Local Fiber Internet: the Superior Choice Over Starlink and a Boost for Our Community

Local Fiber Internet: the Superior Choice Over Starlink and a Boost for Our Community

Consumers today face numerous choices when it comes to selecting high-speed internet for their home or business. Indeed, one glance at the pile of glossy advertisements for internet service in the mailbox or the slew of billboards blazing “unbeatable deals” on the road can overwhelm even the savviest of shoppers. And with the emergence of newer technologies like Starlink satellite internet, many rural and small-town communities are beginning to take a second look at their internet options.

While Starlink’s technology sounds impressive, a closer inspection reveals the vastly greater quality, reliability and speed of fiber internet over Starlink. Additionally, fiber internet, such as FPUAnet Communications’ advanced fiber network, also provides considerable benefits to our local communities that Starlink just can’t come close to matching. Below we highlight why local fiber internet is the superior choice to Starlink and how fiber directly benefits our community.

Looking to the Stars—a Brief Overview of Starlink

Starlink is a subsidiary company of aerospace giant SpaceX, a company most famous for its rockets and other spacecraft. Many would-be Starlink customers are intrigued by the company’s futuristic branding and seemingly sophisticated Low Earth Orbit technology.

Unlike older forms of internet like cable or DSL, Starlink transmits internet signals from its low orbiting satellites back to earth and to your home without relying on materials never intended for dispersing internet in the first place (i.e., coaxial copper cables and telephone wires). To be fair, in some ways, Starlink is a genuine improvement over those old school technologies.

Despite Starlink’s space-age lineage, however, there are several inherent flaws that make it a subpar substitute for fiber internet. Above all, like all satellite internet providers, Starlink’s quality and speed varies greatly depending on the weather. Interference from precipitation and other factors can slow down or even disrupt Starlink’s service just when you need it most.

Starlink is also expensive, pinching the pockets of its too-often frustrated customers. In addition to the pricey monthly service fee, customers can expect to pay more than $300 for the upfront equipment necessary to run Starlink. That equipment must be expertly aligned just right with Starlink’s orbiting satellites or the connection can fail—another problem that irks many initially starstruck consumers, especially considering that the equipment is intended to be installed by the customer without support from a trained technician. 

Why Fiber’s Performance Beats Starlink’s Every Time

Having briefly looked at Starlink, we now turn to why fiber internet, like the service provided by FPUAnet Communications, is heads and shoulders above any brand of satellite internet.

Fiber’s Faster and More Reliable Speeds

Without question, the most significant advantage fiber internet offers over Starlink is fiber’s exceptional speeds. Fiber-optic connections deliver some of the fastest internet speeds available, with download speeds easily surpassing 1 gigabyte per second and even clocking in excess of 10GPS!

Just as crucially, fiber provides “symmetrical” upload and download speeds—that means even fiber’s uploading speeds are exceedingly high. Fiber’s symmetrical internet is essential for activities like video conferencing, gaming, streaming movies and TV, and remote work, all of which have become mainstream activities in today’s digital landscape.

On the other hand, Starlink’s satellite technology faces issues with inconsistent speeds that can really weigh down productivity. Starlink is highly dependent on the proper configuration and intercommunication of its constellation of satellites. When that configuration and communication hits a snag, consumers will notice fluctuating speeds, especially during peak usage hours

Because fiber internet utilizesa direct physical connection to the internet via light signals along fiber-optic cable, complicated satellite configuration hundreds of miles into space is not an issue! That means fiber’s speeds are consistent throughout the day, and its connections much more stable than Starlink’s ever could be.

Lower Latency and Fewer Interruptions

After speed, most internet customers want low latency in their internet connection—even if they don’t know that techy-sounding term! Most basically, latency simply refers to the amount of delay in transmitting data between devices—meaning, for example, from your laptop, smart TV or smartphone and back to a server thousands of miles away (e.g., Netflix, TikTok, Facebook, or Zoom). Thus, low latency is a key factor in overall internet performance, especially for applications that require real-time interaction, such as video calling, online gaming, and TV streaming.

Like other satellite internet providers, Starlink struggles with higher latency due to the limitations of its technology.  Because Starlink’s satellite signals travel to space and back, adding extra time to data transmission, the delays from its higher latency can affect the user experience for applications requiring instant feedback.

Fiber just doesn’t have this problem! FPUAnet Communications’ network has much lower latency due to the way light signals travel through the fiber-optic cables installed in the ground right here on planet earth. Thus, as fiber networks don’t require signals to travel to space and back, they provide faster communication between devices, ensuring a smoother experience for everything from online gaming to virtual business meetings.

