Fiber Optic Cable Market - By Fiber Type, By Deployment, By Cable Type, By End Use Industry – Global Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Fiber Optic Cable Market Size

The global fiber optic cable market was valued at USD 13 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% to USD 34.5 billion in 2034. The growth of market is attributed to factors such as proliferation of data centres and increasing deployment of 5G network.
 

The rise in demand for fiber optic cables is significantly driven by the rollout of 5G networks globally because these high-speed and low-latency networks require a highly reliable infrastructure for seamless connectivity. According to GSMA a report, the global 5G penetration is anticipated to reach over 56% in 2030 as compared to over 18% in 2023. The denser and more extensive infrastructure required for 5G networks relies on small cell deployment for enhanced coverage and speeds. Fiber optic cables are needed for backhaul and fronthaul connectivity because they provide the required bandwidth for 5G base stations and small cell networks.
 

Fiber optic cable manufacturers must focus on the development of high-capacity, low-latency cables optimized for 5G network deployments. With the increased adoption of 5G, manufacturers must prioritize innovations in fiber optic technology to support higher data transmission speeds, increased durability, and efficient small cell connectivity in meeting the rising demand for seamless, high-speed communication infrastructure.
 

The rapid proliferation of data center worldwide is another leading factors driving demand for fiber optic cable. For instance, according to a report published by IBEF in 2024, India's data centre market value is expected to increase from USD 4.5 billion in 2023 to a projected USD 11.6 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 10.9%. Fiber optic cables are gaining high traction with rapid expansion of data centres, as they play a pivotal role in enabling advanced features such as high-speed data transmission, low-latency connectivity, enhanced network security, and reliable communication infrastructure, improving data transfer efficiency.
 

High-capacity fiber networks have become a key design differentiation feature for data center operators. Several leading telecom firms and cloud service providers are heavily investing in data center to manage the complex data and ensure smooth connectivity. This growing demand for data centres creates the demand for fibre optic cable solutions.
 

Manufacturers of fiber optic cable should develop high-bandwidth, low-latency solutions for data centers since the demand for high-speed, secure, and reliable connectivity is increasing. With increased investments on infrastructure of the telecom and cloud services, manufacturers should create innovations in fiber optic technology that promote better efficiency and scalability in data transmission to meet the changing needs of hyperscale and edge data centers.
 

Fiber Optic Cable Market Trends

• The growing deployment of fiber optic cable in the healthcare industry is a significant trend towards continuous technological advancement of these fiber optic cable. These cables are very thin and durable, capable of transmitting data and light, and are therefore widely being implemented in various medical instrument assisting in the diagnosis of human body. The innovation in diagnostics instrument continues to drive the demand for these fiber optic cables.
   
• The increasing integration of IoT devices is a key trend in fibre optic cables market and supports the growth of these cables significantly. These cables can enhance data transmission capabilities, significantly expanding potential applications of these IoT devices and are therefore opening new possibilities for industrial automation & development of smart cities.
   
• The development of Smart cities is one of the leading trends in the fiber optic cable market. With growing adoption of IoT-based solutions in traffic management, surveillance, energy distribution, and public safety, the demand for fiber-optic-powered communication networks is increasing. Governments around the world are spending on smart infrastructure projects, which require high-speed, secure, and reliable data transmission through fiber-optic networks. Countries including China, U.S., Japan, and Germany are leading in smart city projects and are surging the demand for fiber-optic-based communication networks.
   

Fiber Optic Cable Market Analysis

Based on the type of fiber, the market is bifurcated into single-mode fiber and multi-mode fiber.
 

• Single-mode fiber dominated the market and accounted for USD 7.26 billion in 2024. The single-mode fiber has an optic core of 9 µm, allowing them to efficiently transfer data over long distances and at an increased speed than multi-mode fiber. These cables are widely used across networking and telecom industries. The growing demand for long-distance networking drives the growth in the single-mode fiber cable market.
   
