Vertical Systems Group: Fiber available to 31.8% of US business locations

Optical fiber now reaches 31.8% of U.S. commercial locations with 20 or more employees, according to latest research from Vertical Systems Group. This compares to the 27.27% of locations that were connected in 2010.

Fiber-connected buildings enable tenants to access network services using direct fiber connections.

"Direct fiber is the preferred access technology deployed for business services like Ethernet and IP VPNs, and for connectivity to the Internet and cloud-based applications," said Rosemary Cochran, principal at Vertical Systems Group. "With the majority of larger U.S. buildings already fiber-connected to one or more networks, service providers widened their fiber footprints in 2011 to cover more small and medium locations through new construction, strategic partnerships, or acquisitions."