Fiber Offers Connectivity Rooted in Our Community, Not the Cosmos

Now that we’ve examined how fiber surpasses Starlink in speed and reliability, let’s look at how local fiber networks benefit our shared communities, too.

Fiber’s Direct Investment in the Local Economy

Unlike Starlink, which is part of a massive corporate conglomerate hundreds or even thousands of miles away, on-the-ground local fiber networks are right in our neighborhoods and the surrounding area. Additionally, money spent on fiber internet installation and maintenance stays in our community, Fort Pierce.

Importantly, fiber networks are typically built by local providers or cooperatives often using local labor for much of the work. That results in an economic investment that lifts our whole economy. From the creation of local jobs to the development of regional infrastructure, fiber’s local touch makes a real difference.

Starlink doesn’t provide anywhere near the same local economic benefits as fiber. Almost every dollar of a customer’s monthly Starlink subscription fee flees our area for good, greatly reducing the direct economic impact on our local community. Those lost subscription fees are not reinvested in local businesses or infrastructure, which means the community misses out on a chance to support its own economy.

Through fiber internet, the community can create local jobs, support local technicians and engineers, and foster local innovation. And fiber even fosters regional collaboration, too. Municipalities often come together to invest in community-wide fiber infrastructure projects, helping ensure that internet access remains affordable and equitable for all of us.

Fiber’s Improved Local Support and Customer Service

When you choose a local fiber internet service like FPUAnet Communications, you’re working with a local provider that has a vested interest in maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. Because so many employees are your neighbors, local fiber providers are more likely to be responsive to issues, provide more personalized customer service in the community, and tailor their offerings to the needs of local customers.

Being a gargantuan global company, Starlink is much more likely to struggle to provide the same level of customer support as your local fiber provider. Quite simply, Starlink isn’t responsive to localized issues like FPUAnet Communications, because unlike us, Starlink just isn’t “here.”

Whether it’s fiber’s superior speeds and reliability, or the benefits to our local economy, fiber is simply leagues ahead of Starlink. And because you and your fellow community members can enjoy personalized support, quicker troubleshooting, and a sense of connection with your internet service provider, fiber internet like FPUAnet Communications’ is there for you while Starlink is quite literally out of reach.

Should you have any questions about how fiber internet can make a difference for your home or business, FPUAnet Communications’ friendly customer service professionals are available to help. And be sure to keep up with our social pages to learn more about FPUAnet Communications’ fiber network!

Top Tech to Tackle Allergies

Top Tech to Tackle Allergies

With spring about to blossom, nature’s spectacular explosion of color and creativity is soon to commence. Accompanying spring’s verdant beauty, however, is something much less appealing—pollen and other allergens in the air. Indeed, for millions of Americans, allergies are a near-constant nuisance regardless of the season, affecting their daily lives, work attendance, productivity, and overall well-being. And beyond seasonal pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander also take their toll on our health.

For one-quarter of all Americans, managing allergies can feel like a battle they just can’t win. Thankfully, modern technology and innovative gear are making it easier than ever to detect and control allergens and minimize their impact. To help you wade through the available tech, devices, and gear, FPUAnet Communications will highlight some of the most frequently recommended items to help you tackle allergies head-on and improve your health and quality of life.

1. Wearable Allergy Trackers

One of the first steps you can take to fight allergies is to be better aware of the presence of those allergens in the first place, including which allergens are particularly high on a given day. With technology advancing rapidly, wearable devices are now available to help you track allergens in your environment when you’re on the go.

We recommend the Atmotube PRO, which connects to your smartphone and provides real-time information about many allergens around you, both outdoors and indoors, including pollen levels. Its sophisticated sensors track other air pollutants as well, like dust and soot, allowing you to adjust your environment or take preventative measures.

2. Indoor Air Purifiers

Of course, outdoor allergens are only one source of the sniffling, eye-watering, and itchiness of allergy season—indoor allergens often irritate as much as the seemingly fresh air! When you’re inside, one of the most effective ways to combat airborne allergens is to utilize a high-quality air purifier.

Allergy experts believe it’s essential to choose an air purifier equipped with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) technology. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HEPA filters are particularly effective at capturing dust, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen that hide surreptitiously indoors—up to 99.97% of them. Some advanced air purifiers even come with smart technology that monitors air quality in real time and adjusts the filtration levels accordingly.

