Skip to content
MarketScale
‹ Back to IndustriesIndustrial IoT

Does 5G Really Need Fiber to Thrive?

The role of fiber optics in the advancement of 5G is crucial, providing unmatched reliability and information capacity. Fiber optics allow for long-distance signal transmission without degradation and symmetrical upload and download speeds. The potential $65 billion broadband investment from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act could significantly impact the expansion of fiber infrastructure.

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Industrial IoT teams put it to work with AI Visibility (GEO).

By Industrial Iot · 5gBroadband IndustryFiberTechnology
Share
Does 5G Really Need Fiber to Thrive?

Key takeaways

01

Fiber optics are essential for reliable and long-distance signal transmission in 5G networks.

02

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act proposes a $65 billion investment in broadband.

03

Fiber provides symmetrical download and upload speeds with unlimited information capacity.

Key Points:

  • Fiber is more reliable and can carry the signal over longer distances compared to other technologies.
  • Fiber enables symmetrical download speeds and upload speeds and has unlimited information carrying capacity.
  • If the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is passed by Congress, the broadband industry will receive a $65 billion investment.

Commentary:

There has never been more of a focus to provide high speed internet access to communities across the United States especially the rural ones. With the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act being considered by Congress, $65 billion is expected to be invested in broadband if passed. The money might be on the way but the next question is where is said money meant to be invested in to maximize the broadband experience for all users. MarketScale asked Michael Wood who is the National Market Manager Clearfield believes fiber is the correct investment.

Abridged Thoughts:

As we begin to tap into the capabilities of this latest generation of broadband cellular networks, 5G networks of fiber optic cable are especially important compared to other technologies. Fiber is more reliable, more rugged, and in a much smaller package. Fiber can carry the signal over longer distances with less degradation and enables symmetrical download speeds and upload speeds.

But the big one, of course, is the practically unlimited information carrying capacity. In order to exploit the capabilities of 5G and beyond, these cellular signals need to get onto a fiber cable as soon as possible to backhaul and transport that signal to be processed.

I’m personally thrilled to see organizations that have the community’s needs in mind, first and foremost, with the opportunity to build and own and operate these fiber networks. Small town, municipalities and telco and electric cooperatives are led by members of the community they serve and uniquely suited to meet the needs of that local community.

In these times of material and labor shortages, especially skilled labor shortages, Clearfield can help speed a successful fiber deployment with flexible, scalable, modular plug and play fiber products, combined with our industry leading application support team

About the author

II
Industrial Iot

Industrial IoT: are you visible to AI?

Before they reach out, Industrial IoT buyers ask AI engines which vendors to trust. See how AI describes your company today, and where competitors show up instead.

Free workspace

You just read one Industrial IoT expert. Imagine publishing your whole team.

This article was produced through MarketScale. Create a free workspace and turn your own team's Industrial IoT expertise into the articles, video, and social content B2B marketing buyers in your industry are searching for. No credit card, no demo required.

NPS +73 · 1,000+ creators · 38+ countries

What you get, free

Your own MarketScale Studio workspace
One video edit a month, on us
AI writing, editing, and publishing tools
In-platform coaching to learn the system

More Industrial IoT Insights

Industrial manufacturing M&A hits $173 billion as convergence deals crowd out single-theme bets

Industrial manufacturing M&A hits $173 billion as convergence deals crowd out single-theme bets

The industrial manufacturing M&A sector has reached $173 billion, with a 28% increase year-over-year. Mega-deals and strategic buyers are the primary drivers of this surge, as reported by PwC in their 2026 midyear outlook. The focus on convergence deals is overshadowing single-theme investments in the industry.

  • 01Industrial manufacturing M&A has surged to $173 billion.
  • 02There is a 28% year-over-year increase in industrial M&A activity.
  • 03Convergence deals are becoming more prevalent, overshadowing single-theme investments.

Jul 23, 2026

Most mid-sized manufacturers are stuck in AI pilot purgatory, Kaufman Rossin research finds

Most mid-sized manufacturers are stuck in AI pilot purgatory, Kaufman Rossin research finds

A significant majority of mid-sized manufacturing companies are still in the testing phase of AI deployment, with 73% unable to achieve full operational status. Kaufman Rossin's research indicates that these companies are facing challenges in moving beyond pilot programs. The lack of full AI integration is a common issue across the sector.

  • 0173% of manufacturing companies are still in the AI testing phase.
  • 02No mid-sized manufacturer has fully deployed AI operationally.
  • 03Many manufacturers are unable to progress beyond pilot AI programs.

Jul 23, 2026

ABB Robotics launches AI-powered visual platform as manufacturers push physical AI and data governance to the front of the automation agenda

ABB Robotics launches AI-powered visual platform as manufacturers push physical AI and data governance to the front of the automation agenda

ABB Robotics has unveiled a new AI-powered visual platform aimed at enhancing automation for mid-market manufacturing plants. This platform emphasizes the integration of physical AI and the importance of data governance in industrial operations, setting a path towards a comprehensive automation agenda by 2026. The initiative reflects a broader industry trend towards leveraging AI technologies to optimize manufacturing processes.

  • 01ABB Robotics has launched an AI-powered visual platform targeting mid-market manufacturers.
  • 02The platform supports the integration of physical AI and emphasizes data governance in industrial settings.
  • 03There is a significant industry movement towards adopting AI for enhanced manufacturing automation by 2026.

Jul 22, 2026

Explore More Industrial IoT Insights

Read more expert perspectives from across Industrial IoT.

Browse Industrial IoT Hub

About the Experts

II
Industrial Iot
MW
Michael Wood

National Market Manager

Clearfield

Michael Wood is the National Market Manager at Clearfield. He has significant expertise in the broadband industry and focuses on advocating how fiber is essential for 5G infrastructure.

For B2B teams

Your experts could be publishing here

Stories like this one run on content MarketScale captures from real practitioners. See how your team's expertise becomes coverage in Industrial IoT and beyond.

Book a 15-minute demo

Or call us. No forms required. We pick up. 214-945-2512