The problem (for fiber ISPs) is that people can't tell the difference between 50 Mbps and gigabit (and by extension the difference between cable and fiber).
Fiber has one redeeming feature: if you have a 100BaseT-speed LAN setup, you can share an account with your neighbors instead of both paying for cable. Or more generally just being as good as cable can create price competition.
"No one was sure, on Thursday, just what those practical applications would be."
This is all positive on the surface but somewhat shallow on the inside. First world problem?