For an especially powerful option, check out the Coway Airmega 400S. Acclaimed for its quiet operation and impressive filtration system, this app-controlled air purifier is ideal for larger rooms while keeping tabs on overall air quality. To handle a smaller space while still using a smartphone app and the power of a HEPA filter, the Levoit Core 300 is a nice alternative with a lower price tag, too.  

3. Portable HEPA Air Purifiers for Travel

Having cleaner air with fewer allergens doesn’t have to be limited to your own home. If you're frequently on the go or work in an office or cubicle, a portable HEPA air purifier can make a big difference in minimizing exposure to allergens.

Unlike the larger purifiers highlighted above, these compact devices are snug and sleek enough for a hotel room or even your car. They can help ensure that you always have clean air to breathe, no matter where you are or what the elements throw at you.

We recommend the Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini Portable Air Purifier. It features a cordless, compact design that’s also rechargeable, making this air purifier perfect for use while traveling. Whether you’re running errands or going on a road trip, we like the IQAir Atem Car Air Purifier. Though it’s on the pricier side, it can be especially useful during long drives that expose you to different kinds of pollen and other allergens in different regions and landscapes.

4. Smart Vacuum Cleaners

Beyond using air purifiers to remove indoor allergens from the air, eliminating them from the surfaces of your home is also critical for allergy sufferers. The floors, carpets, and rugs of your home are natural places for allergens of all kinds to settle and multiply quickly. But thanks to advances in technology, smart vacuum cleaners can greatly improve the overall cleanliness of your home and reduce allergen accumulation.

Many of the best smart vacuums can sense and detect messy surface areas of floors and carpets while avoiding contact with objects like furniture or appliances. With their savvy sensors, they can detect dust, pet hair, and other allergens, ensuring thorough cleaning. For the most allergy-prone households, we recommend models that come equipped with HEPA filters, just like the air purifiers highlighted above.

Though it’s an investment, the Narwal Freo X Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop is one of the best smart vacuums allergy combatants can buy. Its sensing technology is among the best on the market, and it finds and traps even microscopic particles like dust and pet dander with its HEPA filter. A less expensive option is a handheld vacuum like the Shark Detect Clean & Empty, which, while certainly less flashy than the Narwal, still captures significant amounts of allergens through its HEPA filter.

With the right combination of gear and technology, you can significantly reduce the impacts of allergies on your health and lifestyle. And for more ways the power of FPUAnet Communications’ high-speed fiber network can make you and your home healthier, follow our social pages!

Where to Stream Audiobooks: The Best Apps and Platforms for Listening to Books on the Go

Where to Stream Audiobooks: The Best Apps and Platforms for Listening to Books on the Go

For people with busy lifestyles, or who just find themselves in long commutes or drives (or walks or workouts), audiobooks have become a popular and convenient way to enjoy the written word with their ears rather than their eyes. More than a simple handheld paper book or digital ebook ever could, audiobooks also provide an immersive experience that lets you dive into stories and learn new things hands-free. And many audiobooks feature talented—and sometimes famous—narrators or even full-casts with music and sound effects to enhance the listening experience!

As the number of platforms offering audiobooks continues to grow, choosing the right service can seem a bit daunting. To help you find the right one for you, below we explore some of the best apps and platforms for streaming audiobooks and what sets them apart. And remember, every audiobook you download or stream on these apps and platforms is accessible quickly and reliably on FPUAnet Communications’ advanced fiber network!

1. Audible’s Extensive Audiobook Library and Exclusive Content Stand Out

We begin with what’s likely the most well-known and popular platform for audiobooks: Audible. Now owned by Amazon (which offers certain Audible perks to Prime members), Audible’s library of audiobooks is simply massive, containing a collection of narrated books ranging from those originally produced decades ago to exclusive content the platform publishes every year. From riveting history to science fiction and fantasy to self-help and biographies and memoirs, Audible has just about everything an audiobook aficionado could want.

Audible offers multiple options for listening, including a stand-alone app for smartphones or tablets, or even listening through Alexa-connected devices! People commonly choose a monthly subscription plan where users get one credit per month, which can be redeemed for any audiobook in their library regardless of its price. Additionally, Audible’s Plus plan grants access to its Plus Catalog, which provides many more books for free with that service (as well as podcasts and certain other exclusive content) without needing to expend a credit.

2. Libby Provides Free Audiobooks Through Public Libraries

For those looking for a less expensive option to enjoy audiobooks—or better yet, a cost-free one—Libby may be worth a look. Powered by OverDrive, Libby is an app that allows users to borrow audiobooks from their local library (as long as that library participates in the OverDrive program). Thus, if you’ve got a valid library card with a participating library, you can borrow and stream (and “return”) audiobooks just like you would with an ordinary book you took out from the library.

