A Marked Increase In Fiber Optic Equipment
The latest barometer of fiber in business, published in September 2022, was produced by IFOP for Coverage/InferNum. It draws a positive conclusion: the average rate of equipment for companies with less than 250 employees is increasing. 55% have opted for the change, against only 23% in 2020. The health crisis has transformed the use of the Internet, with more frequent use of video conferences and the exchange of increasingly voluminous media files.
What Is The Attractiveness Of Fiber Optics?
The attractiveness of optical fiber differs according to the size of the companies. The technology is now used by a large majority of large companies (88%), regardless of their sector of activity (agriculture, industry, trade or construction). On the other hand, it is less so in SMEs with less than 50 employees (61 to 67%) and VSEs (49%). We note, however, that of the 45% of companies that still need access to fiber optics, more than half of them wish to subscribe to it, including three quarters in less than two years. According to the study, optical fiber is favored by companies for:
- Its very high-speed internet access ;
- The exchange of large files;
- The realization of video conferences;
- The possibility of using business tools or software in SAAS (Software as a service) mode;
- The use of business applications by several users simultaneously.
Fiber Optic: Less Present In Rural Areas
Operators have previously favored a fiber optic connection to the densest areas. This is reflected in the figures by a significant gap between rural and urban areas. Only 36% of companies in a rural municipality use fiber optics, compared to 70% in Ile-de-France and 59% in provincial metropolitan cities.
Optic Fiber Skeptics: What Are Their Fears?
The Fear Of Change
Only some companies are ready to subscribe to fiber. The study shows that 41% in 2022 do not want it. A growing figure since they were only 35% in 2021. What are the reasons? The first is the fear of change. Not knowing where we are headed when the historical system completely satisfies us is always a source of doubt and nervousness.
The second is undoubtedly the current economic context. Growing inflation makes these companies – often small businesses – cautious, fearing that the cost of their subscription will increase by switching from ADSL to fiber optics. Hence the importance of having an operator who accompanies these companies in their approach to answer their questions as best as possible.
Ignorance Of The Cover
Another obstacle to the transition to fiber optics is believing that one is not eligible when it is possible to test one’s eligibility.
Poor Estimate Of The Value Brought By The Fiber
You should know that the fiber optic network is more efficient, robust, and reliable than the ADSL network. The copper used for ADSL can be more easily damaged by the weather than fiber optic cables. In addition, connecting to the Internet using fiber consumes three times less energy.
Those Who Have Migrated Are Satisfied
The share of customers who are delighted with their operator is almost 15% higher for customers connected by fiber than the others.
Also Read: IT Infrastructure In The Company – This Is How Efficient Cable Management Works
What Are The Solutions For The End Of The Use Of The Copper Network?
The End Of The Copper Network Is Coming Soon!
ADSL uses copper telephone lines. However, the government has implemented a very high-speed plan which aims to deploy access at very high speed throughout the territory. This, therefore, leads to a programmed end for this network. The incumbent operator and Arcep announced in 2019 that from 2023 until 2030, the copper installations used for landline telephones, Internet (ADSL, SDSL, VDSL), and television would gradually disappear.
In 2026, no operator can offer an ADSL connection offer or on the copper telephone network. It will, therefore, soon no longer be possible to choose between ADSL and optical fiber. We must anticipate this change quickly so it happens in the best possible conditions.
The Keys To A Successful Fiber Transition
The operator must play the proximity card to make a successful transition to fiber for businesses. He must discuss with his client to identify his expectations and take stock of his uses and those of his employees. The operator will then be able to respond point by point to the objections of the decision-maker by submitting to him the best solution to deploy to satisfy his business uses.
Among the most sought-after selection criteria when switching to fiber optics, companies wish to:
- Have a quick intervention during the installation.
- Service reliability
- A good flow
- Quality customer service
And For Areas Not Covered By Fiber Optics?
Solutions exist to respond to companies located in white areas (without fiber access), such as access to the 4G/5G network, which benefits from better coverage in the territory.
Remember To Secure Your Internet Access!
There are solutions for securing internet connections by optical fiber in companies:
- A dedicated optical fiber (FTTO) is a high-speed fiber optic link dedicated to a single company and drawn to the customer’s premises. The company thus benefits from a guaranteed speed with a shallow risk of outage and certified restoration of its service;
- Shared fiber (FTTH): this is a high-speed fiber optic link that is not guaranteed and shared. The speed is shared between different users located behind the common concentration point. In addition to this solution, a 4G box or a 4G backup is added. This secures access and an SD-Wan service allowing better bandwidth optimization and intelligent traffic distribution between the two technologies.
Fiber continues to be deployed in companies, even if some are still skeptical of its advantages. However, as the end of the use of copper is approaching, they will soon have no choice. It remains to accelerate the access of rural areas to very high-speed networks, often penalized by the prioritization of fiber development in dense regions. However, this access to thread in these sectors could encourage more companies from urban areas to come and settle in other territories. For those who would like to benefit from the advantages of very high speed, the solution is to go through 4G or 5G mobile networks.
Also Read: ADSL: What It Is, How It Works And What Are The Other Transmission Technologies
