Quoted from mbwalker:That's interesting. Easier to push a bunch of data down a couple of fiber lines than having individual copper wire going to every house.
One of the reasons to switch to fiber optics is economics. When the original phone lines were installed, the phone company powered it on their end. When the phone "rang" that power was provided by them.
With fiber optics, you now pay for the power. They provide you with a back up battery and charger but that power supply is you powering the system on your end. If you unplug, the phone will not ring.