Fast internet is now part of the basic needs of a property. Whether home office, streaming, smart home or digital services: the requirements for internet connectivity are constantly increasing.
Fiber optic is currently considered the most powerful and long-term future-proof technology for broadband provision. With a fiber optic connection, data is transmitted via light signals through fiber optic cables. This enables significantly higher and more stable transmission rates than with conventional copper-based lines such as those used for DSL or cable connections. A fiber optic connection creates the basis for high bandwidths and stable connections. At the same time, it can help to secure the attractiveness and future viability of a property in the long term.
For owners of single- and multi-family homes, the question is therefore increasingly arising:
- Why does fiber optic make sense for my property?
- What advantages does a fiber optic connection offer for landlords and owners?
- Are there any costs for the house connection?
- How complicated is the installation?
- What steps are required for connection?
This guide explains why a fiber optic connection can make sense for property owners and what steps are necessary for the connection.
Why fiber optics are becoming important for owners
Fiber optics can increase the attractiveness of a property and have a positive effect on its marketability. A fiber optic connection means a competitive advantage over alternatives without a modern internet connection. Especially in areas where fiber optics are not yet widely available, a property with fast internet stands out positively. The demand for high-performance Internet connections has been increasing for years.
Many people now pay particular attention to the available internet connection when looking for an apartment or buying real estate. More and more tenants or buyers who rely on home offices and high bandwidths are shying away from properties with slow DSL or cable connections and prefer properties with fiber optic connections. This can be a decisive advantage when renting or selling and increases the attractiveness of a property.
A fiber optic connection offers several advantages:
• high and stable bandwidths,
• fast upload and download speeds,
• high performance even when using many devices at the same time,
• a long-term, future-proof infrastructure,
• and attractive digital features of the property.
In addition, properties with fiber optics are better positioned to meet the growing demands of digitalization. This applies, for example, to smart heating controls, security systems or charging infrastructure for e-mobility. A fiber optic connection can therefore help properties remain competitive in the long term and are easier to rent or sell.
What role does the owner play in fiber optic expansion?
For single-family homes, the connection process is particularly simple as the consent of other parties is not required. The owner can coordinate the connection directly with the network operator.
In the case of multi-family homes, consent for the installation usually lies with the owner or the homeowners’ association. Without this consent, the network operator usually cannot carry out the necessary work on the property or in the building.
Owners therefore play a central role in fiber optic expansion.
Are there any costs for the fiber optic connection?
Many owners assume that a fiber optic connection is associated with high costs. In fact, Deutsche Telekom, for example, as a network operator, usually covers the costs of the house connection during the expansion phase if the owners agree in good time. If a fiber optic connection is not ordered during an expansion phase, a later connection may incur additional costs depending on the network operator. After the regular expansion phase has been completed, the later request for a house connection may be associated with longer waiting times.
Owners should therefore find out about the options in their region at an early stage.
Whether a fiber optic expansion is planned can be determined by checking the availability of the respective network operators. Deutsche Telekom offers this test www.telekom.de/schneller to.
How does the installation of a fiber optic connection work?
The exact process may vary depending on the building. Typically the installation includes the following steps:
- Consent of the owner or the community of owners
- Planning the house connection
- Laying the fiber optics into the building (the house connection is usually in the basement or house connection room)
- Installation of the house delivery point
- Distribution within the building (if necessary, fiber optics can be continued within the building into individual apartments or usage units)
The connection to the building is usually made through horizontal drilling. This means that front gardens remain untouched; only a small, so-called head hole may be necessary for the introduction of the house connection. Structural measures within the building can often be reduced because in many cases existing empty pipes or existing cable routes can be used. Where this is not possible, minimally invasive installation techniques can now be used, such as adhesive techniques, which largely make drilling work unnecessary. In many cases, the installation of fiber optics into the residential and utility units is possible without major structural interventions. In the vast majority of cases, fiber optics enter houses and apartments cleanly and inconspicuously.
Why owners should act early
Fiber optic expansion often takes place in defined expansion phases. Those who inform themselves early and grant the necessary consent can often benefit from more favorable conditions.
In addition, the demand for high-performance Internet connections is continually increasing. For many interested parties, fiber optics are now one of the important criteria when selecting a property.
The clear recommendation for property owners is therefore: check options, obtain information and take advantage of expansion opportunities at an early stage.