Broadband

Access optics market forecast is strong through next 5 years

Dec. 8, 2021

LightCounting expects PON optics to account for the largest slice of the access network optics market through 2026.

6630262c4f08ef000841e2fb Lc Access Optics Market Chart

LightCounting says it expects sales of optics for access networks will top $7.5 billion cumulatively over the next five years.

The market research firm states in its newly released 2021 Access Optics Report and Forecast that, despite potential market fragmentation due to the variety of access network technology options operators will employ, the importance of optics to both fixed and wireless networks should keep suppliers busy between 2022 and 2026.

The lion’s share of this amount, more than $3 billion, will be spent on PON optics, LightCounting analysts predict.

The amount of government funding on both sides of the Atlantic directed towards extending fiber to more residences and businesses undoubtedly will provide a catalyst for PON transceiver sales.

Meanwhile, the expected ratification of 25G PON and 50G PON standards will offer a roadmap beyond current 10G PON deployments, LightCounting points out.

Meanwhile, 5G and other mobile network deployments will create a $2.9 billion demand for grey and WDM transceivers for mobile fronthaul requirements from 2022-2026, according to the report.

Most of this spend will target backhaul and midhaul applications.

The report also offers commentary on the development of low Earth orbit satellite (LEOS) broadband options and their potential effect on the access network optics market.

About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director & Associate Publisher

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, DOCSIS technology, and more.