First, what is a fiber internet connection? 

Fiber-optic internet, commonly called fiber internet or simply “fiber,” is a broadband internet connection that uses fiber optic technology, which is a very thin and powerful type of cable. It transmits uninterrupted signals effortlessly and carries more information per mile than older technologies.

The majority of fiber termination devices currently deployed are capable of a minimum of 1Gbps. Newer technologies can push as much as 10Gbps to a residential customer home, with very low latency/lag time. It can also send data at 70% of the speed of light.

How can a fiber internet connection improve sustainability?

There is an increasing focus on reducing damage to the environment, and many companies are looking for ways to be more sustainable. One way companies can become more sustainable is through their internet connection. There are a number of ways that businesses can access the internet, but some of them leave a larger carbon footprint than others. The internet produces 300 million tons of carbon each year, which has a substantial impact on the environment. Fiber has minimal ecological impact, reduces waste, consumes very little energy and helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the greatest benefits of fiber optics from a sustainability standpoint is its low energy consumption levels. Compared to cable internet, fiber optic consumes up to 12 times less energy when transmitting data.

Not only does fiber offer the fastest speeds on the market, but it is also a greener internet solution. In the very near future, the use of fiber to deliver high-speed reliable internet services will be the only technology promoting sustainability. It will increase green energy, reducing waste to help improve society overall.

It is also a better alternative to many of the other forms of internet connectivity, including:

• DSL, which makes use of existing phone lines
• Cable internet, which uses the same cable connections as television

What are the other benefits of fiber internet on the environment as well as your business?

Fiber requires fewer materials than DSL or cable internet. Both DSL and cable use copper wire to transmit the data across the internet. Copper mining has been shown to be dangerous and harmful to the environment.

Reduces carbon footprint

Getting rid of the need for copper will reduce your overall carbon footprint. Environmental News Network has praised this new technology for its contributions to lowering our environmental impacts. Think of all of the copper wire that might be spared or recycled as a result.

Fiber internet is also more sustainable when it comes to natural elements. Fiber will not crash the way that DSL or cable does during thunderstorms, which can wipe out thousands of connections. Fiber is hardy and rarely requires any kind of repair. It also uses less energy than copper wire transmissions and it can be transmitted further distances, which requires less overall hardware than other technologies.

Providing for a more sustainable future and improving society overall

“These new networks have the potential to move our state towards a more sustainable future. They can change how work gets done, and reduce the need to travel or own a car. Abundant bandwidth creates new opportunities to develop sensors to track and communicate environmental indicators, like how warm it is in your bedroom or how much nitrate is in the water coming out of your faucet”.

From a North Carolina State article on fiber improving sustainability. 

Reduces repair staff costs

If fewer repairs are required for a fiber connection, that means fewer repair people on the job. There will be fewer people driving from site to site, emitting carbon all along the way, since they are simply not needed.

Repair time reduction

When repairs are needed, they are done much faster than copper wire equivalents.

Fiber can keep up with the increasing demands for bandwidth and streaming. There is no need to have additional wires installed or updates to increase the speed of fiber internet. Instead, it maintains its speed regardless. It is separate from the old framework, which allows it to make use of modern technology effortlessly.

What do you need to take advantage of a fiber optic internet connection?

Fiber optic cables have not been installed everywhere just yet, though the availability is increasing as the demand grows and grants are provided to install more fiber networks.

Fiber is just one way that you can make a difference and reduce your carbon footprint, but the impact is substantial. As more companies make the choice to switch, they are giving the environment a better chance at sustainability.

Ready to learn more?

If you have questions and want to learn more about the benefits of fiber internet, we invite you to get in touch with us!