Is FTTB Or Fixed LTE Right For Your Business?
One of the most frequently asked questions by our customers is which connectivity solution is right for them? What they’re really asking is which type of Internet connection is the most affordable and useful for their smaller operations. They also want to know which option has the ability to scale and grow with their business, while still remaining affordable.
These queries have become even more top of mind since the ongoing rollout of fibre connectivity has made fibre-to-the-business (FTTB) cheaper in South Africa, prompting various networks to become aggressive with the marketing of their Fixed LTE (long-term evolution) offerings.
In short, it’s become more confusing to decide which is better. That’s why we want to give you some insights that will help you make the right decision. Interestingly, the answer might be both!
In this article, we’ll concentrate on the following:
- Background into what FTTB is
- Defining what Fixed LTE is
- The difference between FTTB and FLTE
- Which is better for your business?
Background Into What FTTB Is
Fibre-to-the-business, or FTTB, is the transmission of a signal through fibre optic cables from an operator’s switching equipment to a business premise. This newer technology provides higher and more reliable bandwidth, enabling more robust data transfer and voice, and video services.
Essentially, FTTB gives you access to fast, stable Internet, with low latency and the ability to manage a high demand and allow for large numbers of concurrent users. With high demands of Internet speed, uptime, and contention ratio, it’s the ideal solution for today’s business – especially if most of your employees require video conferencing, streaming, VoIP calls, and cloud software.
Unsurprisingly, business fibre is considered one of the more expensive connectivity solutions out there – although we should point that its becoming more affordable as the rollout of technology enabling fibre continues across South Africa.
Defining What Fixed LTE Is
Fixed LTE, or FLTE, is another viable option for businesses. For a long time, it’s been thought of as a more affordable alternative to fibre. Especially for those who are located where fibre is yet to be installed. However, as FTTB becomes more accessible, we’ve noticed more customers asking which is better…
Our answer starts with an explanation of what FLTE is. To avoid being too technical, FLTE is a wireless high-speed Internet connection which is designed to work from a set location, like your office. It allows you to connect 30+ devices so you can keep streaming, online gaming, video calling and working, all at the same time.
Similar to FTTB, FLTE doesn’t require cable installations – all you need to access the Internet is FLTE coverage in your area. Then it’s simply a matter of plugging in your FLTE router and you’re ready to go.
The Difference Between FTTB And FLTE
The main difference between the two is that FTTB uses fibre optic cables to deliver data with light particles from one place to another, while Fixed LTE is a wireless broadband service that relies on cellphone towers.
The implication is that fibre is faster, literally working at the speed of light, while FLTE is more accessible, even if it isn’t as fast.
So, Which Is Better For Your Business?
Maybe it seems like we’ve made our choice and gone with FTTB, leaving Fixed LTE by the wayside. It’s certainly undeniable that fibre has grown in popularity over the years and is now considered the preferential choice for businesses due to its reliable download and upload speeds, and uncapped offerings.
The thing is… recent advancements in the technology powering Fixed LTE means that this solution has become faster, more flexible and more reliable. For example, due to Fixed LTE’s mobility you can get connectivity speeds of up to 50Mbps. Not only does this mean that you can get faster Internet at a price that’s more competitive than fibre, but the agility (bouncing from tower to tower) can compensate for the interfering environmental factors, like inclement weather, giving you a more reliable Internet connection.
Lastly, Fixed LTE is more readily available across South Africa than fibre, which makes it a great option if you’re waiting for fibre to be installed, if you’re switching between providers or moving, if you live in a remote area, or if you simply can’t afford fibre.
Clearly both options present several advantages. Ultimately, we’d argue that the best connectivity solution for your business has more to do with your needs than the benefits of the solution alone. The reality is that your business could actually benefit from both fibre and Fixed LTE, where the one serves as your primary connection source and the other functions as secondary or back-up connection.
In fact, this double-up connectivity solution is one that we often explore with our customers. This is because we understand that a quality, stable connectivity solution is central to your business’ survival and its future success.
If you’re wondering how this would work for your business or if you should opt for either FTTB or Fixed LTE on its own, then talk to us. We can help find the right vehicle to empower your business to do what it does best.
Connect with us today.