• Multi-mode fiber is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 8.5% during the forecast period.  The growth of multi-mode fiber cables can be attributed to the increasing demand for high-speed internet. These multimode fiber cables have a larger optic core of 50 µm, allowing them to transfer data faster at short distances. Being an economical choice, these cables are widely used in local area networks or data centers, where high bandwidth is required.
   

The end-user industry encompasses telecommunication, power utilities, defense/military, industrial, medical, and others.
 

• The telecommunication industry dominated the fiber optic cable market and accounted for 29.5% of the total market share in 2024. The increasing adoption of 5G connectivity is fuelling the demand for fibre optic cables in telecommunication sector. The 5G network requires advanced fiber optic technology, which is capable of providing high bandwidth and low latency with high-speed data transfer required by modern communication, thus driving the market growth.
   
• The power utilities industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 10.9% during the forecast period. The most significant driver for fiber optic cable within the power utilities industry is the shift toward smart grid technology. Smart grids rely on fiber optic cables to provide high-speed, low-latency communication between sensors, control systems, and substations comprising the grid's various components.
   
• The defence/military industry accounted for 14.2% of the total market share in 2024. The growing need for enhanced communication networking solutions drives the growth of fiber optic cable in defence/military segment. The defense sector demands high-speed, secure systems of communication that handle large volumes of data at speeds that are quick and without any interference. These attributes are found in fiber optic cables, which provide the superior bandwidth and low latency required for fast data transfer and without interference. As military technologies become increasingly complex-including satellite communications, radar systems, and command-and-control networks, the need for fiber optics cable is growing it supports rapid and dependable data transfer from one place to another over long distances.
   
•  The industrial segment is projected to exceed USD 7.34 billion by 2034. Fiber optic cable provides enhanced connectivity and communication, which is critical in industrial automation and monitoring purposes.  With continuous shift towards smart manufacturing, the fiber optic cable market is set to grow.
   
• The medical industry is expected to grow with a CAGR of over 8.2% by 2034. Fiber optic cable is thin and flexible and are widely used in medical industries for diagnostic purposes, as these cables are capable of transmitting light and images within human body. This application fuels the demand for fibre optic cable in medical industry.
   

Market segment classified by cable type includes ribbon tube, loose tube, tight buffered, central core and others.
 

• Ribbon tube fiber optic cable is projected to exceed USD 9.91 billion by the year 2034. Ribbon tube cables are structured to accommodate multiple optical fibers within a single protective tube. This enables higher fiber density compared to the traditional loose-tube fibers. With the increasing demand of networks, operators are seeking ways to more efficiently use the space available. Ribbon tube cables are considered ideal for maximizing fiber capacity in minimal physical space.
   
• Loose tube fiber optic cable accounted for USD 4.35 billion in the year 2024. Loose tube cables are ideal for long-haul fiber optic installations as they can withstand environmental stresses while maintaining their performance. Its support for high bandwidth over a long distance makes it perfect for use in telecom backbone networks, metro networks, and other infrastructure projects that involve long-range transmission.
   
• Tight buffered fiber optic cable is predicted to grow significantly with a CAGR of over 9.8% by 2034. Tight buffered cables are designed to have each fiber with its protective buffer coating so that they can be more rugged and easier to handle than the loose tube type. This simplifies the installation process, particularly in controlled environments such as campuses, data centers, and in buildings. As indoor fiber optic networks are expanding and are being implemented for high-performance applications, there is a demand for tight buffered cables since these are easy to deploy and maintain.
   
• Central core fiber optic cable is expected to reach USD 4.19 billion by 2034. Central core fibre optic cables are widely used for Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and Fiber-to-the-Building (FTTB) implementation, which requires high-capacity and reliable, long-haul transmission. The increasing demand for broadband and high-speed access to the Internet across urban and suburban areas will contribute to growth of central core cables.
   

Segmentation of the market by deployment type consists of underground, underwater, and aerial.
 

