The demand for fibre optic connections is gaining momentum in Germany. The so-called demand bundling also stipulates that at least 40% of households in the respective regions must opt for a fibre optic connection within a certain period of time. Once this quota has been reached, fibre optic expansion can begin. However, this quota has not yet been reached in many areas.
The expansion of fibre optics is a decisive step in advancing digitalisation in Germany. Comprehensive fibre optic coverage – both in urban and rural areas – is therefore a central part of the federal government’s gigabit strategy. Internet service providers are increasingly busy convincing customers of the benefits of fibre optic connections. We have summarised the advantages of fibre optics for you.
Fibre optics enable significantly faster Internet connections compared to conventional broadband technologies such as cable or DSL. By using light waves instead of electrical signals, data can be transmitted at the speed of light, resulting in a significant increase in download and upload speeds.
Fibre optics has very low latency times compared to other broadband technologies. This means that data is transmitted almost in real time, which is particularly important for applications such as online gaming, video streaming or video conferencing, where delay-free communication is crucial.
Fibre optics is an environmentally friendly technology compared to other broadband connections such as copper cables or wireless connections. As fibre optic networks require less energy to transmit data over long distances, they consume less power overall. This reduces the ecological footprint and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which is particularly important in view of increasing concerns about climate change. According to the Federal Environment Agency, optical fibre is officially the most climate-friendly transmission path for data.
Optical fibre is less susceptible to interference and failures due to external influences such as electromagnetic interference or weather conditions. Compared to copper cables, fibre optics are also less susceptible to physical damage, resulting in a stable and reliable Internet connection.
Optical fibre offers high scalability, which means that bandwidth can be easily increased to meet increasing demands for internet speeds and data volumes. This is particularly important at a time when more and more devices and applications require a fast and reliable Internet connection. Fibre optics will also tip the scales for future technologies that do not yet exist.
Fibre optics offer greater security for the transmission of data than conventional copper cables, as it is more difficult to “tap into” or manipulate fibre optic cables. This makes fibre optics an attractive option for companies and government agencies that transmit sensitive information over the Internet.
Many companies may offer the expansion of fibre optics in the region for free. If, in case of doubt, you decide later in favour of a subsequent extension to your own home, the extension may have to be financed privately. This is frustrating because future developments and applications could make the fibre optic infrastructure indispensable and owners may be forced to upgrade at their own expense.
In our white paper, you will find out why customers are not reaching their contract speed.
However, lower latency times and higher speeds are not a decisive criterion for many people today when deciding to use fibre optics. The factors of climate friendliness, scalability and costs can be decisive for many citizens. The following possible scenarios could also argue for the need for fibre optics in the future:
Overall, the expansion of fibre optic networks is a decisive step towards making Germany fit for the digitalised future and ensuring that all citizens have access to fast, reliable and future-proof broadband internet. It is therefore important that providers actively inform their customers about the benefits of fibre optics and encourage them to make the switch in order to further expand and improve the country’s broadband infrastructure.
Investing in a fibre optic infrastructure is a long-term decision aimed at being well equipped for the requirements of future technologies. The provision of fibre optics today can therefore help to avoid potential bottlenecks and waiting times in the future.
