Articles
•Oct 29 2026
The impact of fiber internet on consumers and small businesses
Updated October 2026
2026 Update: The privacy and security concerns in this survey are more relevant than ever. In September 2026, Google's Threat Intelligence Group reported that cybercriminals are moving from simple AI prompts to more autonomous attack workflows, in one case completing a credential-harvesting campaign in under six hours. And in October, Google announced expanded Android protections against scam calls, texts, and AI voice cloning. These developments reinforce what our respondents told us: families and small businesses want stronger security, better tools to protect their children, and more control over their personal data.
As technology becomes increasingly integral to our daily routines, the demand for faster and more reliable internet connections has never been greater. At the forefront of this technological evolution is fiber optic internet, offering future-proof speed and reliability for consumers of online activity, such as families, businesses, and the government. This report highlights key findings from two recent Kinetic surveys of 1,099 respondents across its 18-state footprint. It sheds light on consumer preferences, data privacy concerns, and the critical role of internet security in modern households and small businesses.
Data Privacy Concerns
With increased reliance on the internet at work and at home, data privacy remains a significant concern for internet users. Eight in 10 respondents (80%) expressed some level of unease, wishing they knew more about how their personal data is being used.
The top area of concern is how personal data is used by social media companies (53%), the government (46%) and search engines (43%).
Majority wants more info on use of personal data.
• 42% Strongly Agree
• 38% Somewhat Agree
By a margin of 14 points, respondents in the USA are less concerned with how foreign governments use their data (32%) and more concerned with how the U.S. government uses their data (46%).
A majority ‘strongly agree’ (46%) and ‘somewhat agree’ (32%) that they disliked their browsing being tracked by companies.
Only a third of internet users report they strongly agree (11%) or somewhat agree (25%) that they are in control of their personal data. Nearly a third (29%) are concerned about how retailers and e-commerce companies use consumer data.
Only 14% of respondents indicated they were not worried about how their data was used.
Nearly half of respondents reported some level of unease sharing their data for free services, highlighting a complex relationship with data privacy and modern internet-based activities (‘strongly agree,’ 22%; or ‘somewhat agree,’ 24%).
And when it comes to using free public Wi-Fi, a minority of internet users said they “felt completely safe” using a business’ free Wi-Fi.
These concerns highlight the importance of secure home and business internet connections, which offer a safer alternative to potentially unsecure public networks.
Safety of public Wi-Fi
- 32% I feel somewhat safe
- 29% I have some doubts
- 6% I feel completely unsafe
- 24% I feel completely safe
- 9% I don’t use business’ free Wi-Fi
Are you concerned about how any of the following use your personal data?
- Social media — 53%
- US government — 46%
- Search engines — 43%
- Internet browsers — 38%
- Tracking apps (e.g. sleep trackers, exercise apps) — 33%
- Foreign governments — 32%
- Retailers/E-Commerce — 29%
- Voice assistant — 28%
- Websites you visit — 28%
- Political campaigns — 26%
- Device manufacturers — 24%
- Smart home products — 24%
- None of the above — 14%
Ensuring data privacy and security is crucial in the digital age. It is essential for business leaders to prioritize the protection of customers’ personal information while ensuring a secure online experience. Our fiber optic internet service, combined with the Kinetic Secure solution, delivers not only outstanding speed and reliability but also the assurance of security and peace of mind. Stephen Farkouh, Chief Information Officer at Kinetic
Protecting Children Online
Child protection is a top priority for many internet users, with many respondents stating they implement some form of restriction on internet usage for children. The top restrictions include:
- 30% have parental controls
- 27% prohibit devices during meals
- 21% have screen time limits
- 20% supervise usage
- 16% restrict devices before bedtime
Enhancing Online Safety for Families with Kinetic Secure
“Kinetic Fiber Internet, combined with Kinetic Secure, includes powerful parental control features that ensure a safer online space for children,” says Stephen Farkouh, Chief Information Officer at Kinetic. “We are dedicated to providing parents with the tools they need to effectively protect their children’s internet usage. Recognizing that many existing solutions can be complicated, Kinetic Secure offers a comprehensive and intuitive solution that makes it easy for parents to manage their children’s online activities.”
