What are the environmental and social impacts of fiber-optic internet deployment and usage?

Fiber-optic internet is a type of broadband service that uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data as pulses of light. Compared to other forms of internet access, such as cable, DSL, or satellite, fiber-optic internet offers faster speeds, greater reliability, and lower latency. But what are the environmental and social impacts of fiber-optic internet deployment and usage? In this article, we will explore some of the benefits and challenges of this technology for the planet and the people.

1 Energy efficiency

Fiber-optic internet consumes less energy than other broadband technologies, as it requires less electricity to power the equipment and transmit the signals. According to a study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, fiber-optic internet could save up to 60% of the energy used by broadband networks by 2030. This would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operational costs, and improve the resilience of the internet infrastructure.

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Rich Lakeberg

Communications Specialist | Storyteller | Graphic Designer | Editor | Researcher
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Doing a cursory search for the ACEEE website, I find no study relating to fiber optics. This is a red flag that I've heard again and again related to AI - it tends to falsify studies.

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Mike Hicks

Director Of Marketing And Business Development at Pro Comm E.L.S. LLC
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I've also completed a cursory search on the ACEEE website and downloaded some white papers in search of Fiber related energy savings and was not able to find anything. That's a concern. However, there is some truth to this because of the push for 5G wireless. More data over a smaller signal requires more 5G antennas to support the same area of 4G services. Thus, increasing energy consumption until the technology can increase the energy efficiency of the 5G antenna, you will see a marked increase in energy consumption as more antennas are being built. Look to the "Smart Cities" for the initial increase in energy consumption, as well as electric infrastructure overhaul.

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2 Resource consumption

Fiber-optic internet also uses fewer natural resources than other broadband technologies, as it requires less copper, aluminum, and other metals to manufacture the cables and wires. However, fiber-optic internet still has some environmental costs, such as the extraction and processing of silica, the main component of glass fibers, and the disposal of old or damaged cables. Moreover, fiber-optic internet deployment involves digging trenches, laying conduits, and installing poles, which can disturb the soil, vegetation, and wildlife habitats.

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Alex Robinson

I build fiber internet networks that bring fast, affordable internet to communities.
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Fiber networks offer a greener alternative to copper ones for three main reasons. First, they require fewer truck rolls and less power for operation. Second, fiber optics rely on abundant materials like silicon and oxygen, while copper cables need mined resources with higher carbon impacts. Third, fiber infrastructure lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent upgrades compared to copper networks.

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3 Digital divide

Fiber-optic internet can help bridge the digital divide, which is the gap between those who have access to affordable, reliable, and high-quality internet service and those who do not. Fiber-optic internet can enable more people to access online education, health care, employment, and social services, especially in rural and remote areas where other broadband options are limited or unavailable. However, fiber-optic internet also poses some challenges for digital inclusion, such as the high upfront costs of installation, the lack of competition among providers, and the need for digital literacy and skills.

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4 Innovation and productivity

Fiber-optic internet can foster innovation and productivity in various sectors and industries, as it supports the development and adoption of new technologies, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things. Fiber-optic internet can also enhance the performance and efficiency of existing applications, such as video conferencing, online gaming, e-commerce, and telework. According to a report by Deloitte, increasing fiber-optic internet penetration by 10 percentage points could increase GDP growth by 1.1 percentage points.

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5 Privacy and security

Fiber-optic internet can improve the privacy and security of online activities, as it is more resistant to interference, eavesdropping, and hacking than other broadband technologies. Fiber-optic internet can also enable the use of encryption, authentication, and other security measures to protect the data and communications of users and organizations. However, fiber-optic internet also raises some privacy and security concerns, such as the potential for surveillance, data breaches, cyberattacks, and identity theft.

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6 Social and cultural changes

Fiber-optic internet can influence the social and cultural aspects of human life, as it shapes the way we communicate, learn, work, play, and interact with others. Fiber-optic internet can enable more opportunities for social connection, collaboration, creativity, and diversity, as well as more access to information, entertainment, and education. However, fiber-optic internet can also create some social and cultural challenges, such as the loss of face-to-face interaction, the spread of misinformation and polarization, and the impact on mental health and well-being.

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Mike Hicks

Director Of Marketing And Business Development at Pro Comm E.L.S. LLC
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The internet, whether fed via Fiber, Cable, Satellite or Cellular, can influence the social and cultural aspects of human life, as it shapes the way we communicate, learn, work, play, and interact with others. One form of deliver may be superior to another in cost, energy usage and speed of data, but aside from those differences, it's still "Internet".

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the environmental and social impacts of fiber-optic internet deployment and usage?

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1 Energy efficiency

2 Resource consumption

3 Digital divide

4 Innovation and productivity

5 Privacy and security

6 Social and cultural changes

7 Here’s what else to consider

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