There are many advantages to fibre optic internet, here we will go through some of the benefits. But first, you’ll need to know the basics and how they differ.
What is the difference between fibre optic and regular internet?
Regular broadband connections, or ADSL, use copper wires to transmit data. Yet, fibre optic broadband uses beams of light to transmit data, meaning it travels at light-speed. Making it faster, more reliable and more secure.
Fibre optic broadband has faster download and upload speeds
You won’t just see the benefits when downloading – with a fibre connection, information uploads just as fast as it downloads. Greater bandwidth means more data is able to be transmitted simultaneously, so you can enjoy download speeds up to 17x* faster than regular internet.
For example, it can take regular internet with broadband speeds less than 60Mbps around 25 minutes to download a HD feature film, yet with full-fibre, you can experience download speeds of up to 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps) – that would allow you to download a full feature film in under 120 seconds!
Low latency internet is more likely with fibre optic broadband. Low latency is particularly advantageous when making online calls, online meetings or gaming online. It’s like having a crystal-clear phone line where the response is immediate – there’s no lag.
Whilst fibre optic latency is low, bandwidth is high, meaning fibre optic internet is suited for applications that require high-bandwidth, such as streaming video or downloading large files.
Fibre optic broadband is more reliable
Fibre optic internet has less interference in instances of disruption, such as peak usage times, like when the kids are arriving home from school and gaming online, or severe weather conditions which interfere with electrical signals and slow broadband speeds if you have classic ADSL broadband.
So, fibre optic internet is advantageous, as not only is it faster, but it also allows for smoother streaming and a more consistent connection with fewer dropouts.
Fibre optic broadband is more secure than regular internet
Fibre optic offers security for you and your family as the cables are much more secure, particularly FTTH (fibre-to-the-home), as the name implies, due to the direct connection into your home. This makes FTTH superior in cases where you’re working from home and need to carry out online transactions and secure communications.
This may include activities such as online banking, online shopping, private emails, cloud storage – it could be worth getting fibre broadband just for peace-of-mind.
Fibre optic broadband is future proof
You may not be aware, but The Public Switch Telephone Network (PTSN) switch off is on track to conclude in 2025. This means every UK landline will be moved to a fully digital network that uses voice over internet protocol technology (VoIP). This won’t just affect voice services, but also means you may need to upgrade your broadband to fibre optic.
Modern tech such as IoT will require a faster connection. Fiber optic connections offer significantly faster speeds and higher bandwidth compared to traditional broadband connections. This means that IoT devices, such as Alexa, can transmit and receive data more quickly, allowing for near-instantaneous communication and reducing latency.
Fibre optic broadband is more cost-effective
The time you’ll save due to the speeds of fibre optic internet can be substantial, and in turn you could be improving the quality of your day-to-day life, as most of us carry out work and entertain ourselves online. Afterall, the average internet user spends almost 4 hours per day on the internet!**
Price is often a major factor in most consumer decisions, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, but it is worth considering other factors such as upload and download speeds, contract lengths, customer service support, and fault resolution when choosing your broadband service provider.
Full fibre providers, such as LilaConnect, incorporate installation and service costs into one tidy package. You’ll have a single monthly cost of £34.98, dependant on the download speed you choose and your area. This makes comparing and choosing broadband prices easier.
So, there you have it, a run-down of the top advantages of fibre optic internet over ADSL broadband, or regular internet. There are many benefits, but some of the main advantages, particularly when considering fibre optic broadband in your family home, include: speed, cost, reliability, security and future-proofing.
Find out more about full fibre broadband and how you can register to have it fitted in your street here.
*OFCOM UK Home Broadband Performance Report, October 2022.
**OFCOM UK Online Nation Report, 2022.
