Using fiber optics is not the silver bullet, but it is the best option many have to keep their systems operating during natural disasters. Fiber networks—especially the ones built underground—are more durable than copper infrastructure, satellite and wireless. Fiber cables typically stand up very well to a weather event compared to a copper cable. Copper cables do not perform well when they are damaged and get wet. After Hurricane Sandy, Verizon started replacing the old, copper cables with fiber because of its operational robustness.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: optics.fiberbroadband.org