Fiber internet from Comm1 (Communications 1 Network) outperforms cable and DSL in several important ways. First, fiber-optic cables transmit data using light signals, which travel faster and over longer distances without degrading in quality. Copper-based technologies like cable and DSL lose signal strength over distance and are more vulnerable to interference from electrical sources and physical wear on the lines.

Second, Comm1’s fiber network is not a shared medium in the same way cable is. Cable internet customers in a neighborhood share available bandwidth, which is why speeds often slow down noticeably in the evenings when everyone gets home and logs on. Fiber connections are more dedicated and consistent, delivering the speeds you’re paying for throughout the day.

Third, our fiber plans are all symmetrical — your upload speeds match your download speeds. This is a major advantage for video calls, uploading photos or videos, cloud storage syncing, live game streaming, and any remote work that requires sending data, not just receiving it. Cable and DSL plans typically offer dramatically slower upload speeds than downloads.

Finally, fiber infrastructure simply requires less maintenance over time. The cables don’t corrode or degrade the way copper does, which translates to fewer outages and a more dependable connection for your home or business. Comm1’s fiber network was built to serve north-central Iowa for the long term, and that investment shows in the quality of service our customers experience every day.