When 5G Home Internet first caught on back in 2022, internet users were already criticizing it for slow and unreliable speeds. While there have been some improvements since then, affordability remains its only selling point against cable and fiber internet.
I’ve been a Cox Internet customer for 3 years now. Last month I decided to give 5G Home Internet a try to see where it stands now. Here I’ll give an overview of 5G Home Internet and Cox Internet along with the pros and cons of both. I’ll also help you decide which one to go with based on your priorities. Let me start with some facts about both from third-party sources.
Quick Facts
- Cox provides fiber-powered internet service that uses cable for the last mile. 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) uses cell phone towers to provide wireless home internet to the home.
- The fastest 5G Home Internet provider, T-Mobile, has slower median speeds than Cox Internet according to speed test data from Ookla.
- 5G Home Internet prioritizes cellphone users over home internet to avoid network congestion.
- 5G Home Internet speeds are less consistent than Cox Internet, with noticeably slow internet speeds during peak usage hours.
- T-Mobile 5G Internet has a median multi-server latency of 51 ms, whereas Cox Internet has a median multi-server latency of 25 ms.
- 5G signals can be affected by a number of factors, including the distance to the cell tower, the weather, nearby trees, and the placement of the 5G FWA receiver.
- Cox offers 4 to 5 internet speed tiers depending on where you live. T-Mobile and AT&T only have one tier while Verizon has two.
- Cox Internet has gig speeds everywhere, whereas T-Mobile advertises “typical download speeds between 72 – 245 Mbps.”
What is Cox Fiber-Powered Internet?
Fiber-powered internet is a high-speed internet connection technology that relies on optical fibers to transmit data at incredibly fast rates. Cox provides FTTP or 100% fiber connections in some areas while FTTN or hybrid fiber-coaxial connections in others. You can talk to Cox customer service or Cox en Español Here’s how fiber-powered internet works:
Fiber-Optic Cables: Fiber-powered internet utilizes thin strands of glass or plastic fibers to transmit data using light signals. These fibers are bundled together into cables.
Infrastructure: Fiber-optic infrastructure consists of a network of cables, including backbone cables that span long distances and last-mile connections that reach individual homes and businesses. FTTP uses fiber for the last mile while FTTN uses cable.
Data Transmission: Data is converted into light pulses, which are then sent through the fiber-optic cables. The light travels through the fibers, bouncing off the inner walls due to a principle called total internal reflection.
Pros
Blazing Fast Speeds: Fiber enables the fastest internet speeds available today. Cox already offers gig speeds everywhere it operates, while its 2-gig plan is coming to more areas.
Reliability: Cox fiber-powered internet is less susceptible to interference and signal loss from environmental factors like electrical interference or weather conditions, resulting in more reliable internet service.
Low Latency: Fiber-optic connections have very low latency, making online activities like gaming and video conferencing smoother and more responsive.
High Upload Speeds: Fiber offers symmetrical upload and download speeds, which is crucial for tasks like video conferencing and cloud-based work. Cox Internet has high upload speeds even in places where it doesn’t offer symmetrical internet.
Secure: Fiber-optic cables are difficult to tap into, making them a more secure option for data transmission compared to traditional copper cables.
Future Proof: Fiber can handle much more bandwidth than 5G, cable, or any other form of data transmission. Fiber infrastructure can easily accommodate increasing bandwidth demands, making it a future-proof choice for evolving digital needs.
Multiple Speed Tiers: Cox offers four internet tiers with speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps in all service areas. In some places, it also offers a fifth tier with a max speed of 2 Gbps.
Cons
Limited Availability: Fiber-optic internet is not widely available in all areas, especially in rural or remote regions, due to the high cost of installation and infrastructure development.
Installation Challenges: Installing fiber-optic infrastructure can be disruptive and costly, requiring extensive excavation and cable laying, which can inconvenience communities.
Cost: Fiber-powered internet tends to be more expensive than other types of broadband connections, both in terms of installation and monthly service fees.
What is 5G Home Internet?
5G Home Internet operates by using 5G wireless networks to transmit internet data to and from a customer’s home or business. Here’s a breakdown of the key components and processes involved:
5G Network Infrastructure: Telecommunication companies deploy 5G cell towers and small cells in urban and suburban areas to create a robust 5G network. These cells transmit high-frequency radio waves that carry data.
Customer Equipment: Subscribers are provided with a 5G-compatible modem or router. This device connects to the 5G network and converts the wireless signal into a usable internet connection within the premises.
Wireless Connection: The customer’s 5G receiver communicates with the nearest 5G cell, establishing a high-speed wireless connection.
Wi-Fi Distribution: The 5G router then distributes the internet signal throughout the home or business via Wi-Fi, allowing multiple devices to connect simultaneously.
Pros
Scalability: 5G networks can be expanded relatively easily by adding more cells or small cells, improving coverage and capacity as needed.
Wireless Flexibility: Since it’s wireless, there’s no need for physical cables or infrastructure installations, making it easier and quicker to set up in areas lacking traditional broadband access.
Affordability: 5G Home Internet plans are currently cheaper and cable and cable and fiber Internet plans, which is why many subscribers are cutting the cord.
Cons
Limited Coverage: As of now, 5G Home Internet is primarily available in select urban and suburban areas, leaving many rural regions without access.
Network Congestion: In densely populated areas, 5G networks can become congested, leading to slower speeds during peak usage times. The impact of congestion is worse for home subscribers as 5G prioritized cell phone users during times of congestion.
Weather and Obstruction: High-frequency 5G signals can be affected by weather conditions and physical obstructions like trees and buildings, potentially causing interruptions in service.
Equipment Costs: The initial setup cost, including the purchase or rental of a 5G modem or router, can be higher than traditional broadband equipment.
Privacy Concerns: Since 5G Home Internet relies on wireless signals, it may be susceptible to security and privacy risks. While encryption measures are in place, there is always a possibility of unauthorized access or data interception, making security an ongoing concern.
Environmental Impact: The deployment of 5G infrastructure, including cell towers and small cells, can have environmental implications. Concerns about the energy consumption and potential health effects of 5G technology have also been raised in some communities.
Limited Service Providers: Currently, only a few telecommunications companies offer 5G Home Internet services, reducing consumer choice. This limited competition can lead to higher prices and less incentive for providers to improve their services.
The Verdict
If you want affordable internet and don’t care about internet speeds, 5G Home Internet may be right for you. But if you want to fast speeds even at peak times, Cox Internet is the superior choice.
