Are you considering a fiber optic installation for your business? It’s an excellent choice. Not only does fiber optic offer fast and reliable internet speeds, but it’s also more affordable than you might think. In fact, the cost of a fiber optic installation has decreased significantly in recent years. This guide to fiber optic installation costs will take you through the different expenses involved to see if it’s the right fit for your business.
What are the factors influencing fiber optic installation prices?
As with any type of telecommunications project, several factors will affect the overall cost of your fiber optic installation, along with the ongoing monthly expenses you pay.
Type of cable
The first is the type of fiber optic cable you choose. There are two main types of fiber optic cable: single-mode and multimode.
Multimode fiber optic cable is less expensive than single-mode fiber, but it’s also not as fast. It’s a good choice for small businesses that don’t need the speed or reliability of single-mode.
Length of the cable
There’s a directly associated cost with the longer length of cable and the extra installation time. The longer the fiber optic cable run, the more expensive it will be.
Number of fiber optic connections
At the start of your fiber optic installation project, a design will be created as an overview of the exact configuration required for your network. Looking at this, the more connections you need, the higher the cost will be. And each connection requires a special adapter that a qualified technician must install.
Type of connection
There are two main types of connections: termination boxes and splices. Termination boxes are less expensive, but they’re not as reliable. Fiber optic splicing is more expensive because it’s a complex process that requires special equipment and training.
Service agreement
Factor in the service agreement price when comparing fiber optic installation costs. This is an ongoing monthly fee that covers the cost and maintenance of your fiber optic network. The service agreement should cover things like 24/7 support, network monitoring, and regular maintenance.
Prep work
Depending on the location of your fiber optic installation, there may be some prep work required. This could include trenching or drilling through walls. Check if a conduit is in place. This is the most common type of prep work required for fiber optic installations. A conduit protects your cables and makes installation easier, both for your initial installation and any future upgrades. The cost of prep work will vary depending on the amount of work that needs to be done.
Physical obstacles
Another prep work factor that will affect the cost of your fiber optic installation is any physical obstacles in the way. This could include having to drill through concrete or dig a trench under a sidewalk. Typical obstacles could include:
- Highways
- Rivers
- Graveyards
- Historic buildings
- Nature reserves
These obstacles add to the cost of installation because they require more time and effort to overcome.
Even within a building, installation can be more challenging and, therefore, more expensive if there are physical obstacles in the way, as laying fiber is a complex process. Fiber optic cables are lightweight and delicate, so they can be easily damaged. This is why it’s important to have a qualified technician handle your fiber optic installation. Feel free to contact The Network Installers, as we have professionals who know how to calculate minimum bend radius. We’ll also take other precautions to protect your cables and keep your installation costs down.
Distance to the nearest lit fiber
Another point to consider is the distance to the nearest lit fiber. If your business is located far from a lit fiber, it will cost more to install because the technician will need to run the cable a longer distance.
For example, if existing fiber cabling stops just short of your building, you’ll find it affordable to connect to. Alternatively, if fiber isn’t laid within a mile of your premises, expect to pay through the nose for a connection.
Available space in your telecommunications cabinet
You’ll need to budget for the cost of a new or upgraded telecommunications cabinet if you don’t have one already. This will be necessary to house any new equipment required for the fiber optic installation. For an existing telco cabinet, consider if you have enough available space for your fiber optic hardware to be stored.
The cost of a fiber optic router
If you’re planning on using fiber optic internet, you’ll need a special type of router. These routers are more expensive than traditional routers, but they’re essential to take advantage of the high speeds of fiber optic internet.
Upfront costs vs. monthly fees
When you’re considering the cost of a fiber optic installation, it’s important to include both the upfront cost and the monthly fees in your budget. The upfront cost will be higher for fiber optic than for other types of internet, but the monthly fees will be lower. But once the initial investment in your fiber optic network has been made, the monthly fees are lower because fiber optic is a more efficient technology.
Cost differences between aerial and underground installations
There are two main types of fiber optic installations: aerial and underground. In aerial installations, fiber optic cables are laid above ground on telephone poles or other structures. As these structures are typically already in place, there is a reduced cost of installation compared to underground installations.
Contact The Network Installers
The bad news is there’s really no average cost of setting up a fiber connection to your premises as every case is entirely unique. The cost of an FTTP or FTTH fiber optic installation can vary dramatically depending on the factors mentioned above. However, it’s much more affordable than you might think, so if you’re considering a fiber optic installation for your business, contact a qualified installer to get an estimate.
The Network Installers are highly experienced in every aspect of fiber optic installation and maintenance. Get in touch with us to discuss your budget and project requirements today. We’ll provide you with a free, no-obligation quote to get the ball rolling.
