Fiber Internet is sustainable for your business because fiber cables are more energy efficient, last longer and produce less e-waste than other cables. These reasons, coupled with consumers’ eco-friendly brand alignment, show that businesses need to switch to fiber Internet if they are not using it already. 

Energy Efficiency 

Fiber-optic cables transmit data using light signals. Fiber optics consume significantly less energy during data transmission than traditional copper cables, which require electrical signals.

Reduced energy consumption contributes to a smaller carbon footprint and overall environmental impact.

Fiber Internet is not only some of the fastest but also one of the most environmentally friendly. According to the European Commission, a 2017 study conducted by Europacable found that fiber is the most energy-efficient form of broadband Internet compared to DSL, xDSL, vectoring, and DOCSIS.

One of its findings was that per capita per year, at a speed of 50 Mbps, fiber consumed 56k kWh, resulting in a carbon emission of 1.7 tons. Meanwhile, DOCSIS consumed 88 kWh, resulting in a carbon emission of 2.7 tons, 58.82% higher than fiber. 

With consumers’ more environmentally conscious mindset, businesses must consider tactics to reduce their negative environmental impact. According to TheRoundup.org,

84 percent of customers say poor environmental practices will alienate them from a brand or company. 

Switching to sustainable fiber Internet will only improve your brand perception, so we recommend communicating your switch to fiber to your stakeholders and target audiences. 

Durability, Longevity, Reduced E-Waste 

Fiber-optic cables are made of glass or plastic fibers, which are put into the ground, making the cables exceptionally durable and resistant to environmental factors such as moisture, severe weather disturbances, temperature fluctuations and electromagnetic interference. Whereas, according to Lesolson.com, copper-based DSL cables are subject to corrosion and may require replacement in as little as 5 years. Fiber, on the other hand, can last decades ( Fiber Optic Association, Inc, 2021). Their longevity means fewer replacements, reducing the requirement for added manufacturing and disposal, reducing e-waste and reducing the carbon dioxide emitted by repair vehicles.  

Reduced Material Usage

Fiber optic cables require fewer materials in production than coaxial copper cables because they do not need the same level of jacketing (shields the cable’s insulation and core from damaged environmental factors) and insulation, making fiber-optic cables thinner and lighter. 

Moreover, according to ThePipingMart, fiber optic cables mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with copper mining, unlike coaxial cables that heavily rely on copper. Copper mining produces air pollution via sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, contributing to acid rain. It also produces dust and soot, posing a threat to human health, local vegetation and wildlife. Optic fibers are made from silicon dioxide, an abundant natural resource. This means they are largely made up of oxygen and result in significantly less threat.

Additionally, fiber can keep up with the increasing demands for business growth. There is no need to install additional wires or updates to increase the speed of the fiber Internet. 

Where to get Fiber Internet?

If you want your business to be more sustainable, reduce its environmental impact, get your sustainable fiber Internet and align with today's consumers’ values, please contact our sales team here.