Technological innovation is one of the paradigms that truly changes the world. Proof of this is fiber optics, which revolutionized the telecommunications universe through the “union of glass and light.”
Technological innovation is one of the paradigms that truly changes the world. Proof of this is fiber optics, which revolutionized the telecommunications universe through the “union of glass and light.”
Invented in 1970, the first commercially viable fiber-optic technology was developed to meet the growing demands for bandwidth that were already on the horizon. Since its discovery, fiber optics have promised an unlimited future of possibilities. This revolutionary breakthrough provided the world with a fast and reliable telecommunications medium, featuring low signal loss over long distances and virtually unlimited bandwidth.
From the very beginning, dstelecom’s mission has been to reduce regional asymmetries and ensure that all Portuguese citizens have the same opportunity to interact with the digital world. We believed we could change people’s lives—and today, the fundamental role of this infrastructure in improving quality of life is undeniable.
Advances in fiber-optic technology and its expansion closer to our homes have driven the growth of telecommunications and computing services through stable and instantaneous connections to the internet and other communication networks. This has enabled a transformation in the way we live, work, and even how we enjoy our leisure time.
Today, fiber optics allow educational institutions, healthcare providers, medical assistance services, businesses, and communities to benefit from greater communication capacity over longer distances. From online courses to telemedicine and teleconferencing, fiber optics continue to expand opportunities for digital learning, increase productivity and workplace flexibility, improve access to high-quality remote healthcare, and simplify global communication.
In terms of entertainment, fiber optics have dramatically expanded available options—from online shopping to advanced gaming systems focused on enhanced social interaction, as well as a wide range of Video on Demand (VoD) and (U)HDTV offerings.
None of this—not even wireless technology—would be possible without the stability, resilience, speed, and “virtually unlimited” bandwidth provided by fiber optics. Likewise, it will not be possible to envision or develop 5G without the support that fiber-optic infrastructure provides.
A fiber-optic network available to a community is a true differentiating factor. In fact, studies now point to increased property values in areas served by fiber-optic connectivity. Being at the forefront of communications drives regional development, encourages population attraction, boosts job creation, and sparks entrepreneurship in each of us.