You can browse for audiobooks with ease through Libby’s user-friendly interface, helping you discover your next great listen. Additionally, like Audible, Libby has handy features that let you adjust the playback speed and even bookmark your place.  And because it’s accessible on Android, Apple iOS and Kindle devices, it’s widely available, as well.

3. Spotify Combines Music and Audiobooks for One-Stop Entertainment

Next, we turn to an app better known for music streaming—Spotify. Many Spotify subscribers don’t even realize that their beloved streaming music platform even offers audiobooks! Yet, Spotify actually offers a fairly impressive selection of audiobooks, particularly titles that are in the public domain.

Many audiobook listeners prefer Spotify because they view it as an all-in-one audio entertainment app, with a well-integrated music, podcast, and audiobook selection in a single platform. Listeners can choose from a selection of plans and tiers, including less expensive tiers that contain ads as you listen or premium subscriptions that are ad-free throughout the audiobook. 

4. Apple Books and Google Play Books for Pay-Per-Book Listening

Our last two options are for those who prefer the flexibility to pay for each book as they go along, rather than through a regular subscription service—Apple Books and Google Play Books. Both services have a large selection of audiobooks to choose from and all are easily playable on many kinds of devices, just as with Audible, Libby, and Spotify. Either service is most ideal for those who take their time to digest their audiobooks or who only listen to a relatively small number of audiobooks each year.

Apple Books and Google Play Books are also best for households that are fully integrated into either Apple’s or Google’s ecosystems. That means these options take full advantage of the broad swath of Apple or Google accounts and subscriptions, as well as devices throughout a smart home or office. For the less frequent audiobook listener who is also deeply engrained in the Apple or Google ecosystems, these may just be the perfect choice.

As we highlighted above, there’s no shortage of audiobook streaming platforms available. Your choice ultimately depends on your listening preferences, frequency, and, of course, budget. And if you haven’t tried an audiobook yet, do it! Like many others, you may just find it an amazing way to learn, laugh, and relax.

For more ways to make the most of FPUAnet Communications’ high-speed fiber network, follow our social pages!

Remote Work: Is It Right for You?

Remote Work: Is It Right for You?

By far, one of the most significant shifts in the modern workplace has been the meteoric rise of remote work. Though it began as a perk for a fortunate few employees, remote work has now become a mainstream mode of working for millions worldwide. Indeed, the sheer numbers tell the story—according to a 2024 survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 22.8% of all Americans work remotely, at least partly.

Though many workers have fully embraced the flexibility and autonomy that remote work offers, others struggle with the challenges posed by working away from an office. Before taking the plunge into the world of remote work, each person must ask themselves if it’s the right fit for them. FPUAnet Communications has prepared the following guide to help you weigh the pros and cons of remote work and consider how they align with your work style, personal preferences, and career goals.

The Advantages of Remote Work

We begin with the pros of remote work, which can seem like a dream for many professionals looking for fresh opportunities and the potential for a career change while also improving their lifestyle.

  • No More Commuting

Typically, the very first advantage most new remote workers experience is the sheer joy of leaving behind the grind of a daily commute. Time wasted driving simply vanishes, as do the stresses and dangers of traffic congestion.

Remote workers can put that precious time into being more productive on the job both earlier and later in the day—all without the negativity and stress that the daily slog to and from work can bring. For some remote workers, saying “sayonara” to the commute is reason enough to make the switch to working from home!

  • Greater Worktime Flexibility

Many remote employees can cater their workdays to suit their schedules far better than their office-based compatriots. Depending on their employer’s and supervisor’s needs, some remote workers are even granted the option to choose when they begin and end their work each day.

For those who are either night owls or early birds, this flexibility can ideally sync with when they are at their best to be the most productive and effective for their jobs. Some remote workers have expressed that the flexibility of working from the comforts of home doesn’t even feel like work!

  • Better Work-Life Balance

The increased sense of freedom provided by remote work opens the door to far greater work-life balance, especially for those with the responsibility of caring for young children. With the skyrocketing costs of childcare, remote work from home can be a game changer—or even an economic lifeline—to parents. The same is also true for breadwinners who care for older family members and senior citizens. Even pet parents benefit from remote work, as working from home means their furry companions don’t have to spend the bulk of the day alone.

