Fibre broadband is the pinnacle of current connectivity technology. Image: ThomBal/Shutterstock
Fibre broadband is the current pinnacle in terms of connectivity, but which countries are benefiting the most from the technology?
Fibre broadband offers much-improved connection speeds when you compare it to DSL or satellite connections, and fibre to the home (where the cables run directly into your house rather than a cabinet) is growing increasingly popular.
Where is fibre broadband the most prevalent?
As customer and business demands are putting increasing pressure on providers to come up with the goods when it comes to a reliable and speedy fibre connection, it’s worth noting that, according to the OECD Digital Economy Outlook 2017, not all countries are equally reaping the benefits.
As the infographic below shows, fibre connections are coveted by many users but obtained by just a few.
South Korea comes out as No 1 in terms of fibre connectivity, with 30 fixed fibre connections available per 100 people. Japan follows suit with 22.9 connections per 100 people and Sweden rounds out the top three with 20.4.
It makes sense that South Korea takes the top spot, considering that it is touted as the world leader for internet connectivity, boasting the fastest internet connection in the world, according to Recode.
The availability of fibre broadband in OECD countries. Infographic: Statista
There’s a notable disparity between the top 10 OECD countries with a good rate of fibre connectivity. Germany has a mere 0.7 connections per 100 inhabitants, and Ireland is conspicuously absent from the top 10 leaderboard.
Hopefully, the work being undertaken by companies and the Government in terms of the National Broadband Plan, as well as other initiatives, can help us climb the rankings in the coming years.
Drop in DSL connections
The OECD report also noted the increasing offers around 1Gbps connection in terms of countries surveyed, particularly where there is fibre to the premises and upgraded cable broadband networks.
In December 2016, the OECD found that 43pc of total connections were DSL, compared to 56pc in December 2010. The amount of fibre connections in December 2016 was 21.2pc.
