Theoretical Lifespan: 30 to 50 Years. In a perfect vacuum, the silica glass (SiO2) core does not degrade. Manufacturers like Wolontek design cables to remain within attenuation specs for this period. But ask any veteran network engineer, and they will tell you a different story. Others, installed in the 1990s, are still running. The longevity of fiber optic cabling infrastructure has already exceeded 35 years since the first deployments and we expect the average lifetime will be much longer than 35 years based on the materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes used to produce modern, high quality optical fiber and. Both use fiber optic cables to deliver high-speed internet, but they work differently: HFC, often marketed as "Fiber-powered" internet, uses fiber lines most of the way, but switches to coaxial (cable TV-style) wiring for the final connection to your home. FTTH, or full fiber, uses fiber optic. The lifespan of fiber optic cables can significantly impact the efficiency and reliability of our internet connections. Many network builders set a minimum expectation of 30 years, and with proper installation and maintenance, fiber optic infrastructure can remain operational for decades.