At home, at work, and if you’re a business owner, fast and reliable internet connectivity is a must, especially in the constantly evolving Internet of Things (IoT) landscape that enhances efficiency.
But to realise the tech-driven future made famous in Back to the Future II, Demolition Man, Minority Report and The Jetsons, you’ll need an internet connection that’s future-proof. And that’s where fibre optic network comes in.
What does future-proof mean?
As the term implies, it means that an item or technology remains relevant in the face of progress. Instead of being replaced, like DVDs replaced VHS and streaming replaced DVDs, such tech does not become redundant – much like the enduring appeal of vinyl... sort of.
When it comes to internet connections, the more sophisticated and advanced technology becomes the greater the speed and bandwidth demands on the network. Not every connectivity method can scale up quickly, especially without a big financial investment. Fibre seems to be the exception.
Why is fibre considered future-proof?
Fibre optic networks have changed the game for internet speeds. Before it came along, ADSL using copper cable was the fastest and most reliable connectivity option. But fibre optic cables use light instead of electricity to transport the signal, enabling them to cover long distances in a significantly shorter amount of time.
However, speed isn’t the only factor making fibre future-proof. Scalability is another factor. Fibre structures can easily support tech advancements in a cost-effective way with minimal changes to the current infrastructure. Besides being cost-effective, this is also efficient for users, who can buy their new IoT gadget without worrying about connectivity issues.
So why doesn’t everyone have fibre?
According to a report on engineeringnew.co.za, by 2023, the number of businesses and homes with fibre had surged by a massive 4 200%. However, fibre isn’t available everywhere in South Africa... at least not yet.
The service is being rolled out steadily across the country, with several telecom companies committed to extending fibre infrastructure as far as possible. However, it could still take years before this rollout is complete.
Other barriers, such as terrain and topography, can also prevent fibre from being installed in certain places. Additionally, while it can be easily scaled up once the infrastructure is in place, the initial setup is costly — significantly more expensive than laying copper cables.
Get fibre with Vodacom
Although the rollout continues, there may be fibre already installed in your neighbourhood. Click on this link to check for availability in your area. If there is, check out some of the deals available with Vodacom Fibre, which give you the fast, reliable and scalable fibre connectivity you need for all your streaming, gaming, and IoT needs.
