Fiber-Optic Broadband
The Pros and Cons of Fiber Internet
Fiber-optic broadband internet service is being offered by more telecom providers. Fiber offers the fastest data transfer speeds available, unlike cable and DSL internet services. It uses fiber-optic cables to carry data at the speed of light, over great distances and with no degradation in signal strength. Full signal fidelity is entirely possible with Fiber and carriers have the capacity to bundle it with both phone and television services.
The primary drawback to Fiber for most customers is availability. Installing a fiber-optic network often involves high construction costs due to the underground infrastructure needed to carry the cables. The fiber-optic technology also faces a problem with scalability. When scaled for large regions (such as nationally) the fiber optic cables run the risk of bending underground due to shifting and weather. Bent fiber-optic cables can decelerate and even bleed light signals - which could ultimately lead to permanent damage of the fiber-optics in the cable.
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