Other remote workers delight in the change of scenery by working on a patio, at a coffee shop, or from the comforts of a favorite couch or recliner. Even running errands like grocery shopping or attending medical appointments is far easier for remote workers—all without sacrificing work quality or efficiency.

  • Saving Money

Beyond the conveniences and comforts of working from home, there are considerable economic benefits to remote work. Indeed, when all factors are considered, working from home can lead to significant financial savings throughout the year. With no need for commuting, employees save money on gas, public transportation, tolls, parking, pet care services, and eating out for lunch.

The monthly savings on gasoline alone can be substantial, especially for those with commutes that take more than 20 minutes. By reducing these expenses, remote work can make a noticeable difference to one’s overall financial situation.

The Cons of Remote Work

Like just about everything, however, there are some negative aspects of remote work that each person should consider and then balance against the net positives we’ve already highlighted. Now, we turn to remote work’s potential disadvantages and pitfalls.

  • No Enforced Routine and Office Structure

Temperament and work habits vary from person to person. Some people utterly thrive in a structured and well-peopled environment where they face the rigidity of oversight. Working remotely, however, requires a level of self-discipline that not everyone possesses.

The absence of a strict daily routine, such as set hours, meetings, or supervision, can leave remote workers feeling disorganized, unmotivated, and out of the loop. It’s all too easy to procrastinate or struggle with motivation when no one is physically present to hold workers accountable. For those who need external prompts or supervision to stay productive, remote work might be difficult.

  • The Need to Be a Consistent Self-Starter

Like the lack of structure and supervision we discussed above, another challenge of remote work—especially from the perspective of employers—is the reality that many employees are not consistent “self-starters.” Many would-be remote workers themselves quickly come to realize that the lack of oversight and ordinary stress of an office can lull them into a less-than-optimal work ethic.

Effective remote workers must be strongly motivated to start on tasks—and then stick to them—without the prodding of a boss looking over their shoulders throughout the workday. Be honest with yourself about your self-discipline before deciding to switch to remote work, and consider if you’re sufficiently motivated to work outside the regular pressures of the workplace.

  • Isolation and Loneliness

It’s quite likely that the biggest concerns remote workers will face are social ones: loneliness and separation from colleagues. Though remote work can offer convenience, comfort, and flexibility, it can also feel isolating. Even recent advances in video conference calling and other online communication platforms often prove to be no substitute for “being there.”

Many at-home workers come to miss the camaraderie of a traditional office setting, where casual conversations, teamwork, and in-person interactions create a sense of connection. For some, the lack of social engagement with colleagues can lead to feelings of loneliness, which may affect morale and mental health. Without regular face-to-face contact and communication, building meaningful relationships with coworkers can be a challenge.

  • Potentially Limited Career Advancement Opportunities

Finally, would-be remote workers should be cautioned that the reduction of real in-person discussion and engagement in intra-office culture can sometimes limit career growth. Promotions and raises are often tied to visibility, and remote employees may struggle to stay on the radar of key company decision-makers.

Being out of sight certainly provides freedom and flexibility—but it also means occasionally missing out on opportunities for networking, mentoring, or high-visibility projects that can lead to career advancement. In-office employees simply have more chances to demonstrate their leadership skills or receive recognition from their managers, which can be more challenging for remote workers to replicate.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Remote Work

Having discussed the key factors of switching to remote work, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your work life. To help you process, ask yourself these five questions, keeping in mind the analysis we provided above, and answer them honestly:

  1. Are you a self-starter who is good at staying on task without regular supervision?
  2. Do your children or the other obligations in your life require you to stay home more frequently during working hours?
  3. Is worktime flexibility especially important to you?
  4. How much supervision and structure do you need to be effective and productive?
  5. Can you handle working alone most of the time, and will you miss the social atmosphere, company culture, and communication at the office, including “missing out” on potential opportunities to stand out and advance your career?

Use these questions and our overview above as you discern whether remote work is the best choice for you. And when you’re ready to make the switch to working from home, FPUAnet Communications’ high-speed fiber network will be there to keep you connected and productive throughout your remote work career!

How Bad Weather Impacts Different Types of Internet: Fiber, Cable, 5G, and Satellite

How Bad Weather Impacts Different Types of Internet: Fiber, Cable, 5G, and Satellite

Inclement weather can interfere with your plans and special occasions, causing delays or cancellations. Beyond mere inconvenience, bad weather can significantly hinder various forms of internet connectivity. Whether it's heavy rain, snow, severe thunderstorms, or high winds, different types of internet connections react in unique ways.

