Does 5G Really Need Fiber to Thrive?

 

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

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

DXpedition
Icom Powers 3Y0K : Ham Radio’s Most Ambitious DXpedition to Remote Bouvet Island Part 1
July 11, 2025

Bouvet Island sits at the edge of the world. It is frozen, uninhabited, and almost impossible to access. Fewer people have set foot there than in space. That level of remoteness is exactly what makes it so valuable to amateur radio operators. The island ranks tenth on ClubLog’s list of Most Wanted DXCC entities,…

Read More
entrepreneurial success
The Hidden Key to Entrepreneurial Success: Build Momentum Through Personal Branding and Authentic Networking
July 10, 2025

What if the biggest pivot of your career started with a conversation?  In this episode of Professional Quotient, host Jason Winningham welcomes Fanny Dunagan, CEO and Content Strategist of PathLynks, LLC. Fanny shares her journey from high-pressure consulting in Singapore to founding her own media and branding company — and why learning to network…

Read More
Q2 2025
RM Q2 2025 Wrap Up
July 9, 2025

Rogue Marketing continues to lead with intention in a space often driven by noise. Q2 2025 reflected a strategic focus on substance, where each initiative supported long-term brand growth. The team transformed internal recognition efforts into enduring brand assets and refined event strategies through immersive, results-driven experiences. Website launches during the quarter balanced visual…

Read More
amateur radios
Hamvention Spotlight: Emergency Preparedness Led PrepHam Paul to Amateur Radios and a Rising Voice in the Field
July 9, 2025

PrepHam Paul (K5VLP) celebrated his first visit to Dayton Hamvention by marking a major channel milestone. He hosted a giveaway of the  IC-2370B mobile radio from Icom to thank viewers for helping him reach 10,000 subscribers. His passion for emergency preparedness, rooted in his experience as an Eagle Scout and later studies in emergency management,…

Read More