The fate of the Internet now linked to fibre

Léna Ansari (UK)
04 Mar 2019

In the era of multiplying uses, VoD, HD television and 4K, data exchanges are increasingly dense and content consumption is intensifying. The computer is no longer the only device allowing us to access the web since mobile phones and tablets are now preferred by users. These three screens are sometimes even connected simultaneously, which is why it is necessary to offer a higher speed by connecting to fibre lines.

Will ADSL technology survive?

ADSL is an Internet access technology that is less efficient than fibre and is gradually becoming obsolete. It offers limited speeds of up to 20 Mbits/s. VDSL technology allows access to very high speed, i.e. more than 30 Mbits/s, but the establishments eligible are very limited. With fibre, operators are able to offer much higher speeds of 200, 500 or even 1000 Mbps. These caps are very easily accessible and make it possible to enjoy a better connection comfort.

Every year, traffic growth on our core network increases by 30%, boosted by the increase in usage and the growth of our customer base. ADSL remains a backup technology that allows us to equip certain customers with medium-sized sites or sites that are not eligible for fibre lines, but we still have a significant proportion of ADSL links in our customer base. David Berkowicz, Wifirst CTO

Professional fibre lines = high-speed Internet access

Fibre allows data to be transmitted at the speed of light and provides very high bandwidth. At a time when the quality of the Internet connection represents a challenge for both customer satisfaction and employee productivity, professional fibre lines (FTTO) are the ideal solution for companies seeking performance. FTTO technology is a dedicated point-to-point fibre with a guaranteed symmetrical speed. An undeniable productivity lever for professionals, FTTO has become a new standard for absorbing bandwidth-hungry uses!

With a download speed up to 50 times faster than the best ADSL connection, fibre allows you to watch HD streaming movies and download videos and photos in just a few seconds. Likewise, for uploading, fibre allows you to send large files or save data on the cloud at high speed.

Since the creation of our core network in 2011, we have been progressively converting our customers to pro fibre backhaul solutions. Currently, across the entire Wifirst network, 67% of the connected establishments are connected to fibre-to-the-tower (FTTO) with symmetrical and guaranteed throughput. This represents more than 85% of the traffic on our network. A figure that will continue to increase in the years to come. David Berkowicz, Wifirst CTO

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SVoD platforms adapt to your Internet connection 

SVoD fans can be reassured that Netflix takes into account the quality of your bandwidth to allow you to view its content in the best conditions. Whether you are connected via ADSL or fibre, the platform allows you to enjoy its programs through adaptive streaming. 3 Mbps would allow the user a comfortable reception that provides good video quality. Of course, fibre is strongly recommended to enjoy HD or Ultra HD (4K).

FTTH pro: a new and more economical alternative

Regulations will now allow us to sell FTTH (consumer fibre) to professionals. This alternative, which is more economical than FTTO (business fibre), will make it possible to address a new market in search of a less efficient solution than FTTO, although it is more economical. For some institutions, the FTTO may still represent an excessive investment.

If you are not yet connected with fibre, do not hesitate to contact us so that we can examine your eligibility!