Why is fibre not available in my area?
If you have read any information on how to get faster home internet, then you may have come across the term fiber optic internet. Fibre internet is very fast as it delivers 500Mbps to 1Gbps in some regions. That is why, when you enter your address to check its availability and discover that fiber is not available, you can feel frustrated and confused. Here are some explanations why fiber internet may still not be available where you live.
Limited Provider Infrastructure
The main cause of this situation is that large ISPs have not invested in fiber infrastructure to reach all areas where they could potentially offer their fiber services. Fibre network infrastructure establishment entails significant capital outlay from the providers in terms of deploying fiber optic cables in entire towns or regions.
Unlike fiber, traditional cable and DSL have been around for a very long time and hence, their infrastructure is way ahead of fiber. For instance, the largest network providers prefer to lay fiber in higher populated areas initially since the market is larger. Suburban areas, small towns, and rural regions are usually less considered for expansion during the later stages of network expansion strategies.
Thus, in many cases, the absence of fiber availability is limited by one’s position in the provider’s list of priorities for infrastructure extensions. Visit their website to see the planned fiber expansion maps or when your area might be receiving fiber services.
Difficult Terrain
In rural and remote areas, geographical factors are also at par when it comes to fiber accessibility. It becomes much more difficult and expensive to lay underground fiber cables in areas with harsh terrains, large tracts of forests, marshlands, etc.
Many villages continue to use old copper cables for internet connection that are very slow, and easily affected by weather and interference. Telecom providers consider the massive amount of work and cost involved in treading fiber to such remote areas to numerous customers.
In some rural and coastal towns fixed wireless internet using transmission towers has proven to be more feasible than having to trench cables. However, the terrain continues to be a factor influencing the quality and availability of signals. Finally, remote residents are left with inadequate internet experience due to the limited fiber accessibility, mainly attributable to their area’s geography.
Building Access Challenges
But even in places where main fiber cables have been deployed, getting that fiber connectivity to individual consumers and structures remains another challenge. Operational connections entail acquiring the right of access to building communications infrastructure, right of way through privately or corporately owned land, or municipally owned land.
Once more, providers make rational assessments of which properties should be connected with fiber as an opportunity. Large blocks as with many possible customers such as apartment blocks or office buildings get priority over low-density neighborhoods. Other barriers affecting fibre deployment include; The challenge of having access to existing structures and infrastructure and issues of land rights.
The homeowner may even be charged some amount of installation fees to offset the cost of the provider pulling new fiber to the area if the homeowner is the only one requesting it. These extra access roadblocks are some of the reasons why fiber internet remains unused by many addresses.
When Will Fibre be Available to Me?
Those who still do not have fiber availability look forward to asking their providers when exactly fiber is being rolled out at their location. Receiving specific timelines is problematic as fiber rollouts entail numerous dynamics and potential risks for delays in providers’ networks. Nevertheless, you can view some general expansion plans and subscribe to the availability of new options at your address.
Sometimes, contacting the service provider and asking them about fiber deployment in your locality can also provide useful information. Even if you have not seen specific rollouts in your area announced, technicians may know about plans and work in progress that may interest you.
Even in the case of the perception that a certain area has been left out in fiber deployment, there may be a need to mobilize the community to appeal for faster fiber rollout since providers are likely to respond to such pressure. The fact that you can bundle with neighbors to show customers’ demand that makes fiber feasible puts your community on a different pedestal for consideration.
Alternative Faster Internet Options
Instead of waiting for fiber to be rolled out, which might take longer in some areas, there are probably other internet services that can provide the required speeds much faster. If fixed wireless services are available, they can offer speeds as good as the lower-tier fiber services in many cases. This may be complemented by upgrading to the highest cable internet speeds available in your locality depending on your usage.
New low orbit satellite constellations have made satellite internet better but latency and weather problems still exist. If your area is devoid of all high-speed options, organizing neighbors to finance the deployment of private fiber networks can also work.
conclusion
In fiber internet remains a luxury for many households as providers incur high costs and challenges deploying this premium broadband infrastructure across the country. The most effective way to get updates on fiber availability for your area is to get in touch with your internet company and inquire about their expansion plans. However, one may hope that other technologies will help to make up for the difference in speed until fiber gets to your door. Sustaining the public focus and mobilizing support also indicates areas of highest demand for providers who are yet to strategize on their fiber deployments.
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.