Fiber-Optic-Based Internet More than Just Faster Speeds

 By Stephen Gerard / Published March 2024

Access to fast and reliable fiber-optic-based internet is becoming an essential item for home buyers and renters. In the new normal, work-from-home environment, more and more buyers and renters are asking, “Does this home have access to fiber internet?” Gone are the days of 50Mb, 100Mb, and 500Mb internet connections. One gig/one gig symmetrical service (download speed is the same as the upload speed) is becoming the baseline of internet speed, and more people are needing these speeds. 

     Homes now have security cameras, leak detection, video doorbells, A/C controllers, and more, all needing internet access. This doesn’t take into account the countless mobile devices, tablets, laptops, TVs, etc. The list goes on and on. Even refrigerators have internal cameras, allowing consumers to peek inside from the grocery store and make sure there is milk! Students rely on having a fast and stable internet connection to do their homework and submit assignments. Do we all remember the time when COVID first arrived? The lockdown was bad enough, but can you imagine going through that again with no internet access?! How would we have had conducted our Zoom calls or ordered our groceries? The internet made working from home and business continuity possible. 

Photo by iStockphoto.com/jamesteohart

     For most homes, the question is not whether there is internet access, but rather, is it fast enough? Traditional DSL or copper (cable) internet is an old technology that provides asymmetrical speeds (download and upload speeds differ). Current widely available fiber-based internet speeds range from 1gig/1gig to 10gig/10gig, and those speeds will likely increase in the years to come as more and more technological advancements are made. Unlike fiber-optic cabling that uses lasers to produce light (photons), copper-based wiring uses electrons and has physical limitations. Having a fiber connection really does futureproof the home. 

     Fortunately, upgrading to fiber-optic-based internet is easier than most other home upgrades and typically costs the homeowner nothing. Don’t think fiber optics can only be installed in new construction. New fiber-optic cabling can be installed in any age of building, single-family home, or community. While there might be some slight disruption during construction and installation of the new fiber-optic infrastructure, that is a very small price to pay for the long-lasting benefits that fiber optics will bring. Luckily, Southwest Florida has several communication providers that can help homeowners and communities, even older ones, get the most benefit from high-speed internet access. 

     According to a study by the Fiber Broadband Association, fiber internet to the home at a speed of at least 1 gig can increase the home value by 3.1 percent. By installing fiber-optic cabling, property owners ensure that their homes are equipped to handle future technological demands, making the home more attractive to potential buyers. That extra money could pay for closing costs, moving expenses, or even a nice post-move vacation to ease the stress. 

     Any HOA board that has not already looked into bringing fiber optics into their community has a fiduciary responsibility to its residents to do so. Not only will they be doing their residents a great service, but also they will be putting some extra cash into the hands of owners when they sell.

Stephen Gerard

Sales Director for Residential Solutions, Southwest Region at Summit Broadband

     Stephen Gerard is the current sales director for residential solutions in the Southwest region at Summit Broadband. Stephen has been with the company for eight years, serving both the commercial and residential sides of the business. Prior to joining Summit Broadband, Stephen worked for Windstream/PAETEC and ASG Software. Originally from the UK, Stephen moved to Southwest Florida in 1994 and received his BS in business management in 1999 as part of the first graduating class at FGCU. For more information, visit www.summitbroadband.com.