What is the primary advantage of using fiber optic cables in telecommunications?

The primary advantage of using fiber optic cables in telecommunications is that they offer higher bandwidth and speed. Fiber optics transmit data as light signals through thin strands of glass or plastic, which allows them to carry significantly more data than copper cables. This capability is essential for meeting the increasing demand for high-speed internet and data services, as fiber optics can support faster data transfer rates over long distances without the signal degradation typically associated with copper cables. Additionally, the high bandwidth offered by fiber optics enables multiple channels of information to be transmitted simultaneously, leading to improved efficiency and performance in communication networks.

While cost, ease of installation, and maintenance are also important considerations, they do not outweigh the critical benefits of speed and bandwidth that fiber optics provide in modern telecommunications infrastructure.