Fiber vs. Satellite

When it comes to rural internet, fiber and satellite provide vastly different experiences. Satellite offers a quick solution f or immediate connectivity, but its drawbacks are significant. Congestion, data caps, and high latency can make everyday online tasks frustrating, and weather disruptions or outages are more frequent. Satellites also require regular replacement, contributing to higher long-term costs and a greater environmental impact. These challenges are already becoming apparent in Alaska, where satellite service costs are rising, and the technology struggles to keep up with the increasing demand for reliable, high-speed internet.

In contrast, fiber is a future-proof investment that delivers consistent, high-speed internet with symmetrical upload and download rates, making it far superior for essential services like healthcare, education, and emergency response. Fiber networks support scalable bandwidth that can grow with community needs, ensuring they remain relevant as technology evolves. Fiber also promotes sustainable infrastructure with a low-waste life cycle and stable pricing, providing cost certainty for consumers. Additionally, fiber strengthens cellular service by supporting advanced networks like 5G. As a long-term solution, fiber ensures reliable, weather-resistant performance and meets the growing demands of rural communities now and into the future.