Will fiber become obsolete with other emerging technologies like 5G, satellite services, or other options that may be available in the future?

The short answer is that it is unlikely that the fiber optic network itself will become obsolete in any reasonable timeline. The equipment that is used to transmit data over the fiber optic network will undergo regular maintenance and upgrades as technology improves and matures based on the income received by subscribers. To date, the speed and bandwidth limit of transmission via optical methods has not yet been achieved. Both wired and wireless technologies that are being deployed or touted as future technologies typically also require a fiber optic network connection at some point. Typically, as the demand for speed and scale increases, the amount of interconnection points with fiber also increases.

Show All Answers

1. What is fiber internet?
2. What is the American Fork fiber project and how it will work?
3. Why is American Fork building its own fiber network?
4. How will the network be funded?
5. When will fiber internet be available to me?
6. Is the American Fork Fiber Optic Network planned to be available only for residents or will businesses be able to use the fiber network also?
7. Why did American Fork select STRATA Networks as their partner?
8. What are the benefits of an “open access” network?
9. Which providers will be available on the city’s network?
10. Will all residents and businesses be required to subscribe to the network?
11. How much is this going to cost residents?
12. What services will be available over my fiber connection?
13. Will the American Fork fiber project raise my property taxes?
14. I already have an internet service provider (ISP). Will I still be able to use them?
15. What does the build-out/construction process look like?
16. What are the financial implications to the city?
17. Will fiber increase the value of my home?
18. Do we really need faster connections?
19. Can I use a wireless connection with fiber?
20. Is fiber internet “future proof?”
21. Will fiber become obsolete with other emerging technologies like 5G, satellite services, or other options that may be available in the future?
22. If I have a problem with my internet service on the American Fork Fiber Network, who would I call?
23. Will deploying the American Fork fiber network damage roads, gutters, walks, utilities, and landscaping?