Compared to coaxial cable, how is fiber-optic cable characterized in terms of installation cost?

Fiber-optic cable is characterized as more expensive in terms of installation cost compared to coaxial cable due to several factors. Firstly, fiber-optic technology requires specialized materials, such as glass or plastic fibers, which are typically costlier to produce than the copper wiring used in coaxial cables. Additionally, the installation of fiber-optic systems involves advanced techniques and training to handle the delicate nature of the fibers. This often means hiring skilled technicians, which can add to the overall labor costs.

Moreover, the equipment necessary for terminating and splicing fiber-optic cables is often more sophisticated and expensive than what's used for coaxial cable, contributing to the higher installation cost. Although fiber-optic technology offers significant advantages such as higher bandwidth, greater speed, and better distance capabilities, these benefits come at a higher initial investment compared to coaxial cable systems.