Fiber-optic internet has been regarded as the gold standard for internet connectivity since it was made available for the public years ago. Well, there’s no denying that fiber internet really changed the game in the internet industry and increased the competition. With the increasing number of remote workers worldwide, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, having a fast and stable internet connection at home has never been more important.
So, is fiber-optic internet really the best option for remote workers? What if fiber internet isn’t available in your area? We’re here to help you answer this question and even help you find alternatives if the highly-sought internet isn’t available in your area. Let’s begin!
What Is Fiber-Optic Internet and How Is It Different from Other Internet Types?
Unlike traditional cable or DSL internet that rely on electrical signals, fiber-optic internet transmits data using light pulses traveling through hair-thin glass fibers. This results in significantly faster speeds and greater reliability, which makes it ideal for the demands of remote work. While other internet options may be available, fiber optic stands out for its ability to handle large amounts of data with minimal interference
But wait, we’re not saying that other internet options is unreliable or not suitable for remote workers. Cable and satellite internet are two excellent internet options for work-from-home people. But depending on the nature of your work and the availability of fiber in your area, you will likely end up with either satellite, cable, or fiber internet. Those are three solid options for every remote worker.
Is Fiber-Optic Internet the Best Connection for Remote Work?
Fiber-optic internet is highly regarded for being the fastest available connection in the market, and that’s been proven so many times over the years. However, its accessibility has hindered many people from trying and enjoying the so-called lightning speeds fiber internet can offer.
To answer the question, yes, fiber-optic internet is the best connection for remote work. Here are the reasons why:
- Unparalleled Speed
Given that fiber is the fastest internet option in the market, nothing comes close to the speed it can offer. It also offers symmetrical download and upload speeds, which isn’t the case for other internet types. To give you a better idea of how fast fiber internet is, let’s make 5G an example. 5G is one of the most praised network because of its speed that reaches up to 10-20 Gbps. On the other hand, the said speed of fiber internet can reach up to 100 Gbps. That’s five times faster than 5G, and all the more reason why it’s a must have for every remote work. As mentioned earlier, fiber isn’t available in all areas yet. That’s why you must check the availability first. Some fiber internet providers offer tools that show you where their service is available, like this MetroNet coverage map.
- Better Reliability
Unlike traditional internet connections that can be impacted by weather or distance from the service provider, fiber optic is built for stability. Fiber optic cables are less susceptible to interference, resulting in fewer dropped connections and outages. This reliability is crucial for remote workers who depend on a consistent internet connection throughout the workday.
Especially if the nature of your remote work requires you to participate in frequent video conferencing, real-time collaboration, or handling large file transfers, consistent and reliable internet is very important. Fiber optic’s superior reliability minimizes disruptions and makes sure you can do your tasks without worrying about technical hiccups.
- Improved Productivity
Dealing with poor internet connection can result to poor productivity, so that’s not good for you and for the company. Knowing you have a reliable and high-speed internet connection can significantly reduce stress and improve your overall work experience. With fiber optic internet, you can focus on your tasks without worrying about dropped connections, slow speeds, or lagging video calls. This peace of mind allows you to be more productive and efficient everyday.
- Better Communication and Participation
High latency can cause lag and jittery video calls, which makes online interactions 100% frustrating. Fiber internet offers low latency, meaning you can participate in video conferences and online meetings without any delays and lags. And of course, being able to communicate and participate well in work discussions allows you to share your insights, learn from others, and always be present.
- Enhanced Security
Working remotely has its risks, and one of them is the security of the data you share with each other. Fiber internet connections are less susceptible to hacking attempts because they transmit data through light pulses instead of electrical signals. This is important for remote workers who may be handling sensitive information or accessing company networks. But on top of this, you should also place additional security measures in place like VPN to ensure the best protection.
What Do I Do If Fiber Internet Is Not Available in My Area?
If you’re not living in the metro or in any of the big cities across the country, chances are fiber internet isn’t available in your area yet. While the government and certain internet providers are already working to roll out infrastructure throughout the country to make fiber internet more accessible, it will take time before it reaches all communities in the US.
So, what can you do if fiber internet is not available in your area? Opt for cable or satellite internet. As mentioned earlier, these two internet options are reliable when it comes to remote work and other online activities. They may not be as fast as fiber, but they will help you get the job done every single day.
Wrapping Up
Fiber-optic internet is the best option for remote workers. But since it’s not the most accessible internet in the market, there’s nothing wrong with opting for cable or satellite internet. All of these options are fast, stable, and reliable and will make sure that you’ll be productive at work no matter where you are. Take your time in choosing the best internet for your remote work. Good luck!
