Why we need fiber to the home

The TechWatch column in Network World makes a point that’s too often ignored. TechWatch blogger Frederic Paul put it emphatically in Fiber to the home: America's most important, and most ignored, tech development:

“Forget the iPhone 5s. Don’t bother looking at Microsoft’s Surface 2. Ignore software defined networking. They’re all important in one way or another, but to my mind, the biggest, most important development in the tech world right now is the beginning of fiber-based Internet service for home users.”

Speed Matters has long promoted building fiber networks as a competitive alternative to cable, and as the fastest, best broadband connection. Paul describes AT&T’s fiber response to Google Fiber in Austin, Texas, and other efforts around the country. But, other than Verizon’s FiOS – which will reach about 19 million households when completed – all are limited. Google’s project is limited to some neighborhoods in three areas – Kansas City, Provo, Utah, and Austin – and according to Forbes, Google’s much-vaunted project will take 10 years to reach eight million homes.

Frederic Paul gives three reasons for investing in the fastest Internet possible. One, it’s essential to making today’s cloud services work properly. Two, “gigabit Internet will enable innovation on the next generation of services, which history shows will consume exponentially more bandwidth than previous iterations.”

And, “Finally, the faster the top speeds, the better for everyone, even those who can’t afford it. Competition from fiber to the home will drive down the cost and boost the speed of other Internet connectivity options, improving Net access for everyone.”

We agree.

Fiber to the home: America's most important, and most ignored, tech development (Network World, Oct. 2, 2013)

Fiber to the Home Council (website)