Keeping up with the latest technologies is essential if you want to future proof your business and stay competitive. For businesses who need reliable communications, seamless transactions, and efficient operations, enterprise fibre optic internet is the top choice.

While fibre optic connectivity is now widely available in many areas, there are still plenty of myths about business internet services. These misconceptions can lead to missed opportunities and less-than-optimal business operations.

Questioning the durability of a fibre optic connection? Or wondering if you can really avoid downtime? Hiboo Networks is here to debunk some common internet myths, explore the facts about fibre optic, and help you make an informed decision about your business connectivity.

Myth #1: Enterprise internet is only for large businesses

Whether you’re a growing startup or an established enterprise, fast and reliable business internet is crucial if you want to stay agile, streamline operations, and deliver the best customer experience.

Enterprise internet offers advanced features that are key for business continuity and success, such as:

• Fast, symmetrical speeds for efficient cloud collaboration and data transfers
• Dedicated connections for uninterrupted connectivity
• Service Level Agreements (SLA) for guaranteed levels of performance and support

Businesses of all sizes—small, medium, and large —can benefit from faster speeds, lower latency, and higher bandwidth. These advanced features are particularly important if your business relies heavily on cloud-based applications or other bandwidth-intensive tools and activities.

Myth #2: Fibre optic cables are not as durable as copper cables

While copper-based connections once dominated the connectivity landscape, the durability and reliability of fibre optic has made it the preferred choice for enterprises.

How does fibre optic internet work? Fibre optic internet uses fibre optic cables, which are made of thin strands of glass or plastic. Information is transmitted through these cables as pulses of light. A single optical fibre can transmit trillions of bits per second.

Fibre cables are primarily installed underground, which makes them less susceptible to environmental factors, like electromagnetic interference, temperature fluctuations, and high pressures. Because fibre optics uses light-based transmission rather than electricity, your fibre internet would not be affected by power or electricity outages, unlike traditional copper cables.

Myth #3: Upgrading to fibre internet is complicated and will disrupt my business operations

While switching or upgrading your business connectivity can seem like a hassle, the right business internet service provider (ISP) can simplify the process. A customer-first ISP will work with you to develop a strategic implementation plan that minimizes disruptions for your business.

The fibre internet installation process is handled by expert technicians. To ensure you stay online throughout, you may want to maintain a backup connection during the transition.

Once your fibre is installed, there is minimal maintenance required—and because fibre is more reliable than other types of connections, you will likely experience fewer outages and reduced interference. To further protect against connectivity disruptions, remember to look at your ISP’s service guarantees before you commit. Select an ISP with 24/7 support and a rapid mean-time-to-repair (MTTR) to ensure any connectivity issues are quickly resolved.

Myth #4: Network downtime is unavoidable

Even a few seconds of downtime can have severe consequences, from lost revenue to reputational damage. Research has found that the average cost of downtime can be as high as $9,000 per minute for large organizations.

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate downtime, there are many proactive measures you can take to significantly minimize the risk.

• Opt for fibre optic connectivity: Fibre optic offers greater reliability and performance, combining high uptime and enhanced security with lightning-fast speeds, flexible bandwidth, and low latency.
• Work with a facilities-based provider: A facilities-based network provider owns and manages their infrastructure, so they have complete visibility into their network. They proactively monitor for and can quickly resolve any network issues.
• Diversify your network infrastructure: Relying solely on one carrier increases your risk of complete service outages and security risks. Utilizing a carrier with a fully separate network will mitigate single-point-of-failure risks and boost your network resilience.

Myth #5: All business ISPs are the same

Finding the right business ISP can be challenging. While the differences between providers isn’t always immediately obvious, there are some key factors to consider when evaluating business ISP options.

The three most common types of ISPs are national telecommunication companies, resellers, and regional ISPs. National telcos own their own network infrastructure but often lack personalized customer support. Resellers lease network access at lower prices but are dependent on third-party infrastructure. Regional ISPs, particularly facilities-based providers, can often deliver tailored connectivity technology and support.

Because of the differences in their infrastructure and business models, ISPs offer various types of solutions, pricing, technical support, and more. To find the ideal provider, it's important to compare your options and identify which provider can best meet your business's specific needs.

Finding the right business internet solution

With faster speeds, greater reliability, and higher security, fibre optic enterprise internet can help businesses of all sizes innovate and grow. By working with a business ISP that has both advanced technology and exceptional customer support, you can unlock new opportunities for your business.

Hiboo Networks is Ottawa-Gatineau’s new facilities-based ISP, offering fast, flexible, and secure fibre optic solutions on our completely independent 100% fibre optic network. Looking for a fibre optic solution for your business? We can develop a free no-obligation customized connectivity plan for your business! Contact a local network expert to get started.

FAQs

What is fibre optic internet?

Fibre optic internet is a high-speed internet technology that uses fibre optic cables made of thin strands of glass or plastic. These cables transmit information as light pulses, enabling information to travel longer distances at lightning-fast speeds. Fibre optic does not rely on electricity, so it’s less susceptible to electromagnetic interference or weather-related outages. For businesses that need fast and reliable internet, fibre optic is the ideal connection.

What are the benefits of fibre optic business internet?

Fiber optic internet delivers high speeds, symmetric connections, and low latency, empowering businesses of all sizes to perform at their peak. From seamless video conferencing and file sharing to rapid cloud computing and real-time data processing, fibre internet ensures scalable and secure connectivity.

What should I consider when choosing a business ISP?

When choosing a business internet service provider, consider your organization's specific needs, including speeds, reliability, support, and budget. For the best performance, opt for a facilities-based provider with high uptime guarantees, fast support response times, and a comprehensive SLA.

Another key factor to consider is whether your provider understands the local business landscape where you operate. By having a deep understanding of your market, they can deliver more tailored solutions that support your long-term business growth.

As the only fibre optic network built by and for Ottawa-Gatineau, Hiboo Networks exclusively serves businesses in our region. We deliver end-to-end fibre optic connectivity along with 24/7 customer support from a team that lives and works right here in the National Capital Region. Find out how Hiboo Networks can help your business.