• Underground deployed fiber optic cable market accounted for USD 5.91 billion in 2024. Underground fiber-optic-cables have become common in infrastructure that supports critical services, including healthcare, transportation, finance, and government. Such services need secure and uninterrupted connectivity for smooth operation. Underground placements reduce the risk of accidents or digging disrupting the network or a natural disaster occurring and thus make underground deployments highly attractive to mission-critical applications.
   
• Underwater deployed fiber optic cable is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 11.8% by 2034. Underwater fiber optic cables play a crucial role in the international connectivity of the internet. They constitute the base of transoceanic communication that offers high-speed broadband and data transfer capabilities across countries and continents. Growing demand from emerging markets and isolated areas for internet access necessitates reliable, high-bandwidth underwater cables to fill geographical gaps. This would ensure stable connectivity to areas which are underserved.
   
• Aerial deployed fiber optic cable is predicted to surpass USD 9.14 billion by 2034. One of the major advantages of aerial fiber optic cables is their relatively low installation cost, especially compared to underground deployments as their installation does not involve digging extensively or trenching. Therefore, there are labor and materials cost savings. In addition, the maintenance cost of aerial cables is relatively low compared to underground installations because they are easier to access for repairs and upgrades.
   

North America accounted for 27.2% of market share for the global fiber optic cables in 2024. There is a increasing growth in the region, owing to the adoption of advanced networking technologies that enable data transmission across industries at greater speeds and with greater efficiency. Furthermore, the increasing government spending to bolster 5G infrastructure, is also increasing the requirement for fiber optic networks.
 

• The U.S. dominated the fiber optic cable market and was estimated at USD 2.65 billion in 2024. The expanding deployment of fiber broadband, cloud computing, and the government’s initiative to improve rural broadband connectivity are key drivers. Growing demand for self-driving cars and smart city development projects are other major drivers as well. According to NCTA, in 2023, USD 24.7 billion was invested in networking and infrastructure.
   
• The Canada market is projected to reach USD 2.09 billion by 2034. The demand for high-speed internet services in Canada continues to increase due to increasing usage of data-intensive applications like streaming, video conferencing, cloud computing, and online gaming. Fiber optic cables are in demand for such applications since they offer very high speeds and bandwidth. Fiber optic technology is preferred as Canadians increasingly demand faster, more reliable internet connections, especially in remote and underserved areas.
   

Europe held 21.8% of the global fiber optic cable market share in 2024. Europe growth is mostly fueled by the increasing need for data centers that serve cloud computing and AI-centric applications. There is a growing demand for high-speed, low latency fiber optic networks with the rapid digital transformation of businesses and governments. In addition, investment in the development of broadband infrastructure in major European markets is also promoting the use of fiber optic cables.  
 

• The Germany fiber optic cable industry is expected to reach USD 2.48 billion by 2034. The increasing demand from various industries such as telecommunication, healthcare and consumers for high-bandwidth internet connectivity has become one of the critical drivers. Moreover, the deployment of 5G technology and smart manufacturing coupled with the digital transformation of Germany as a whole is driving the advancement of fiber optic cables.
   
• The UK market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period. The government’s focus on implementing full-fiber broadband coverage across the UK, along with growing requisites of fiber optics for security and surveillance is propelling growth in the region.
   
• The France industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 9.2% from 2025 to 2034. Major cities in France, such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, are embracing smart city technologies that rely heavily on high-performance networks for communication, data processing, and real-time analytics. With a shift towards the smart city, fiber optic cable will be extensively used to link sensors, traffic management systems, energy grids, and other core infrastructure in an urban environment which will drive the growth of the market.
   
• The Italy fiber optic cable market is estimated to reach USD 422.4 million by 2034. The demand of high-speed fiber networks is growing, especially in sophisticated smart hospitals and hospitality industry, due to the country’s digital transformation effort. Government-sponsored projects aimed at enhancing broadband penetration are expediting the deployment of fiber optics in both metropolitan and rural regions, ensuring access to high-speed internet.
   
