ᐅ Wired Connection vs. Telecom Fiber Optic – Making the Choice
Created on: 26 Apr 2021 14:56
K
kgeisler
Hello everyone,
At the risk of asking a really basic question, we are currently facing the decision of whether to order cable (Vodafone) or Telekom fiber optic FTTH for our new development. We want to completely give up traditional TV connections (so from our point of view, we don’t need satellite or cable per se) and instead do everything via streaming. Therefore, for us, only performance, future-proofing, or price if performance is similar, matter.
However, we are finding it difficult to decide or to break down the costs.
Telekom definitely provides fiber all the way into the house, so the performance here is certainly the best. Monthly costs after new customer bonuses, etc., are about 90 EUR (around 90 USD) for the full gigabit.
For cable, I can’t get anyone on the phone who can tell me if their fiber also goes all the way into the house; if it does, would the performance be equivalent, or am I mistaken?
For cable, there is usually a cable fee of 21 EUR (about 21 USD), or am I wrong? Or does this only apply if you actually take cable TV, and otherwise it doesn’t have to be paid?
Then cable would be clearly cheaper with 75 EUR (about 75 USD) for the last mile. Otherwise slightly more expensive.
Has anyone faced a similar decision? What did you decide and why?
Thank you!
At the risk of asking a really basic question, we are currently facing the decision of whether to order cable (Vodafone) or Telekom fiber optic FTTH for our new development. We want to completely give up traditional TV connections (so from our point of view, we don’t need satellite or cable per se) and instead do everything via streaming. Therefore, for us, only performance, future-proofing, or price if performance is similar, matter.
However, we are finding it difficult to decide or to break down the costs.
Telekom definitely provides fiber all the way into the house, so the performance here is certainly the best. Monthly costs after new customer bonuses, etc., are about 90 EUR (around 90 USD) for the full gigabit.
For cable, I can’t get anyone on the phone who can tell me if their fiber also goes all the way into the house; if it does, would the performance be equivalent, or am I mistaken?
For cable, there is usually a cable fee of 21 EUR (about 21 USD), or am I wrong? Or does this only apply if you actually take cable TV, and otherwise it doesn’t have to be paid?
Then cable would be clearly cheaper with 75 EUR (about 75 USD) for the last mile. Otherwise slightly more expensive.
Has anyone faced a similar decision? What did you decide and why?
Thank you!
P
Pumpernickel128 Dec 2021 23:38I would like to join this discussion. I am trying to decide between satellite, cable, or something else. Cable is available in our new development area, but I would prefer to avoid it because of the monthly fees and the monopoly held by Vodafone. Satellite only requires a one-time initial cost and possibly some maintenance later.
Now I have also read here about FTTH and IPTV. Could someone explain what exactly these are and how they differ? Is satellite basically outdated compared to these two technologies?
And which option is the most cost-effective?
Regarding FTTH, I read on the second page that it includes phone, internet, on-demand media, and traditional TV. However, phone and on-demand media are not very important for us.
Now I have also read here about FTTH and IPTV. Could someone explain what exactly these are and how they differ? Is satellite basically outdated compared to these two technologies?
And which option is the most cost-effective?
Regarding FTTH, I read on the second page that it includes phone, internet, on-demand media, and traditional TV. However, phone and on-demand media are not very important for us.
Pumpernickel1 schrieb:
Now I’m reading about FTTH and IPTV here, among other things. Can someone explain exactly what these are and what the difference is? FTTH (Fiber to the Home) means fiber optic cables run directly to the house itself, not just to the nearest junction, after which copper cables are used. IPTV refers to television delivered via Internet Protocol, usually as part of a "Triple Play" service (Internet, phone, and broadcasting) provided over the internet rather than through traditional cable TV connections. In some marketing, this is called T-Entertain, where you essentially connect your PC and phone to the TV receiver. The basic technology is the same everywhere, but marketing terms make it sound more innovative. In practice, whether you watch TV through your internet connection or make phone calls over cable TV, it usually makes little difference.
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Basically, a FTTH (fiber optic) connection is the top priority.
With cable, you just have to be lucky that it works without issues. Due to segment oversubscription or upstream interference, cable can experience problems.
What kind of connections are available at your property? Only cable?
