High-Speed Data Networks Propel Fiber Optic Cable Demand

1/27/2019 | 5 min read

This Thomas Index Report is sponsored by Fibertronics, a leading provider of fiber optic solutions.

Hello again. This week we’re going to take a look at sourcing for Fiber Optic Cable Assemblies by users of the Thomasnet.com platform. Our data shows that over the past 12 weeks, sourcing activity for this category is up 88% over its historical average.

Our firmographic buyer data shows that the top three industries driving this sourcing trend on our platform are software & technology, civil construction, and industrial equipment manufacturing.

According to Zion Market Research, the fiber optics market is expected to be a 3.7 billion dollar market by 2022, as demand grows for high-speed connectivity in areas such as the telecommunications sector and private data networks. Life could get a bit easier very soon for companies, such as Google Fiber, which are involved in bringing fiber optics to cities and towns across America, should the FCC adopt what’s called the One-Touch-Make-Ready proposal, or “OTMR.” This ruling would drastically reduce the bureaucratic red tape faced by fiber optics infrastructure installers, by giving those companies streamlined access to utility poles across the US. This change would make it easier for broadband providers to enter new markets and could help rapidly accelerate growth across the fiber optics industry.

Somewhat ironically, emerging 5G wireless technology – which promises to deliver fiber-like speeds over a wireless connection – will require a tremendous amount of fiber optics cabling in its supporting terrestrial wireline networks.

Moving on from Fiber Optics, here’s a look at the top ten industrial product and service categories being sourced on the Thomasnet.com platform over the past four weeks.

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Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you next week.