Fiber Broadband Association advocates for retiring copper in favor of future-proof fiber
(UI) — The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) has published a new white paper, “The Benefits of Retiring Copper Today,” highlighting the advantages of transitioning from copper to fiber broadband networks.
The white paper argues that many telecommunications providers still face unnecessary expenses and complexity by maintaining legacy copper infrastructure, despite having migrated to fiber in core and access networks.
The document outlines the cost benefits and reasons to accelerate the shift to fiber, including improved reliability, substantial environmental benefits, and the scalability to support future high-bandwidth services. Key points include:
- Reclaiming Assets: Existing ducts and poles for copper can be repurposed for fiber, reducing pole attachment fees by up to 50%.
- Real Estate Savings: Centralized FTTH networks minimize the need for multiple buildings and huts, offering opportunities to sell decommissioned properties.
- Salvaging Copper: Copper’s value has increased, and it is predicted to grow, particularly for electric vehicle recharging stations, which will need significantly more copper by 2030.
“Copper has served its purpose, but we’re now at a turning point where its weaknesses outweigh its strengths,” said John George, FBA Technology Committee Chair. “Our latest research shows the many benefits of an all-fiber network. The time is now to move to future-ready infrastructure.”
The white paper is available for FBA members, and more research can be accessed at fiberbroadband.org/research-and-resources.
Related News
From Archive
- TxDOT advances massive drainage tunnel beneath I-35 in Austin
- Glenfarne Alaska LNG targets late-2026 construction start for 807-mile pipeline project
- U.S. water reuse boom to fuel $47 billion in infrastructure spending through 2035
- $2.3 billion approved to construct 236-mile Texas-to-Gulf gas pipeline
- Major water pipe break in Puerto Rico hits over 165,000 customers
- Pennsylvania American Water launches interactive map to identify, replace lead water service lines
- Trump's tariffs drive $33 million cost increase for Cincinnati sewer project
- Utah city launches historic $70 million tunnel project using box jacking under active rail line
- Tulsa residents warned after sewer lines damaged by boring work
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
Comments