• The Spain market is expected to reach USD 345.7 million by 2034. The Spain industry is expanding owing to the adoption of fiber optic networks in intelligent grids as well as renewable energy ventures. Alongside, the growth of smart cities is also increasing the demand for fiber technologies which drives the market in the country.
   

Asia Pacific region dominated the market and accounted for 35.9% of global market share in 2024. Major countries in Asia Pacific like China, India, Japan, and South Korea is also heavily investing in 5G technology, driving the demand for strong fiber optic infrastructure for the ultra-fast and low latency connectivity.
 

• The fiber optic cable market in China is predicted to increase with a CAGR of over 12.8% during the forecast period. Increased government in telecom infrastructure for 6G and smart cities is driving the market growth as these technologies requires robust and high-speed fiber optic networks. Furthermore, the country’s AI automation systems deployment in manufacturing and tech industries increases the demand for fiber optic cables.
   
• Japan held a share of over 19.6% in the Asia Pacific fiber optic cable industry in 2024.  Growing investment by leading IT companies into quantum computing and immersive gaming is driving the need for ultra-high bandwidth and low latency fiber networks. These technologies need low latency connections, which is fueling the growth of the market.
   
• The fiber optic cable market in South Korea is expected to grow with a 9.6% CAGR during the forecast period. South Korea has one of the highest video streaming and online gaming consumption rates in the global community. The rise of the platforms, such as Netflix, YouTube, and many others available in South Korea, and the strong culture of gaming demand responsive broadband infrastructure to deliver seamless, high-definition experiences. Fiber optic cables, with superior bandwidth and reliability, are essential for supporting video streaming, gaming, and other entertaining applications that constitute further growth in this market.
   
• The India fiber optics cable market is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 13.8% by 2034. The growing demand for fiber optics for the 5G rollout and infrastructure across the country is a contributing factor of the rapid expansion of communications. Moreover, increasing adoption of fiber-based surveillance systems, particularly in metropolitan and industrial regions, is further stimulating the growth.
   
• The ANZ Fiber Optics cable market accounted for USD 680.6 million in 2024. The implementation of new government policies has increased the digital infrastructure within these countries, which has further boosted fiber optic deployment. Moreover, the increased demand for efficient networking solutions due to the expansion of data centers, fuels the fiber optics cable market.
   

Latin America held a share of 8.4% in global fibre optic cable market in 2024. Widespread FTTx (fiber to the x) deployments in smart agriculture, renewable energy, and cloud services are driving the demand for fiber optic installations. These sectors heavily depend on fast and reliable connectivity fiber infrastructure, enabling the growth of the market in the region.
 

• The Brazil fiber optic cable market is expected to achieve a CAGR of 9.2% over the forecast period. The growing fibre optic cable adoption in rural areas is rising as a measure to boost connectivity, is a prominent driver for growth of the market. In addition, the increasing surge in demand for connectivity, specifically for technology in finance and e-commerce, is intensifying investment in fiber optic cable in Brazil.
   
• The Mexico fiber optics market is projected to grow with a CAGR of over 8.2% by 2034, due to the expansion of smart city projects and their digital infrastructure. The construction of smart cities and new digital transformation infrastructure is increasing the need for fiber optic networks. In addition, the growing digital and financial technology (fintech) adoption in Mexico is increasing the demand for high-quality, secured, and high-speed connections through fiber optics.
   

The Middle Eastern and African held a 6.8% share of the global market in 2024. The construction of sustainable smart city infrastructure is increasing the need for the installation of fiber optic networks for fast connectivity to service the sprawling metropolitan and urban areas. Moreover, the growing need for high-speed internet in developed and developing regions is driving market growth.
 

• UAE fiber optic cable market accounted for USD 261.1 million in 2024. The surge of investments in smart cities as well as the government’s digital-first approach is heavily influencing the adoption of fiber optic cable. Furthermore, the shift towards a fintech and AI dominated economy in the UAE is creating a need for low-latency, high-performance fiber optic networks.
   
