Whether you run a small business, have a side hustle, or just use the internet for entertainment, fiber optic is coming. And it’s going to affect you. In a BIG way!
While fiber optics have been around for a long time, you’re probably most familiar with it in lighting and display presentations. So you already know that it’s optical fibers that transmit light. As it applies to the internet, it’s flexible glass fiber. You probably don’t have it yet because the distribution and control cable systems are not in place yet.
Presently, only about 25% of the U.S. is covered by fiber optic internet. But it’s expanding rapidly. And when it becomes available, you’ll most likely want to be among the first to opt in. Why? Think speed. Very. High. Speed. A good broadband connection over traditional systems has speeds typically in the 20 MBPS (megabits per second) range, with a few locations hitting up to 50. Fiber optic systems scream right by those numbers. Speeds of up to 500 MBPS are typical. In the Google fiber optic system, it’s twice that. In terms of what that means for data transmission, it’s pretty much instantaneous.
In the earliest deployments, fiber optic internet systems were significantly more expensive than traditional copper wire systems. That’s changing rapidly. In the newest installations, the cost of fiber optic access is comparable to the old copper wire systems. Plus, with fiber optics there’s the option for insanely fast access that simply isn’t available at any price elsewhere.
And don’t worry. You won’t have to re-wire your house or business. The fiber optic systems, at least at present, are delivery systems. They bring the data to you, and then it’s transferred within the framework of your existing wiring structure.
That varies widely depending the location of your business or home. As stated above, only about 25% of the U.S. is presently installed, but it’s on it way. To find out the latest on your particular location, call your internet provider, or refer to the government map that tracks broadband availability.
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