The Growing Demand for Fiber Optic Internet
Fiber internet is gaining significant traction across American households and small businesses. Survey data reveals that a quarter (26%) of respondents currently use fiber optic connections, with many appreciating its incredible speed and reliability. Notably, a third (32%) of households enjoy internet speeds between 100-500 Mbps, reflecting a growing demand for high-speed internet that fiber optic technology can efficiently meet. However, despite the significant advantages of fiber over other technologies like fixed wireless and satellite internet, data indicate more education is needed about the benefits of fiber.
Some fiber benefits include
- Fast speeds. Fiber offers faster download and upload speeds than other technologies. This translates to quicker file transfers, smoother video streaming, and faster page loads, enhancing the overall internet experience for both consumers and businesses.
- Unmatched reliability. Fiber is less susceptible to interference and signal degradation, providing a more stable and consistent connection.
- Exceptional bandwidth. Fiber supports higher bandwidth, allowing multiple devices to connect and operate efficiently without compromising speed.
- Enhanced security. Fiber is inherently more secure, as it is difficult to tap or intercept without being detected. This provides greater protection for sensitive data, reducing the risk of cyber threats and breaches, making it suitable for both personal and business use.
- Future-ready technology. Fiber is built to handle future technological advancements and increasing internet demands.
Daily Internet Activities
Internet use is a staple of daily life. Respondents reported that the most frequent online activities are using social media (77%), communications like email and IMs (76%), and streaming services for TV, music, and movies (73%). Weekly engagements in hobbies (33%) and online shopping (36%) further emphasize the Internet’s central role in an all-around lifestyle experience. Fiber optic internet, such as Kinetic Fiber, helps ensure these activities are ultra-smooth with ultra-low lag. Notably in this report, a very small minority reported using internet for work daily (18%).
The Advantages for Small Businesses
Small businesses also stand to benefit significantly from fiber optic internet. With faster upload and download speeds, greater reliability, and enhanced video quality, fiber internet supports efficient business operations. Moreover, secure connections help protect sensitive business data, reducing the risks associated with using public Wi-Fi.
“Fiber optic internet is a game-changer for small businesses,” says Ben Midanek, Chief Marketing Officer at Kinetic. “It helps ensure that businesses can operate smoothly without the interruptions caused by slower connections. This reliability is crucial for maintaining productivity and competitiveness in today’s market.”
The findings from this report underscore the critical role of fiber optic internet in meeting the demands of modern households and small businesses. As consumers and businesses seek faster, more reliable connections and express concerns about data privacy and security, Kinetic Fiber Internet stands out as an excellent solution. Visit www.gokinetic.com to learn more and make the switch to fiber optic internet today. Transform your digital experience with Kinetic Fiber.
Security Considerations
When shopping for security software, consumers should consider the following:
- Comprehensive Coverage. Ensure the software provides protection for all devices, including mobile phones and tablets, not just PCs and laptops.
- Depth of Protection. Look for features beyond basic antivirus, such as online banking and shopping protection, browsing protection, and parental controls.
- Update Frequency. Choose software that updates frequently (at least several times a day) to protect against the latest threats, as opposed to free products that may update only every 1-2 weeks.
- Customer Support. Opt for software that offers 24/7/365 premium technical support, which can include home service repairs if needed.
- Bundled Solutions. Consider solutions that bundle internet service with security software for convenience and optimized integration.
About this data
This study includes data from two surveys conducted July 25-31, 2024, and June 28–October 7, 2024, of more than 1,099 respondents aged 18 to 60 years old across the 18-state Kinetic footprint. Participants were recruited from consumer panels and do not have a relationship with Kinetic or the survey research company used. The sample was balanced across age, gender, and market.