Is Fibre better than wireless?
Wireless spectrum is simply a range of electromagnetic radiation in the atmosphere. Commercially viable wireless spectrum is controlled by governments and usually sold at auction to telecommunications companies.
The most common use is for mobile phone voice and data. However, technologies such as video calling, streaming music and other emerging technologies mean that telcos need to purchase newly released frequencies or slices (eg. 3G, 4G) of the spectrum so they can fit as much wireless data through the airwaves as possible.
The main issue with wireless technology is that the (radio) beams interfere with each other. With fibre, the light (beam) is concentrated and transmitted within the fibre optic cable. This means that more higher quality data can be sent over fibre. Also, the fastest wireless speed that has been achieved is currently many times slower than the fastest fibre speed. However, as with all technologies, both methods will change and improve over time.
There will always be a place for wireless solutions. Rural areas will be best served by wireless broadband because the cost of installing a fibre network to service less-populated areas is not as cost effective.
Services that will be available over fibre may also be available over wireless. However, until wireless technology improves, their quality may not be the same.
SoFi is under development.
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