State of Fiber 2025 Research: Consumer Demand, Market Momentum & Strategic Imperatives

Fiber connectivity is gaining ground fast—with more than 76.5 million U.S. homes now passed, marking a 13% increase from 2024, and adoption on the rise, reaching more than 45%. But as infrastructure expands, are consumers fully on board?

To find out, Amdocs commissioned a survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers, conducted by Dynata, to explore not just how widely fiber is available, but how it’s perceived, who’s adopting it, and what barriers remain. The results reveal key opportunities for communications service providers (CSPs) to better engage today’s increasingly connected customers who have more choices than ever before.

Here are some of the key findings:

Fiber Familiarity Is High, But Education Can Unlock Further Adoption

Most consumers (81%) say they’re at least somewhat familiar with fiber. However, nearly a third (27%) still aren’t sure if it’s worth the investment—particularly Baby Boomers (39%) who say they don’t know enough to judge. This indicates that while awareness is strong, efforts to educate consumers on its overall benefits can go further.

By offering clear, relatable information about fiber’s benefits—speed, reliability, long-term value— CSPs can build greater consumer confidence and help more households make informed decisions. Doing so supports both business growth and broader digital inclusion efforts. And as disparities persist—especially in rural and underserved areas—partnering with public sector initiatives to close the digital divide becomes increasingly urgent.

Millennials Are Driving Fiber Demand—for Themselves and Their Families

Millennials are key, with 49% reporting they currently use fiber—the highest of any generation. While this may feel like just another statistic, it’s a big one; as the sandwich generation, many are balancing the needs of children and aging parents. They’re also the most likely to view fiber as a “must-have” investment (43%).

For CSPs, this is a strong signal. Messaging and offerings that recognize the unique needs of this sandwich generation can resonate deeply, helping convert awareness into long-term customer relationships.

Men Show Greater Willingness to Invest in Top-Tier Internet

While fiber appeals across demographics, the research reveals notable gender-based differences in willingness to pay more for high-performance plans. Sixty-two percent of men say they’d spend more for faster, more reliable service, compared to 51% of women. Similarly, 49% of men report being very familiar with fiber’s benefits, versus just 27% of women.

This highlights an opportunity to expand engagement. By addressing different decision-making priorities and emphasizing real-life benefits—whether for work-from-home parents, online learners, or streaming households—CSPs can appeal to a broader base with targeted, inclusive messaging.

Meeting the Moment: Speed, Scale, and Smart Offerings

Demand for high-performance connectivity is surging—and consumers increasingly view fiber as the answer. In fact, 54% say expanding fiber access in their area is important or essential, signaling both urgency and opportunity.

For CSPs, this is more than a growth moment—it’s a chance to lead. Accelerating rollout through strategic partnerships and launching purpose-built fiber brands can unlock first-mover advantages, especially in competitive markets where fiber is the preferred option when all else is equal.

Innovation will be key. Flexible pricing, ultra-fast installation, guaranteed uptime, and smart home integration are quickly becoming differentiators. In a market where reliability is expected, CSPs that act swiftly and creatively can set the pace for the next era of connectivity.

What’s the Takeaway?

To fully capitalize on growing fiber demand and strengthen consumer relationships, CSPs can consider the following strategic actions:

• Enhance Consumer Education

Provide clear, accessible information on the benefits of fiber—speed, reliability, long-term value—particularly for audiences that may feel less confident making technology choices.

• AI-Powered Applications

As smart home assistants to real-time translations become household staples, the demand for ultra-reliable, low-latency networks will continue to rise. CSPs will have to embrace intelligent network planning and AI-driven service optimization to meet these evolving expectations and future-proof their offerings.

• Engage Millennial Decision-Makers

Craft messaging and services that reflect the multi-generational role of Millennials. Highlight solutions that benefit whole households, including remote work, streaming, online learning, and elder care.

• Tailor Offers to Consumer Priorities

Recognize different household needs and values. Consider flexible plans, premium service tiers, and messaging that resonates with both performance-driven consumers and those prioritizing value.

• Differentiate Through Experience

As fiber becomes more common, experience becomes the differentiator. Focus on customer care, smart home add-ons, and streamlined installation to turn service into loyalty.

• Build Trust Through Partnerships

Collaborate with communities and public sector partners to expand access in underserved areas. Position fiber not just as a service, but as an essential utility that empowers economic and educational opportunity.

Further, as CSPs scale—both organically and through M&A—trusted partnerships will be key to navigating growth and innovation.

“As operators continue to grow organically and explore expansion through mergers and acquisitions, they need a trusted partner to support them across the journey—from strategic consulting to on-the-ground fiber deployment,” said Rob Lammens, SVP of Fiber at Amdocs. “Amdocs’ FiberONE offering brings that vision to life and has the potential to disrupt the current ecosystem, accelerating progress across the industry.”

A Shared Path Forward

With 57% of consumers willing to pay more for reliable service, the appetite for premium-tier connectivity is strong. CSPs that align their offerings with real-world needs—like remote work, virtual schooling, and multi-device homes—can both serve and grow these customer segments.

The story of fiber in 2025 is one of progress, promise, and partnership. By continuing to invest in infrastructure, enhance education, and tailor offerings, CSPs can help consumers unlock the full potential of fiber, and thrive in an increasingly connected world.