How Fiber Optic Is Going To Change Your Life

How Fiber Optic Is Going To Change Your Life Whether you run a small business, have a side hustle, or just use the internet for entertainment, fiber optic is coming.  And its going to affect you.  In a BIG way! What is it? While fiber optics have been around for a long time, youre probably most familiar with it in lighting and display presentations.  So you already know that its optical fibers that transmit light.  As it applies to the internet, its flexible glass fiber.  You probably dont 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 its expanding rapidly.  And when it becomes available, youll 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, its twice that.   In terms of what that means for data transmission, its pretty much instantaneous. What does it cost? In the earliest deployments, fiber optic internet systems were significantly more expensive than traditional copper wire systems.  Thats changing rapidly.  In the newest installations, the cost of fiber optic access is comparable to the old copper wire systems.  Plus, with fiber optics theres the option for insanely fast access that simply isnt available at any price elsewhere. And dont worry.  You wont 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 its transferred within the framework of your existing wiring structure. When will I get it? 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 its 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. Image credit Main