To help you achieve a successful installation, we've compiled a list of the top 10 common fibre optic cable installation mistakes and how to avoid them. Always handle fibre optic. Executive Summary: Fiber optic cable failures cost enterprises an average of $15,000 per hour in network downtime—yet most catastrophic losses stem from a handful of preventable installation errors. They are both delivered in a coil or on a reel. Fiber optics have revolutionized modern communications, offering blazing-fast speeds and reliability for everything from home internet to enterprise networks. However, improper installation can undermine these benefits, leading to issues like attenuation, latency, or complete failure.