Does fiber internet have to be underground?
Internet access via fiber optics is gradually gaining popularity and is now considered to be the best if offered by a provider. You may be asking yourself several questions including – does fiber internet have to be installed underground? The short answer is no, however, most fiber optic cables are installed underground for protection and reliability.
It must also be noted that the primary advantage of fiber installation is safety; protection is therefore the major advantage of underground fiber installation. Fiber optic cables consist of extremely thin fibers of glass or plastic that carry data through pulses of light. These delicate threads snap when bent too far or when cut and data transfer is affected. Buried fiber is shielded from potential above-ground hazards.
- Weather damage (heavy winds, storms, lightning strikes, etc.)
- Injuries caused because of mishandling knives while cutting food items for consumption or preparing a meal
- Injuries or losses caused by a tree or branch that has fallen on the property
- Disturbance from other vehicles or working tools
Since buried fiber remains hidden from the threats, it provides a stable and continuous internet connection. Underground installation is also aesthetically pleasing for neighborhoods since you don’t have thick wire cables hanging on telephone poles.
However, it is still feasible for fiber to be strung overhead along telephone or electric utility poles. It is cheaper than trenching or boring below the ground level as is evident in the above case of installation. It can make sense in very rural areas where poles have space for the extra wire. A few ISPs choose aerial cable suspensions to minimize costs on infrastructure especially while deploying fiber in distant locations.
The disadvantage of laying aerial fiber on poles is that the fiber is more exposed to storms, accidents, and interference. Any problem within the line affects consumers that are further down the line. Also, the costs incurred for maintenance due to weather conditions of a given area are usually higher over time than buried cable.
Majority of telecom companies such as AT&T Internet, Spectrum, Verizon, Google Fiber, and more go ahead and bury most of their fiber. The cost advantage over aerial lines is realized only by second-tier players who are struggling to build fiber to more homes with minimal resources. It also often includes conditions to the effect that new developments can only be provided with underground cables.
That is why when fiber internet is extended to a suburban or even an urban area, you can be sure that installation crews will dig trenches for lines even where it may not be compact. The extra effort results in protection, reliability, and future services to ensure that customers experience the best in internet connectivity.
Frequently, fiber lines must go above the ground when crossing a river, freeway, or railroad track among others. However, all in all, the protection offered by buried lines and the longevity that comes with setting the fiber internet service lines underground make underground a go-to method. Although not mandatory, most buildouts are installed underground which is considered the best option.
Upgrade to faster, more reliable AT&T Fiber Internet today! Call us at +1 844-905-5002 and get connected with speeds that keep you ahead.