Is your internet connection slowing down your business? Have you maximized your bandwidth with bonded T1 lines and are now considering fiber optic services? While you might have heard that fiber optic services are expensive and come with high construction costs, this might not be entirely true. Affordable options are available.

Many common beliefs about fiber optics are outdated. These misconceptions prevent businesses from making a seamless transition to options with higher bandwidth. The options available and the pricing for these services have significantly improved in recent years due to technological advancements and competition. Before exploring fiber optic solutions, consider newer copper technology options. For example, Ethernet over Copper can provide up to 45 Mbps in many business locations. This option is relatively affordable, very reliable, and utilizes existing telephone lines. Cable business broadband is another copper service offering shared bandwidth up to 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload at a price point comparable to a T1 line.

While not commonly known, a DS3 connection with 45 Mbps is an entry-level fiber optic service often referred to as a T3 line and delivered over coaxial cables. These copper cables typically run to the street, where they connect to a multiplexed SONET fiber optic service. The OC-3 SONET fiber optic service, with bi-directional 155 Mbps of dedicated bandwidth, was the first widely available fiber optic service for businesses. OC-3 belongs to the SONET (Synchronous Optical NETwork) family of traditional telecom services, which offers various speed options: OC-12 (622 Mbps), OC-24 (1.2 Gbps), OC-48 (2.4 Gbps), OC-192 (10 Gbps), and OC-768 (40 Gbps).

Ethernet over Fiber (EoF), a Carrier Ethernet service, offers scalability and bandwidth flexibility compared to SONET. Providers install an Ethernet port, typically at 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, or 10 Gbps, allowing you to adjust your service speed up to the port’s capacity with a simple phone call.

Pricing and availability for these services vary, but a significant nationwide competitive buildout is underway, driven by both traditional telecom companies and new players with fiber networks running IP at their core. These new companies often offer Ethernet over Fiber directly to your business.

To access fiber optic service, your building must be “lit” by one or more carriers. Multiple-tenant buildings have a higher chance of attracting carriers who will install services at little to no cost. However, providers might waive construction costs for single users if a reasonable amount of bandwidth is purchased, and the installation distance is short.

Monthly lease prices for SONET and newer Ethernet services have decreased considerably in the last decade due to competition. If you haven’t requested quotes recently, you might be surprised by the affordability of bandwidth options.

Consider using a bandwidth broker like Telarus to receive competitive quotes for fiber optic services. Their automated GeoQuote (tm) system provides instant online quotes for services up to 1 Gbps at no cost or obligation. If you find a suitable option, their expert consultants can help you navigate the available choices.

Note: Photo of fiber optic conduit spools courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.