Brian Gaff wrote:

I'm not disputing the type used for the link, though
there are boosters at certain distances.

no boosters, it's a passive optical network, there's a splitter
somewhere between the exchange and the homes, but AIUI nothing
electronic at all, distance limit 50 to 60km I believe

However there are also connector losses.

yes, maybe even a deliberate attenuator if the distance is short.