Summary

A recent study, led by RVA, LLC and sponsored by the Fiber Broadband Association, found that consumers have a very positive perception of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH). In the study of 4,000 randomly selected, U.S. online customers, 63% of respondents said that fiber is the best type of internet available, and 33% said they would be very likely to switch to a fiber provider if one became available in their area, according to Michael Render.

In the above interview, filmed at Fiber Connect 2023, Render, Founder and CEO of RVA, indicates that fiber users are more satisfied with their internet service than users of other types of last-mile broadband infrastructure, such as cable or DSL. Fiber users are also more likely to say that their internet service is essential to their daily lives.

The study’s findings suggest that FTTH-based broadband is becoming increasingly popular among consumers. This is likely because fiber offers several advantages, such as faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability.

Recommendations for service providers

Render recommends that fiber service providers tout their FTTH network. This effort includes highlighting the benefits of fiber. In a sense, this is encapsulated in the Fiber Broadband Association’s Fiber Network Operator Certification program, which provides a trusted seal to let consumers know that an operator has an all-fiber network.

Render points out that providers need to focus on world-class customer service. Getting high-speed, reliable broadband to the edge of the house is just the start of the customer experience. Ensuring that it reliably and easily reaches the consumers’ many devices is becoming table stakes.

Becoming the trusted technology provider that can easily enable new services based on a consumer’s needs will be a critical differentiator in a time when FTTH networks become the norm.  And this day is coming soon, as the “Fiber Broadband Association expects nearly as much fiber will be deployed during the next five years as has been deployed throughout history.” 

Overall, the study’s findings suggest that fiber optic internet is the future of home internet. Service providers that build a world-class customer experience on an FTTH foundation are well-positioned to succeed in the years to come.

[Note: Render will present findings from the 2023 study on an episode of Fiber for Breakfast on Wednesday, October 11, at 10:00 AM EDT. Register here for the episode.]

Interview Highlights

• 00:23 – Michael Render provides an overview of their recent study on the consumer’s perception of FTTH networks.
• 02:08 – Render offers insight into the methodology of the survey.
• 02:46 – Consumers perceive fiber as the best last-mile broadband technology.
• 03:50 – Render makes recommendations for service providers.
• 04:51 – It turns out that differentiating the pipe with fiber is enough.

ViodiTV coverage of FBA’s Fiber Connect 2023 courtesy of Calix.