28. 4. 2026 | ← Back to blog
Discussions about internet connection technologies are often clouded by marketing claims. 5G network operators promise speeds comparable to fibre optics. Wi-Fi routers labelled "gigabit" suggest that wired connections are obsolete. The reality is more nuanced, and for businesses in Prague 1, the differences are critical. This article compares Optical internet, Wi-Fi and 5G on criteria that truly matter in office operations.
Before making comparisons, it is important to clarify what we are discussing. Fibre optics, Wi-Fi and 5G are not always direct competitors. They have different roles in network architecture.
Optical fibre is an access technology: it brings the internet from the provider to your building or office. It is the "last mile" between the internet backbone and your premises.
Wi-Fi is a local distribution technology: it wirelessly delivers the signal from a router (connected via fibre or other access) to your devices inside an office or flat. Wi-Fi itself is not an internet connection. It is a method of connecting to the internet wirelessly.
5G (and 4G LTE) are mobile access technologies: like fibre optics, they deliver internet to your location, but wirelessly via the mobile network. They can serve the same role as fibre optics, but with different characteristics.
Download speed: Optics guarantees 100-2 000 Mb/s depending on the tariff; 5G reaches 200-1 000 Mb/s under ideal conditions, realistically 50-300 Mb/s in central Prague. Winner: optics (guaranteed vs. Variable speed).
Upload speed: Optical fibre symmetrically = same as download. 5G asymmetrically = 20-100 Mb/s. Winner: optical fibre significantly, especially for backups and video conferencing.
Latency: Optics under 5 ms. 5G in the city 20-50 ms, more when overloaded. Winner: optics. Critical for VoIP, real-time applications and business systems.
Stability: Optics, minimal fluctuations, no or low bandwidth sharing. 5G, fluctuations when the cell is overloaded or when changing location, interference inside buildings. Winner: optics by a significant margin.
SLA and guarantees: Optics, contractual SLA 99.9%, defined response time. 5G, consumer tariffs without SLA, business tariffs with limited guarantees. Winner: optics.
Static IP address: Optics, standard or for a small surcharge. 5G: usually only with a premium surcharge or not at all. Winner: optics.
Portability: Optics, fixed connection to a single address. 5G, mobile, works anywhere with signal. Winner: 5G (if you need mobility).
Backup solution: Optics, ideal as the primary line. 5G, excellent as a backup connection in case of an optics outage. Winner: both combined.
5G is not a bad technology. It just has different uses than those it is typically promoted for. For businesses in Prague 1 centre, there are three scenarios where 5G makes sense:
Backup connection. Office with primary fibre optic connection and 5G router as automatic backup in case of fibre outage. With properly configured failover, users will not notice any interruption. This is the most common and sensible combination of technologies.
Temporary connection. Renovation, relocation, pop-up office, exhibition or conference. For temporary needs, a 5G router without installation and an indefinite contract is an excellent solution.
Mobile office. Sales representatives or teams working from various locations without a fixed business premises. For them, 5G is the primary technology, fibre optics cannot cover a fixed address.
Wi-Fi is indispensable: a modern office without wireless connectivity is unrealistic. The question, however, is how to use Wi-Fi correctly. Key rules for office Wi-Fi:
Optical connection as the foundation. Wi-Fi is only as good as the connection it draws from. A gigabit Wi-Fi 6 router on a 20 Mb/s DSL line won't help: the foundation must be fast, stable fibre optics.
Multiple access points instead of a single powerful router. Stone walls of historic buildings in Josefov and Staré Město are enemies of the Wi-Fi signal. A single router in the corner of a large office or spacious flat is not enough. The correct solution is a system of access points (mesh system or enterprise AP) with optical or cable interconnection between them.
Network separation. Company equipment should be on a separate VLAN from guest Wi-Fi for visitors or IoT devices (printers, cameras, air conditioners). This is basic security practice that protects against breaches via compromised devices.
Critical stations on the cable. Computers processing sensitive data, running VPNs or forming part of backup systems should be connected via cable, directly to the optical converter through a switch. Wi-Fi is a backup, not a primary solution for these machines.
The optimal architecture for a company in Prague 1 is as follows: the primary connection is symmetric fibre on a dedicated port with an SLA of 99,9 % and a static IP. Inside the office, the signal is distributed via a combination of a gigabit switch for desktop computers and servers, and enterprise Wi-Fi 6 access points for laptops and mobile devices. A backup 5G LTE router automatically activates in the event of a fibre outage.
This architecture combines the best features of each technology: the reliability and speed of fibre optics, the flexibility of Wi-Fi, and the resilience of backup mobile connectivity. Overall costs remain surprisingly low: a backup 5G tariff costs hundreds of Kč per month and pays for itself on the first outage that would otherwise disrupt office operations.
If your office relies on fibre as its primary connection, you have a solid foundation. If you are currently operating on a cable or DSL tariff or using 5G as your sole connection, it is time to consider a change.
Our optical network covers Josefov, Staré Město and adjacent parts of Prague 1. Availability check for your address takes one minute on our homepageDetailed information on business tariffs, SLA terms and backup solutions is available by phone at +420 775 654 499 or at internet@pvip.cz.
Also read the article Office internet in central Prague, where we deal in more detail with specific business operational requirements and SLA guarantees.
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