Fiber providers are actively rolling out their networks to new areas. But because individual fiber optic lines must be run to each house, installing fiber infrastructure is expensive and time-consuming. Google Fiber, for instance, has national ambitions but analysts have estimated the rollout will cost between $3,000 and $8,000 per household. That cost is so high that the internet giant has already pulled out of some markets. That high upfront cost and competition from existing DSL and cable networks mean fiber networks are initially targeting select areas, usually in large cities.
The benefits of fiber are so great though, that connections will eventually reach almost everyone. DSL providers currently maintaining their networks of aging copper wires will likely eventually invest in more reliable, up-to-date fiber optic networks instead. So if fiber hasn’t come to your ZIP code yet, hold tight. It's likely only a few years away.