Analysis on broadband — which technology is winning in multifamily? - The Business Journals

Overwhelming consumer demand for fast, reliable and secure broadband is disrupting the norm and rewriting expectations.

It’s no wonder residential community owners and managers need help when it comes to evaluating which high-speed internet options will meet resident demands now and in the future. Overwhelming consumer demand for fast, reliable and secure broadband is disrupting the norm and rewriting expectations. The FCC recently changed its definition of broadband — which had been stuck at what industry analysts considered a truly archaic level for almost a decade. Now, to qualify as broadband, an internet service must have minimum download speed of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speed of 20 Mbps.

There are several well-known broadband technologies vying for residential internet market share: fiber optic, cable, fixed-wireless access and satellite. Let’s compare the pros and cons of each technology in terms of speed, reliability, access and long-term viability.

Cable

Fixed wireless access: LTE and 5G networks

Satellite

Fiber optic

Additionally, the physical lifespan of fiber-optic cables is quite long — as much as 20-40 years — which helps reduce the need to replace infrastructure and equipment as is frequently required when using other internet technologies.

Why fiber is winning

Most industry experts are putting their money on one technology as the broadband winner — and that technology is fiber. According to a 2023 consumer study by Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) and RVA LLC Market Research and Consulting, fiber optic is the preferred connectivity technology for almost two-thirds of all internet users, outpacing both cable and wireless. Plus, fiber optic adds on average 4.9% to a home’s value.

The future of fiber looks bright and clear, with its high predicted future growth, technological innovation and ongoing investments by both government and service providers like Quantum Fiber. Fiber installations will only accelerate in the United States, thanks in part to the $1.2 trillion federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This legislation earmarks money for areas in the country not yet served by broadband.

Contact a Quantum Fiber Connected Communities expert to learn about connectivity solutions tailored to your multifamily community.

Quantum Fiber represents a leap forward into the next generation of fully digital internet solutions. We open new possibilities for builders, developers and property owners ready to modernize their properties and future builds. Our expert Connected Communities team forms trusted, long-term partnerships by creating tailored solutions for residential properties.

Disclosure:

This blog is provided for informational purposes only and may require additional research and substantiation by the end user. In addition, the information is provided “as is” without any warranty or condition of any kind, either express or implied. Use of this information is at the end user’s own risk. Quantum Fiber does not warrant that the information will meet the end user’s requirements or that the implementation or usage of this information will result in the desired outcome of the end user. All third-party company and product or service names referenced in this article are for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation with Quantum Fiber. This document represents Quantum Fiber’s products and offerings as of the date of issue. Services not available everywhere. Quantum Fiber may change or cancel products and services or substitute similar products and services at its sole discretion without notice. Quantum Fiber service usually means 100% fiber-optic network to your location, in limited circumstances Quantum Fiber may need to deploy alternative technologies coupled with a non-fiber connection from a certain point (usually the curb) to your location in order to provide the advertised download speeds. ©2024 Q Fiber, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Quantum, Quantum Fiber and Quantum Fiber Internet are trademarks of Quantum Wireless LLC and used under license to Q Fiber, LLC.