Understanding how these weather conditions affect the four main internet technologies—fiber, cable, 5G, and satellite—can help consumers make informed decisions about which type of internet service to choose. The key is to decide based on the climate and typical weather issues (or potential hazards) in your area. Below, we take a closer look at each technology and how it’s impacted by bad weather. We’re confident that once you’re armed with the basic facts, you’ll easily choose FPUAnet Communications’ advanced fiber network for your internet service!

1. Fiber Internet: The Most Resilient and Weather-Resistant Internet Available

Fiber internet is usually considered the gold standard of high-speed internet. With its impeccable reliability, sturdy but flexible materials, and near-light speed download capabilities for pristine TV and movie streaming, video conferencing, and gaming, fiber stands out from the pack.

Utilizing light to transmit data through glass-like “hairs,” fiber is essentially immune to many of the issues that plague older and inferior forms of internet. Additionally, fiber internet infrastructure is largely protected from external weather disruptions because the cables are buried underground or housed in protective conduits. This makes them highly resistant to atmospheric issues like rain, snow, or wind that slow down or even interrupt other internet services.

Of course, no technology is totally safeguarded from Mother Nature’s impacts—especially when she’s having a temper tantrum! Extreme weather events like flooding or natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes or earthquakes) can still damage underground infrastructure, resulting in service interruptions. Additionally, power outages caused by weather can disrupt fiber services if backup systems become overwhelmed, which, though rare, can occur.

2. Cable Internet: Older Technology Particularly Susceptible to Physical Damage

Next, we turn to a technology especially common in the 1980s and 90s—cable. Cable internet uses coaxial cables to deliver internet services to homes and businesses—the same cables used for decades to provide television service. Like fiber internet, the coaxial cables themselves are usually run underground or along telephone poles. However, unlike fiber, coaxial cables transmit data as electrical signals, which are significantly more susceptible to interference than fiber’s advanced and sophisticated materials and technology—especially when weather conditions deteriorate.

When high winds, snow, or ice cause physical damage to the infrastructure—such as downed power lines or broken poles—it can disrupt service. Additionally, water and moisture can affect signal quality. Heavy rainfall, flooding, or melting snow can lead to signal degradation, causing slower speeds or intermittent outages. In short, just as cable television’s service and picture quality are persnickety and spotty in bad weather, cable internet service is just as frustrating.

3. 5G Internet: Vulnerable to Environmental Interference

Another common form of internet is 5G internet (also known as wireless internet), which uses the same technology that delivers cellular telephone service to your smartphone. It operates over high-frequency radio waves, which allow for faster data transmission than previous iterations of internet (i.e., 4G).

However, 5G also has some downsides, especially when the weather goes south. Compared to fiber or even cable internet, 5G is much more vulnerable to environmental interference. The higher-frequency signals used by 5G are easily blocked or disrupted by physical obstructions, including trees, buildings, and even rain or snow.

Heavy rain or dense snowstorms can weaken 5G’s signal, causing reduced speeds or service interruptions. Even fog can be problematic in areas with dense coverage, as it may scatter the signals, leading to poor performance. Thus, 5G falls short of other technologies, especially fiber, when it comes to handling varying weather conditions.

4. Satellite Internet: A Space-Age Technology Severely Impacted by Weather

Finally, we turn to satellite internet, which provides connectivity through satellites orbiting the Earth. It works by transmitting signals from the ground to satellites in space and back, making it a not-uncommon option in rural or remote areas where other types of internet are unavailable. Consumers should be aware, though, that satellite internet has some notable drawbacks when it comes to weather interference.

Far more than fiber, cable, or 5G, satellite internet is plagued by weather disruptions. The signals that travel between Earth and the satellite can be blocked or reflected by heavy rain, snow, or even thick cloud cover, causing slow speeds or complete service loss during storms. This irritating phenomenon is called “rain fade,” which occurs when rain or moisture in the atmosphere weakens the satellite signal, resulting in a drop in performance.

Also, severe weather conditions like hurricanes, snowstorms, or thunderstorms may not only disrupt the satellite signal but also physically damage the satellite dish or related equipment. In some cases, high winds can even move the satellite dish out of alignment, further disrupting the connection and requiring a service call to fix the problem that can take days to schedule.

As you can see, fiber is hands down the most reliable, weather-resistant internet service you can get. From its strong and flexible materials to its carefully placed infrastructure, fiber has the stuff to withstand all but the worst of nature’s fury. To learn more about fiber internet technology and how it can work for you, check FPUAnet Communications’ social pages!