The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to increase the data rates within its definition of broadband to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream. The FCC announced the decision as it released a Broadband Progress Report January 29, 2015.

FCC Chairman Thomas Wheeler explained the increase in data rates by pointing to the marketing materials of ISPs. Several of these service providers recommend 25 Mbps downstream if consumers want to connect multiple devices at the same time, particularly to play high-speed video, Wheeler wrote in a prepared statement. That is particularly the case for upcoming 4K video files. Meanwhile, 4 Mbps is less than the recommended capacity to stream a single HD video, he points out.

The reality is the market is demanding faster speeds to our homes, mobile devices, businesses and cellular backhaul. Even 25Mbps may be short-sighted to the speeds we now need, let alone in the next couple of years. While it’s a huge improvement moving from 4Mbps to 25Mbps, by the time legacy networks are upgraded to the new standard, we will already be craving more bandwidth.

In addition, approximately 35% of U.S. schools lack access to a fiber-optic network connection; so we assume these schools are also likely lack access to the 100 Mbps per 1,000 users the FCC set as a shorter-term benchmark in its July 2014 E-rate Modernization Order. Even fewer have access to the longer-term goal of 1 Gbps per 1,000 users, the report's authors add.

The impact we are going to feel isn’t going to come from the FCC as much as it will from the user demand. As users are watching more HDTV, more bandwidth will be required at each home. For cell usage more fiber to towers and more towers/DAS arrays will need to be constructed. Existing networks that are at capacity will look for solutions such as DWDM to increase capacity across those networks.

In order to take advantage of this growth, the first thing you will need is professional training, followed by industry-recognized certification. Certification allows you to demonstrate your abilities and validate your experience, putting you in the forefront of the fiber optic field.

To help get you started, take a look below at our suggested training solutions from FiberOptic.com. Get Trained... GET CERTIFIED!

Perfect for techs doing cell backhaul fiber builds. 

Upcoming Breinigsville, PA classes (pricing does not include certification):

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Perfect for techs terminating at homes or businesses.

Upcoming Breinigsville, PA classes (pricing does not include certification):

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Ideal for testing higher speed fiber installations.

Upcoming Breinigsville, PA classes (pricing does not include certification):

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Ideal for documenting and management of fiber networks. 

Upcoming Breinigsville, PA classes (pricing does not include certification):

>> Complete Listing of Dates and Location

Ideal for documenting and management of fiber networks. 

Upcoming Breinigsville, PA classes (pricing does not include certification):

>> Complete Listing of Dates and Locations

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FiberOptic.com represents every major fiber optic manufacturer so we can help you get the equipment, tools and the supplies you need — and with our price match guarantee — at the lowest prices possible! As a Master Distributor from Precision Rated Optics we are able to give you unbeatable deals and the lowest possible prices on fusion splicers and test equipment. 

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Need more equipment for a short amount of time? Consider renting...
Need some equipment for an extra job and can’t afford the purchase, FiberOptic.com has everything you need from power meter/ light source kits to splicers and OTDR’s. Our equipment is from major manufacturers such as EXFO, PRO, JDSU and AFL. Check out our rental website www.renttele.com. Remember if you don’t see what you are looking for just ask.

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RAD’s patent-protected MiNID is a field-programmable miniature L2/L3 network interface device (NID), available in an SFP form factor, SFP sleeve form factor or in a standalone enclosure. The SFP sleeve is a revolutionary platform for service providers looking to upgrade their networks to deliver reliable bandwidth with end-to-end SLA assurance. MiNID can be ordered in SFP form factor with integrated optics, SFP-sleeve form factor or as a standalone unit, all offering similar functionality. In its standalone version, MiNID offers a compact, low power, low-cost two-port solution.

MiNID is a true plug-and-play solution and is perfect for service assurance in residential and mobile backhauling networks, small cells, business services and wholesale services.

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