• The Saudi Arabia market is predicted to increase at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. The expansion plan for fiber broadband deployment and developing next-generation cloud computing cities in the country under the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative is the major market driver.
   
• The South African fiber optic cable industry is estimated to be worth USD 200.4 million in 2034. The adoption of fiber optics in gaming and e-learning serves as a tremendous growth driver. Moreover, the proliferation of data centers, coupled with the need for greater internet access around South Africa, is driving the use of fiber optic cable.
   

Fiber Optic Cable Market Share

The fiber optic cable industry is highly competitive featuring established global leaders as well as various regional startups. The key players in the global market are Corning Incorporated, Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd, Prysmian Group, Furukawa Electric, and Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd, collectively accounting for over 40% of the total market share. Major players are investing in cutting-edge fiber optic technologies such as Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM), hollow-core fibers, and quantum communication fibers to stay competitive in the market. These next-generation fiber solutions provide increased bandwidth and ultra-low latency, along with future-proof networks to meet the demands of AI-driven apps, cloud computing, and 6G technologies.
 

The integration of AI and ML into network infrastructure further intensify the competition while making innovation the only differentiator. Self-optimizing networks powered by AI can significantly enhance the performance, predict errors, and automate the maintenance tasks. Government projects and global initiatives for digital improvements is supporting the growth for the fiber optic cable market. Policies that promote universal high-speed internet access, smart city projects, and modern data centers ensure smooth entry into the fiber optics market. These efforts address the growing demand for high-performance, sustainable fiber optic solutions in the evolving digital landscape, while also strengthening companies' positions in the market. Partnership and merger & acquisitions are some of the common strategies adopted by major players to gain market share and remain competitive in the market. Prominent players are forming strategic alliances to co-develop cost effective solutions to meet the needs of different industries.
 

Fiber Optic Cable Market Companies

The Fiber optic cable industry features several prominent players, including:

• Corning Incorporated
• Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd
• Prysmian Group
• Furukawa Electric
• CommScope Holding Company Inc.
• Fujikura Ltd.
• Yangtze Optical Fiber and Cable Joint Stock Ltd Co.
   

Corning incorporated, a global leader in market offers a wide range of fiber optic solutions. With early adoption in fiber optic solutions, it enables the company to provide high quality and economical fiber optic solutions. Corning Inc has made over one billion kilometres of fiber optic cable and continues to innovate to serve the growing demand.
 

Prysmian Group offers fiber optic cable focus on a single solution providing low latency and robust networking, enhancing management of larger volume of data. These firms focus on several factors which enhances the overall efficiency of fiber optic cables, while focusing on innovation to gain competitive edge.
 

Fiber Optic Cable Industry News

• In July 2024, SNL tech introduced their 864F cables. 864F Micro cable has the ability to pack 864 fibers in a cable diameter of 11.4 mm. It uses STL's cutting-edge bend-insensitive HD A2 200-micron fiber.
   
• In April 2024, Sterlite technologies ltd announced the production of fibre optic cables in US. This firm aligns with the compliance regarding provisions and aims to serve demand of both federal and privately funded broadband projects.
   
• In August 2024, Lumen tech announced an agreement with Corning inc. to ensure continuous supply of next-generation fiber optic cable. These agreements will further boost the production and enable these firms to provide network infrastructure to major data center operators.
   
• In January 2024, Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. launched new section of fiber optic cable. These cables are widely used in 5G technologies and data centers.
   

The fiber optic cable market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Million) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Fiber Type

• Single-Mode Fiber    
• Multi-Mode Fiber                                                                                         

Market, By Deployment

• Underground
• Underwater
• Aerial             

Market, By Cable Type

• Ribbon Tube
• Loose Tube
• Tight Buffered
• Central Core
• Others                                                                        

 Market, By End Use Industry

• Telecommunication
• Power Utilities
• Defense/Military
• Industrial
• Medical
• Others                    

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA