Fiber is used in long distance phone networks because it is much cheaper than copper wire.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not in all cases
• D. Only for certain segments

Answer: (B)

Fiber is favored for long-haul phone networks because signals suffer far less loss and can carry dramatically more data per fiber than copper over long distances. That means you can span hundreds or thousands of kilometers without frequent repeaters, using less power and fewer maintenance steps, which cuts operating costs substantially. Even if the upfront cost of fiber optic cables is higher, the total cost of ownership over the life of a long-distance link is typically lower due to greater capacity, lower energy use, and reduced susceptibility to interference and environmental issues. These advantages make fiber the cheaper and more reliable choice for transmitting large amounts of data across long distances. For short links or specific budgets, copper can be cheaper initially, but for long-distance networks, fiber generally delivers the best economic and performance benefits.