Fibre Optic Broadband

Fibre optic broadband makes it possible to access the internet at almost unbelievable speeds - up to 30 Mbps, and even 50 Mbps in some locations. At the same time, it provides broadband television programming equal to the digital quality of satellite TV at very competitive rates. Fibre Optic Systems (FiOS) are opening new gateways for broadband and television internet services, and this is great news for residential and business consumers craving faster internet speeds.

Not only does fibre optic broadband improve productivity and communications capability, but it also provides a new option for entertainment. Fibre optic broadband levels the playing field previously dominated by cable and satellite companies.

Implications for the consumer

With fibre optic broadband, the consumer gets a new and better service alternative at a reasonable cost, more productivity on the internet, and expanded entertainment choices.

How it works

There are two main types of broadband. One uses copper phone wire (ADSL broadband) and the other uses fibre optics. Fibre optic cable uses glass as thin as human hair to transmit emails, music, movies and so on across the internet. ADSL broadband, on the other hand, uses copper cables and speed is lost over long distances. The speed you get with ADSL therefore depends on the distance your home is from the local BT exchange.

Unlike current high-speed broadband technology that transmits data over copper and coaxial cable lines, fibre optic technology operates over glass fibre transmission lines designed for optimum speed and capacity. All of this happens because laser-generated pulses of light send data at incredible speeds along hair-thin strands of glass fibre. The end result is that FiOS provides broadband service at the speed of light and the capability to do a huge amount more than regular broadband.

Access

As of 2008, Virgin Media were the only big player in the fibre optic market, offering up to 20Mb speeds and planning to launch 50Mb. By comparison, the maximum speed with standard ADSL is 8Mb. BT was planning to offer a super-fast fibre optic network in up to 10 million homes by 2012, with speeds of up to 100Mb. However, fibre optic broadband services from Virgin Media in 2008 were not available in every home, covering around 45% of UK households. Their TV service gives access to over 500 movies on demand and you can benefit from their V+ box which allows you to pause and rewind live TV.

A short history of fibre optic technology

Factors that make fibre optic technology superior include:

Speed: Capability up into the gigabits.
Bandwidth: Large carrying capacity.
Distance: FiOS signals transmit further without the need to be refreshed.
Resistance: Greater resistance to external interference.
Reduced maintenance: Fibre optic cables cost much less to maintain.
Versatility: Easily handles massive data traffic, along with voice and video feeds.

Taken together, these features mean reduced operating costs for providers. In turn, the savings benefit is passed on to the consumer in the form of lower monthly subscription costs. Offering unparalleled service and satisfaction for consumers, fibre optic broadband networks are expanding rapidly.

FiOS TV

Currently, the maximum connection speed for a FiOS internet service is 30 Mbps to 50 Mbps in some areas. A FiOS television service provides up to 200 channels of digital and high definition programming that's crystal clear like satellite TV. There's no need to install a satellite dish antenna to receive the service. The fibre optic network provides constant access to FiOS TV programming via a router and set top box connected directly to your television set. This ensures delivery of the highest quality digital picture and sound on all stations, all the time.

Most important, with FiOS TV you do not have to contend with issues associated with satellite TV reception such as signal delay due to satellite latency or picture loss from excessive rain or snowfall. This comes as a welcome relief to those who reside in areas that receive heavy precipitation at certain times of the year.