Many of the differences between fiber and cable can be chalked up to the way they transmit information. Fiber-optic technology uses small, flexible strands of glass to transmit the information as light. The strands are wrapped in a bundle. Many of the differences between fiber and cable can be chalked up to the way they transmit information. Fiber-optic technology uses small, flexible strands of glass to transmit the information as light. The strands are wrapped in a bundle and protected with layers of plastic, making fiber faster, clearer, and able to travel great distances. Fiber c. Because of differences in transmitting technology, fiber-optic services generally offer better quality. Most notably, fiber is faster. Fiber speeds typically range from 250 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps. It would take you less than 10 seconds to download a two-hour movie with 1,000 Mbps (versus 10+ minutes on a 20 Mbps connection). These speeds far outpace th. For customers, availability will be the starkest difference between fiber-optic and cable service. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has estimated that only about 14% of the U.S. can access fiber-optic speeds of 1,000 Mbps or more. By the same measure, cable internethas 88% nationwide coverage at speeds of 25 Mbps or more. That means you'. For most people, cable technology offers great entertainment service. Its higher-tier internet speeds can support a full household of internet users. We'd also recommend cable for people who want to bundle their services to keep prices down. From what we've seen, fiber's TV options are pretty limited, and providers will often contract another provi.