For the past few years, the focus for many enterprises has been business continuity. Rapid change from the global pandemic and economic uncertainty meant the top priority was keeping operations running. We’ve seen just how important connectivity is during this time, from video conferencing to running mission-critical applications.
But as we enter 2024, businesses are looking beyond continuing operations as usual. No longer is the focus on adapting to hybrid/remote work, but instead leveraging technology to maximize efficiency and minimize disruptions.
Fibre optic internet, once limited to select regions, is becoming accessible to more businesses—and just at the right time. Developments in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, cloud computing, automation, the Internet of Things, and other transformative technologies are quickly ramping up. For businesses that are looking to stay ahead, having a high-speed, secure, and reliable connection is vital.
Across industries, businesses are making the switch to fibre optic internet. Let’s dive into what fibre optic internet is and why it’s an essential choice for enterprises.
What is fiber optic internet?
Fibre optic internet (also called fibre internet) is a type of high speed internet that uses fibre optic cables, which are made of thin strands of glass or plastic. Information is transmitted through these cables as pulses of light. Data can travel quickly and over long distances.
Traditional copper-based internet cables use electricity for data transmission, whereas fibre optic cables use light signals. This means that fibre internet is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference and weather-related outages.
Fibre internet is an ideal choice for businesses that need a lightning-fast, reliable internet connection. Fibre internet is becoming increasingly available across Canada and is now the go-to option for businesses looking for the best internet in Canada. In Canada’s Capital Region, Hiboo Networks has just launched high speed internet in Ottawa-Gatineau through a brand new municipally owned fibre optic network.
The advantages of choosing an advanced fibre network
With fibre business internet service becoming more widespread, you’ve likely seen more network providers offering fibre optic internet plans and internet packages—but not all networks are created equally. For the best internet service for your business, you need the most advanced fibre technology available. This will enable your business to operate at its peak today and be prepared for anything that comes in the future. So what should you look for in an advanced fibre network?
Here are three features that the best fibre network providers offer and a few examples of how these features can enhance operations across different industries.
High speeds with a symmetric connection
Because fibre optics can transmit data so quickly, it offers extremely fast download and upload speeds (aka symmetric speed). If you rely on virtual collaboration and online communication or run any data-intensive technologies, downloads and uploads must be lightning-fast.
- Boost productivity with seamless remote collaboration: For teams that use cloud-based applications, like file-sharing services, customer relationship management platforms, or project management tools, a reliable fibre business internet connection ensures that you can transmit large volumes of data without delay. This means better real-time collaboration, no matter where team members are located.
- Innovate working and learning through immersive experiences: Augmented reality and virtual reality are being used to create learning and training experiences that resonate with students and employees. Experiences such as virtual tours and field trips often involve high-quality 3D content, live streaming, and real-time interactions. The fast speeds of fibre optic internet will help deliver the best user experience for these technologies.
Flexible bandwidth and no data caps
With flexible bandwidth options, you can easily scale your connectivity needs depending on the number of users, operational needs, and company growth. You can use data-intensive applications, like cloud resources and video conferencing, without disruption or worrying about your data usage.
- Improve learning outcomes by creating more inclusive classrooms: With the shift to online learning, there are new opportunities for educators to develop learning resources that cater to different learning styles and abilities. High bandwidth helps ensure smooth streaming of virtual lectures, a better user experience on collaborative learning platforms, and quick access to multimedia content.
- Enhance customer satisfaction through more efficient e-commerce processes: For higher customer satisfaction, e-commerce sites need fast load times, a responsive design, and secure checkout processes. To elevate the buying experience, businesses may also want to have live customer support and real-time inventory management—all features that require flexible bandwidth for the best online shopping experience.
High reliability and low latency
Fibre optic cables are buried underground, so they aren’t affected by outdoor elements. They’re also less susceptible to outages compared to electric currents. But for even more reliability, you’ll want a provider that offers a high network uptime and extremely low latency (i.e., lag or delay when transmitting data).
- Enable better patient care by improving access to healthcare data: A reliable connection is essential when it comes to critical care. Quick and secure transfer of patient data (such as medical imaging, lab results, and health records) enables healthcare providers to diagnose and treat patients more efficiently. Fast and reliable connections also mean better connectivity for medical devices that remotely monitor and report patient information.
- Automate city services and processes to improve quality of life: Automating urban systems can optimize transportation, promote public safety, and enhance sustainability. But these systems—such as smart traffic management, street lighting, and waste management—require high speed connectivity with low latency to gather and send real-time information. Less susceptibility to interference and environmental factors ensures that these systems can run smoothly.
Why choose Hiboo Networks?
Fibre internet is becoming necessary for enterprises—but you want to find the right solution, by the right network provider, that delivers exactly what your business needs.
Hiboo Networks is a fibre optic connectivity provider built by and for Ottawa-Gatineau. Our 100% fibre optic network is municipally owned and is now available to every business and organization across our region.
Here’s what you can expect with Hiboo’s fibre internet service:
- Speeds up to 100 Gig per second, with equal upload and download speeds
- Flexible bandwidth with a variety of burstable options and no data caps
- 99.999% uptime guaranteed
- 24/7 network surveillance and monitoring
In addition to our state-of-the-art technology, Hiboo offers a truly local alternative for Ottawa-Gatineau businesses. Experience simplified ordering, clear billing, speedy support, and 24/7/365 dedicated support from a team located right here in Canada’s Capital Region. We understand the needs of local businesses, and we are committed to giving you the customer experience you deserve.
Want to learn more about Hiboo Networks’ fibre internet and business services? Book a consultation call with one of our local network experts!
FAQs
What is considered fast internet?
Fast internet is ultimately the speed at which your business can operate efficiently. According to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), high-speed internet in Canada has a download speed of at least 50 Mbps and an upload speed of 10 Mbps. When it comes to the internet for businesses, fast internet is relative to operational needs and number of users. Typically, enterprises with a high number of connected users and devices who are downloading data, video conferencing, and transferring files will want 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps) internet or higher.
How does fibre optic internet work?
Fibre optic internet transmits data as pulses of light that travel through fibre optic cables. These cables, which are often buried underground, are made of thin strands of glass or plastic. They allow for information to travel longer distances at lightning-fast speeds. Unlike traditional copper-based cables, fibre optics do not use electricity, making them less susceptible to electromagnetic interference or weather-related outages. This makes fibre internet a top choice for enterprises that not only need high-speed internet for business operations but also a connection that has high reliability and security.