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Tag: Wireless Internet

Symmetrical vs Asymmetrical: Which Internet Connection Fits You?

Posted on by Abi Breaur

Ever since the Internet became ubiquitous in our lives, the question of download and upload speeds has perplexed the everyday person. Shouldn’t there just be one speed? Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Two types of connections determine the speed and reliability of Internet service – symmetrical and asymmetrical. Each type has pros and cons, and understanding them will make it easier to decide which one to use.

What’s the Difference?

Symmetrical connections are exactly what they sound like—a connection with equal download and upload speeds. For example, a 500/500 megabits per second (Mbps) symmetrical connection provides 500 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload speeds. On the other hand, an asymmetrical connection does not offer equal download/upload speeds. For instance, a 60/3 Mbps connection means 60 Mbps for downloading and only 3 Mbps for uploading. Asymmetrical speeds are common in traditional Internet connections, such as cable or fixed wireless.

Benefits of Symmetrical Connections


The main advantage of a symmetrical connection is its consistency and the guaranteed upload and download speeds. However, symmetrical connections typically come at a higher cost. Additional benefits of symmetrical connections include:

  • Faster (and larger) file uploads. Uploading files to the cloud can feel like it takes forever, especially with large video or graphic files. With symmetrical speeds, uploads are just as fast as downloads, saving time and speeding up task completion.
  • Elimination of Internet roadblocks. Slow uploads and dropped video calls often happen when insufficient bandwidth causes data congestion during peak traffic periods. Symmetrical connections address these problems by providing consistent upload speeds, ensuring smoother performance, and minimizing disruptions to productivity.
  • Enhanced access to cloud services. Thanks to its flexibility, secure storage, and seamless team collaboration, cloud computing has become increasingly popular among businesses and consumers. However, reliable access to cloud services depends on fast upload speeds. Symmetrical connections ensure that cloud services remain accessible and perform at their best.

Benefits of Asymmetrical Connections

The biggest advantage of asymmetrical connections is their cost-effectiveness. An asymmetrical connection can be a practical choice for budget-conscious users who are willing to compromise on performance. Key benefits of asymmetrical connections include:

  • Affordability. Asymmetrical connections are usually more budget-friendly, ranging from 10% to 15% less expensive than their symmetrical counterparts.
  • Fast download speeds. While uploads may take longer with asymmetrical connections, you can still enjoy high-speed downloading. If uploading is not a high priority for your business or personal use, investing in an asymmetrical connection might be a more reasonable option.
  • Availability. Since asymmetrical was the first connection type supplied by early Internet service providers, it is more accessible because of its legacy.

What’s the Best Fit?

Choosing between symmetrical and asymmetrical connections depends on specific Internet usage and requirements. Both connections have their benefits, but what works best for your situation depends on the usage of the Internet in your individual case. Consider the following factors to determine which option is the best fit.

In work environments, investing in symmetrical speeds is worthwhile if:

  • The work environment is distributed across a large geographic area, with multiple sites and locations, especially if a significant remote workforce is present.
  • Work heavily relies on collaboration tools within the office environment.
  • The migration or existing use of cloud-based applications and services such as Google Drive, Office 365, Salesforce, etc. are required.

Symmetrical speeds are especially beneficial for home use if:

  • Home applications, such as environmental monitoring systems or entertainment systems requiring consistent bandwidth, necessitate unswerving download and upload speeds.
  • The type of Internet connection affects speed, such as fiber connections that offer higher performance, making symmetrical speeds more appropriate.
  • The number of users and types of usage in a household requires consistent and reliable speeds, especially with the performance demands required to support remote work and online gaming.

For work environments, asymmetrical connections might fulfill needs if:

  • The work environment is small, with only a few employees.
  • The work applications and usage patterns are not bandwidth-intensive or resource-heavy.
  • There is infrequent use of large file sharing such as videos and graphics.

In terms of home usage, asymmetrical speeds might fulfill your needs if:

  • The need for high Internet for devices and applications isn’t required
  • The number of users is small
  • Entertainment platforms don’t require a lot of bandwidth
  • Availability of high-speed Internet, such as fiber to the home, is not accessible

Most cable internet connections operate with asymmetrical bandwidth, delivering data significantly faster in one direction than the other. One of the selling points for fiber Internet is higher-performing connectivity, reaching speeds of 10 Gig or more. On top of that, because it provides a symmetrical connection, no matter how fast your download speed is, the upload speed will be the same, so data-intensive applications such as large file transfers, videoconferencing, streaming, gaming, and more will perform more optimally.

The choice of internet connectivity should be guided by current and anticipated future demands. A comprehensive assessment of both work and home needs and goals can help individuals make informed decisions and avoid potential regrets later on.

If you need assistance, Utah Broadband’s team of experts is here to help assess your needs and recommend the best solutions to meet your goals. Our customer support team is available to assist you via phone at 801-717-2000 or by email at Support@utahbroadband.com.

Eight Myths About Fiber Internet Debunked

Posted on by Abi Breaur

When technological advances occur and are not widely understood, mistruths or myths often arise around them. Fiber Internet is no exception, as it has burst onto the scene, offering unmatched speeds. As the deployment of fiber Internet increases and knowledge grows, myths will be dispelled, and fiber will take its place, as the telephone did over 100 years ago, as the technology for the next century.

We thought we’d start early in fiber’s lifecycle to debunk the most common myths about it and shed a little light on what is the single fastest means for delivering high-speed Internet.

Myth 1—Fiber Internet Is Too New and Unproven

Fiber has been around for a long time. In the 1880s, Alexander Graham Bell first used light to deliver sound, but it wasn’t until the late 1970s that its commercial application first happened. By the late 1990s, it began to increase and became widely used commercially by major network service providers for commercial and residential use ever since.

Myth 2—Fiber Internet is Costly and Out of The Reach for Most

While fiber Internet has traditionally been more costly, its prices have recently become more competitive. The question isn’t necessarily cost, but what’s the value? When understanding the benefits and features of fiber Internet over other solutions, fiber Internet offers the best value for performance, reliability, and speed. With government support, prices have been reduced even more dramatically for lower-income families.

Myth 3—Fiber Optic Cables Are Easily Broken

Fiber optic cables are indeed made of thin glass fibers, which might lead you to think they can be easily broken. However, these fibers are protected by a buffer coating that prevents damage, and thanks to the flexibility of the cables, fiber optic technology is quite durable. The main risk of damage typically comes from accidental cuts, such as during digging.

Myth 4—Fiber Internet Is Not For Residential Use

Because of fiber’s speed, many people think it must be exclusive to commercial use. Today’s homes are increasingly filled with a range of smart devices, requiring faster uploads and downloads without significant limits on the number of devices running simultaneously. From smartphones, gaming systems, and smart televisions to computers, tablets, and even video doorbells, homeowners are demanding the speed at which only fiber Internet can deliver.

Myth 5—Weather Disrupts Fiber Internet Easily

Put simply and directly, fiber optic cables are not vulnerable to harsh weather conditions. These cables can be placed in water, so heavy rain, snow, and wind do not impact the fiber Internet’s signal strength. While storm damage may harm cables above ground, the weather itself does not affect signals like what happens with cable Internet, satellite, or even telephony.

Myth 6—Fiber Internet Is No Different Than Cable, 5G, or Other Types of Broadband Connectivity

Fiber Internet is faster and more reliable than traditional cable and telephone technology, such as coaxial cable, copper DSL, and satellite Internet. Cable providers’ coaxial-based networks cannot deliver the speeds of fiber. The old copper-based DSL telephone network was great for the early days of dial-up, AOL, and CompuServe, but it cannot compete with fiber’s capabilities today. Furthermore, satellite Internet, while great for hard-to-get-to places, is costly and doesn’t provide the performance fiber Internet can.

Myth 7—Content Is Limited Over Fiber Internet

With fiber Internet, once the service is activated, one can sign up online for all the traditional streaming services such as Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, and others to get content and even traditional broadcast programming. The same is true for gaming. And this is only getting better as more traditional content providers offer attractive streaming bundles.

Myth 8—Accessibility Is the Biggest Downside of Fiber

Let’s be honest—the biggest, and perhaps the only, downside to fiber Internet is its availability. Since it’s a newer technology, fiber isn’t accessible to everyone yet; expanding it to all areas will take time. The great news is that availability is rapidly increasing, even for existing homes, driven by growing demand. Beyond that, fiber delivers superior service compared to other options and comes with virtually no drawbacks.

Final Thoughts

Fiber Internet is becoming more widely available, and as people experience it firsthand, many common myths will fade away. It’s fast, reliable, and future-proof, able to scale quickly to meet growing bandwidth needs. As more homes become “smart,” having a stable Internet connection will be crucial for everyday living, and fiber offers the ideal solution to meet that demand. Want to learn more about Fiber Internet? Reach out to our fantastic customer support team at 801-717-2000.

Utah Broadband CEO Ben Elkins to Speak at BBC Summit West

Posted on by Abi Breaur

Joins Other Panelists From Cityside Fiber, Incompass, Sonic, and Utopia Fiber to Discuss Issues Facing ISPs and Their Customers

Utah Broadband (UBB), Utah’s most trusted high-speed Internet service provider and a subsidiary of Boston Omaha Corporation (NYSE: BOC), announced today that UBB’s Chief Executive Officer Ben Elkins will participate on two panels at Broadband Communities Summit West (BBC Summit West) on October 30 in San Diego, CA.

This will be BBC Summit West’s first conference; however, it is a sister event to Broadband Communities’ highly successful conference in Houston, which has been held for 20 years. The conference in Houston had over 1,500 attendees from companies such as AT&T, Spectrum, Verizon, Frontier, and Cox Communities. BBC Summit West is on track to have 1,000 attendees and 120 industry-leading speakers at the San Diego event, which will run from October 30 to 31.

Elkins will participate in a panel at BBC Summit West at 10:05 a.m. on October 30 entitled “An Update from Service Providers,” along with representatives from Cityside Fiber, Incompass, Sonic, and Visionary Communications. The panel will offer insights into the current investment landscape, funding, and regulation for ISPs, including the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program. It will cover key policy updates, explore how networks are expected to evolve by 2030, and highlight the long-term benefits of fiber optic technology.

Elkins will participate in a second panel at 2:20 p.m. on the same day entitled How to Differentiate Your Network with Better Customer Experience, along with Harry and Utopia Fiber representatives. The panel will offer insights into key industry trends, including shifting customer expectations and the importance of fostering a customer-centric culture. It will discuss how Tier 2 and Tier 3 ISPs can meet and exceed these expectations and build lasting brand loyalty by leveraging customer feedback, such as Net Promoter Scores and other performance metrics.

 Elkins, in particular, is interested in delving into marketing tactics for both urban and rural communities.

“I am excited to be part of the BBC Summit West and to be on these panels with such prestigious industry leaders,” said Elkins. “The topics we will discuss are very rich and pertinent to service providers and their customers. I hope attendees will get a lot out of our sessions and the conference overall.”

About Broadband Communities

Broadband Communities Summit West is the newest addition to the Broadband Communities event portfolio, which is part of Total Telecom. The conference series offers leading events for community leaders, property owners, network infrastructure builders, and telco service providers to meet and discuss strategies for delivering connectivity for communities all over the United States. Celebrating its inaugural year, Broadband Communities Summit West offers a regional platform and focuses on how to connect every community in the Western United States with next-generation communications infrastructure – from densely populated cities to rural towns, multifamily properties to master planned developments, suburban areas to Native land and more.

Utah Broadband CEO Featured on Business Elevated Podcast

Posted on by Abi Breaur

UBB’s CEO to Discuss How Internet Connectivity is Important to Support Business in Utah and More

Utah Broadband (UBB), Utah’s most trusted high-speed Internet service provider and a subsidiary of Boston Omaha Corporation (NYSE: BOC), announced that Ben Elkin’s UBB’s CEO appeared on the Business Elevated Podcast produced by Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity on October 18. Elkins discussed broadband connectivity in Utah, its importance to businesses, and ways Internet service providers are working to get Utah residents access to the Internet through government programs such as the Affordable Connectivity Program and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program.

“Broadband connectivity has become a lifeline for businesses and consumers today,” Elkins said. “That’s why it is important to understand what ISPs such as UBB have to offer and how they work to provide connectivity to everyone. Our society relies heavily on connectivity, and broadband technology is an integral part of it. I hope this podcast has shed some light on the topic for organizations and consumers so they know how better to take advantage of its benefits.”

In the podcast, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Elkins about his recent move to Utah and his leadership overseeing broadband companies under Boston Omaha Broadband, including Arizona-based AireBeam and Utah Broadband. Elkins explained how the companies are pivotal in providing high-quality Internet services to each respective market and highlighted the growing demand for fiber connectivity due to the increasing number of Internet-connected devices. He also touches on the entrepreneurial culture in Utah and the strong demand for broadband services among businesses. Elkins emphasizes the company’s focus on maintaining high customer satisfaction and addressing bandwidth needs effectively.

The duo delved into the rising importance of high-speed Internet as more households adopt smart devices, spotlighting Utah Broadband’s efforts to meet future demands by upgrading its network to gigabit speeds. Elkins also highlighted the company’s customer-centric team, selective growth strategy, and dedication to improving Internet access in underserved rural areas of Utah, which is supported by federal infrastructure funding.

“I’ve worked in the Internet services industry for quite some time and have experience with ISPs around the country. What impresses me most about Salt Lake is the strong spirit of entrepreneurship within the business community,” Elkins said about the podcast. “Utah is extremely competitive with other states regarding the connectivity these entrepreneurs and consumers need. This is particularly impressive given the very nature of the state’s terrain and size. UBB is working to make it even better as Utah braces for further growth.”

About Utah Broadband

Utah Broadband has consistently been ranked one of the best Internet providers in Utah. Since 2002, Utah Broadband has proudly served communities of the Wasatch Front and Back and is known for providing customers with fast and reliable Internet speeds at a great value. Utah Broadband is a subsidiary of Boston Omaha Corporation (NYSE: BOC).

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