Satellite is a last resort for me. I once had SkyDSL. There you always have a delay moment. Applications that require low latency are completely out of the question. Another option is Starlink. It doesn’t come cheap monthly, and the power consumption of the equipment is reportedly quite high. Before relying on satellite, I would check if mobile networks might be better. The downside with wireless options is usually data limits, and wireless is not the same as a wired connection, plus the ongoing costs tend to be higher.
Don’t you know someone experienced who could maybe show you what’s available on their property? In my view, this is an overall concept that should be planned in advance. It affects not only your internet connection but also the home wiring for LAN and coaxial cables.
With cable, you just have to be lucky that it works without issues. Due to segment oversubscription or upstream interference, cable can experience problems.
What kind of connections are available at your property? Only cable?
Satellite is a last resort for me. I once had SkyDSL. There you always have a delay moment. Applications that require low latency are completely out of the question. Another option is Starlink. It doesn’t come cheap monthly, and the power consumption of the equipment is reportedly quite high. Before relying on satellite, I would check if mobile networks might be better. The downside with wireless options is usually data limits, and wireless is not the same as a wired connection, plus the ongoing costs tend to be higher.
Don’t you know someone experienced who could maybe show you what’s available on their property? In my view, this is an overall concept that should be planned in advance. It affects not only your internet connection but also the home wiring for LAN and coaxial cables.
G
Gartenfreund29 Dec 2021 04:39It just goes to show how different opinions can be.
For us, satellite is not just a last resort.
@Pumpernickel1
You’re right that the costs only occur once (aside from some electricity costs for a possible multiswitch). And when it comes to repair costs, these are also very low.
Our current satellite system has been installed here for 20 years, and this year I had to replace the multiswitch (power supply defective, voltage regulator also somewhat damaged, possibly other components faulty) as well as the two LNBFs (Astra and Hotbird).
Material costs were about 140 euros. If I had chosen a cheaper multiswitch, it would have been about 110 euros.
Just take a look at which channels the cable provider offers that interest you and how the lineup looks on satellite.
Also, keep in mind that a cable operator can sometimes drop certain channels.
PS.
In the neighborhood, several people have switched from cable to satellite in recent years. I have spoken to some of them, and they always say that cable is simply too expensive for them.
For us, satellite is not just a last resort.
@Pumpernickel1
You’re right that the costs only occur once (aside from some electricity costs for a possible multiswitch). And when it comes to repair costs, these are also very low.
Our current satellite system has been installed here for 20 years, and this year I had to replace the multiswitch (power supply defective, voltage regulator also somewhat damaged, possibly other components faulty) as well as the two LNBFs (Astra and Hotbird).
Material costs were about 140 euros. If I had chosen a cheaper multiswitch, it would have been about 110 euros.
Just take a look at which channels the cable provider offers that interest you and how the lineup looks on satellite.
Also, keep in mind that a cable operator can sometimes drop certain channels.
PS.
In the neighborhood, several people have switched from cable to satellite in recent years. I have spoken to some of them, and they always say that cable is simply too expensive for them.
I think you’re talking past each other 🙂.
Some are discussing the internet connection:
There is a choice between Telekom (a flat rate of 800 EUR (about 850 USD)) vs. Vodafone cable (a flat rate of 1000 EUR (about 1060 USD)). And emergency solutions like mobile networks and now also satellite (Starlink from SpaceX).
For new builds, I would always prefer Telekom or Vodafone.
Advantage of Telekom: Although the medium is provided by them, you can switch providers later -> competition.
As far as I know, this does not work with Vodafone.
Others are talking about television:
This can be done via the classic satellite dish or through IPTV.
We are also currently deciding on internet access. I’m leaning towards Vodafone (1 Gbit). Telekom would offer 16 Mbit. A local fiber optic provider unfortunately isn’t ready to offer service in the area yet.
Some are discussing the internet connection:
There is a choice between Telekom (a flat rate of 800 EUR (about 850 USD)) vs. Vodafone cable (a flat rate of 1000 EUR (about 1060 USD)). And emergency solutions like mobile networks and now also satellite (Starlink from SpaceX).
For new builds, I would always prefer Telekom or Vodafone.
Advantage of Telekom: Although the medium is provided by them, you can switch providers later -> competition.
As far as I know, this does not work with Vodafone.
Others are talking about television:
This can be done via the classic satellite dish or through IPTV.
We are also currently deciding on internet access. I’m leaning towards Vodafone (1 Gbit). Telekom would offer 16 Mbit. A local fiber optic provider unfortunately isn’t ready to offer service in the area yet.
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