Fibre-based internet using GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) delivers high-speed connectivity over fiber optic cables. It’s one of the most common types of business internet in Canada today, offering fast download and upload speeds at a reasonable cost.
GPON is a shared fiber service, meaning multiple businesses in an area may use the same fiber line. It’s often the preferred option for small to mid-sized offices looking for strong performance without the higher cost of a dedicated circuit.
How It Works for Businesses
GPON connections use a single optical fiber to serve multiple customers through a passive splitter. A small device called an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) is installed at your business. It connects to your internal network and handles all traffic in and out.
In most cases, the fiber line is already run to the building, and setup involves only a short installation visit. Providers typically supply the required equipment as part of the service.
Typical Speeds and Performance
GPON plans commonly offer speeds from 100 Mbps to 2 Gbps, depending on the provider and your location. Upload and download speeds may be symmetrical or close to it.
Latency is very low, and the fiber infrastructure is highly reliable. While GPON is a shared service, performance remains strong for most business use cases, especially during business hours when residential traffic is low.
Pros and Cons
Why Businesses Choose This Option:
- Very fast speeds with low latency
- Widely available in urban and suburban areas
- Often includes equipment and installation at no extra cost
- Supports video conferencing, VoIP, and cloud workflows
Things to Consider:
- Shared bandwidth can slow down slightly during peak times
- Not as customizable or guaranteed as Dedicated Internet Access
- Static IP addresses may cost extra
When It Makes Sense
GPON is ideal for businesses with moderate bandwidth needs—such as small offices, coworking spaces, and retail locations. It also works well for companies moving to cloud-based systems or video-heavy workflows. It provides great performance at a cost well below that of a dedicated fiber circuit.
How Fidalia Helps
Fidalia connects businesses with GPON service from Canada’s top providers. We work behind the scenes to make sure your business gets the best available speed at the best available rate. And because we’re not tied to one carrier, we can offer more flexibility, faster provisioning, and smarter support.