In fiber-optic communication, an apparatus known as an all-optical switch could save time and energy by using light to control other light signals without requiring electrical conversion.

A router and internet switch are seen in East Derry, N.H., in 2018. Fiber optic internet provider HyperFiber announced plans for a $31.5 million high-speed network in St. Petersburg.

In a bid to expand its fiber-optic network, Verizon has agreed to buy communications provider Frontier in a deal valued at about $20 billion, including $9.6 billion in cash. The acquisition ...

Fiber optic providers can utilize an underground or aerial network. “We’ve chosen an underground network in Pinellas County, primarily because of the hurricanes,” Smithers said.