Fiber Technology Upgrade: Frequently Asked Questions

Sonic is committed to building the nation’s fastest and most reliable fiber-optic network. As our network grows, Sonic Fiber is available to more homes. Our goal is to assure that existing customers are upgraded from legacy or third-party technology to Sonic’s own Fiber network.

Sonic Fiber has such significant benefits over other technologies that customers are automatically upgraded when it becomes available at their home. Often during this upgrade, customers have questions about differences in their current service to their new service. Please see below for answers to frequently asked questions.

Why do I want to upgrade?

Reliability.  Fiber is not as sensitive to weather events as copper DSL is, and it’s also not subject to signal degradation.   If there is a problem that needs repair, the repairs are performed by in-house Sonic employees, which means we aren’t reliant on the incumbent phone company’s timeline to fix your service.

Speed.   Even if your connection is adequate for your needs today, the way we use the Internet is changing.   Distance learning, entertainment, and next-gen medical applications will demand more speed, and Sonic Fiber is scaled for the future.

It’s economical.  As the copper network changes and the incumbent migrates away, the costs associated with Copper service will continue to rise.

What is Sonic Fiber?

Sonic Fiber utilizes fiber-optic technology that uses light to transmit data as opposed to legacy technologies (typically delivered over copper phone lines). A Sonic Fiber connection enables your home for the fastest and most reliable connectivity technology available.

What are the differences between Sonic Fiber and my existing service?

The answer depends on which service you are upgrading from:

• Fusion DSL is a legacy connectivity technology that transfers data and voice service using electrical signals over copper line infrastructure that was built for telephones. Because of aging infrastructure and limitations of the technology, DSL is much more susceptible to outages than fiber, and can be compromised due to mitigating factors such as weather or electrical interference. Sonic leases the copper lines from the incumbent local carrier (AT&T) and this can cause delays in support and maintenance as opposed to a wholly owned network such as Sonic Fiber. DSL is significantly slower than Fiber. Further, the copper infrastructure is due to be discontinued in the coming years as technology transitions to Fiber.
• IPBB-C also utilizes legacy copper infrastructure to deliver DSL and voice service. Like Fusion DSL, IPBB-C shares the same technology constraints as listed above. Unlike Fusion DSL, Sonic does not lease these lines and the service is resold directly from AT&T. AT&T handles the installation and equipment which may delay support and maintenance. IPBB-C also utilizes the same technology that is slated to be discontinued in the coming years.
• IPBB-F is resold AT&T Fiber. IPBB-F will deliver performance similar to Sonic Fiber but since the installation, network and equipment is managed by AT&T, support and maintenance may be delayed. Sonic also offers faster service than available on AT&T Fiber in some markets.

Does Fiber service cost more than my existing service?

Nope! Sonic Fiber is our highest speed product and is offered at our lowest cost available. Because the network is wholly owned by Sonic, we are able to keep costs low, which is reflected in the product’s pricing.

Will I keep my phone service?

Yes, Sonic Fiber services have voice service available.

Does Sonic Fiber include a land-line powered phone line? Will my phone work in an emergency?

Sonic Fiber voice service is delivered with VoIP (Voice-over-IP) technology. Traditional land lines are powered from the central office and typically are operational when utility power is out. A battery backup device can be utilized with Sonic Fiber to ensure operation of both VoIP service and network connectivity during a power outage. A battery backup device can be purchased from a wide variety of retailers.

Does Sonic Fiber support Static IP addresses?

Sonic Fiber does not support public-facing static IPs, and most customers do not require them. If your particular network design requires static IP’s, a number of third party services and applications are available that provide dynamic DNS solutions that eliminate the need of ISP-provided static IP’s.

Can I keep my existing service if I do not want to upgrade?

Yes, but upgrading technology is highly recommended for a number of reasons: Sonic Fiber is faster, cheaper, and more reliable than other technologies. That is why we upgrade customers automatically once their address qualifies.

However, if you do wish to retain legacy service, you can do so.

Because our costs are significantly higher when delivering service over copper, a $20/month legacy technology fee will be added to your bill to cover the overhead of Sonic supporting these legacy technologies with a diminishing number of customers.