Fibre-optic Broadband to Surpass Cable Globally

UK-based Point Topic has recently conducted a study regarding the expanding rate of fibre-optic broadband connections. According to its study, globally, fibre-based broadband access is expanding for the first time faster than cable. But the downside of this trend is that the relative expense of setting up fibre-based broadband means that UK, European and US users are left behind.

"[The growth is] a significant milestone for fibre-optic broadband; where it is available consumers will take fibre over other broadband technologies," said Oliver Johnson, CEO at analysts Point Topic. According to Johnson fibre connections will become the most widespread internet connection solution, in about 10 years. He believes that fibre will surpass cable in 5 years, while DSL will be left behind in about 10 years.

Up to this moment there are about 42 million fibre broadband users worldwide, compared to the 79.6 million cable and 238 million DSL subscribers. "DSL is adding more subscribers than fibre in absolute numbers, but not in percentage growth," said Johnson.

The recent growth is rather justifiable, especially since the cost for fibre is less expensive when compared to DSL and capable. Also, because of Asian countries, such as China, Japan and South Korea the number of fibre users is getting higher every year. Collectively, China accounts for over 35 million subscribers, according to Point Topic.

But unlike these Asian countries, UK and the rest of Europe, as well as the US, aren't doing so well where fibre is concerned. Unfortunately, deploying this technology is expensive and because of current internet operators, who refuse to share infrastructure, progress is slow.

"Without some form of centralised funding it will be a long time before consumers in these markets get access to cheaper bandwidth," said Johnson.