Fiber optic technology has been around since the 1960s. Recently, it has gained more popularity due to our increasing dependence on the internet. Currently, 43% of US households have access to fiber optic connections. It is more critical for businesses to have fiber optic internet for smooth operations.
Fiber optics is faster and more reliable than any other type of internet connection. It can transmit up to 100-gigabyte speed and offers various other business benefits. It sends data as fast as 70% of the speed of light. However, installing fiber optic internet in your commercial building can be a little expensive and tricky. Several factors impact the total cost of installation. Here, we break down the installation cost for your convenience.
Fiber Optic Cabling Cost
The average cost of fiber ranges from $1 to $6 per linear foot. The price depends on the fiber count you require. For example, if you need 288-count fiber, it will cost you around $32,000 per mile.
It is tricky to estimate the cost of wiring an entire facility with fiber optics as it is determined by various factors. In general, expect to pay $15,000 to wire a commercial building with around 100 drops. The price will increase with the drop counts in the building.
Factors Impacting the Cost of Fiber Optic Installation
As mentioned above, many variables impact the overall cost of fiber optic installation in a commercial building. Consider the following to estimate the cost.
Is Your Building Fiber-Lit?
The most critical factor that impacts the cost of fiber installation is the distance you need to cover with fiber. If your building is already fiber-lit, which means fiber facilities are installed in the building and connected to a provider’s network, the installation charge will be significantly lower. However, if it is not, you have to find out the nearest access point. The nearer it is to your building, the lower the cost.
Does Your Building Have an Existing Conduit?
The installation cost will be low if the building already has a conduit to house the optical fiber. However, make sure the inner duct has enough space to pass additional cables through. The optimal fill ratio of a conduit is 40%.
Service Providers – What Options Do You Have?
The fiber optics installation cost depends largely on the service provider you choose. It is always better to go for a local service provider. They offer a more reasonable quote than that of a national provider. Besides, they are usually more efficient in obtaining the required permit from the local authorities.
AiNET offers dedicated private fiber networks. Contact us to upgrade your building, and our team will guide you through the process. We promise that you will get the most reasonable quote possible.