will they actually fix it, or just read you a script? For a lot of my neighbors, having someone local to call matters just as much as the speed.
So, is fiber internet worth it for you?
If fiber is available at your address, your household does a lot at once (especially video calls and uploads), and your current connection struggles at busy times, then fiber is usually worth a serious look. If you mostly check email and the weather, you may be fine where you are, and I'll tell you that too. I work independently with multiple providers, so my job is to help you choose, not to push you.
FAQ
Is fiber internet worth it if I only browse and stream a little? Maybe not, and that's okay. If your current service is steady and the price works for you, there's no need to switch just to switch. Fiber shines most in busy households and for anyone who sends a lot of data, like video calls and backups.
Will I need new equipment to switch to fiber? Usually some equipment is involved, but it varies by provider. Ask what's included, whether there's any charge, and whether your current router can stay or should go.
How do I find out if fiber internet is available in Buffalo, MN? Use the address check below, or call or text me and I'll look it up with you. Availability can change from one street to the next, so checking your exact address is the only sure way.
Thanks for reading. If you've got a question I didn't answer here, call or text me at 763-888-8211. I'm happy to talk it through, no pressure.
— Dan Amundson, Fiber Is Better
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In Buffalo? Check your address at BuyBuffaloFiber.com or call or text 763-373-9272.