Several sources from the vendor community asserted yesterday at the FTTH Conference in Dallas, TX, that fiber shortages that had hindered the completion of broadband stimulus fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network deployments have lessened. Delivery schedules are returning to normal, particularly for the larger carriers, the sources indicated.
Extremely long lead times for fiber-optic cable deliveries were a common complaint among network operators at last year’s event. The effects of last year’s earthquake and tsunami on the ability of Japanese fiber and cable manufacturers to meet demands, as well as an overall surge in demand for fiber-optic cables for FTTH and other network build out needs, had combined to stretch order delivery times to several months, in some instances.
Japanese suppliers came back on line last year, while other fiber manufacturers have stepped up production, the sources said. Demand from broadband stimulus projects also has plateaued. That said, spot shortages continue to occur and cabling of fiber may continue to be an issue in some instances, according to some industry insiders.
For more information on fiber-optic cable and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.
Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher
Stephen Hardy has covered fiber optics for more than 15 years, and communications and technology for more than 30 years. He is responsible for establishing and executing Lightwave's editorial strategy across its digital magazine, website, newsletters, research and other information products. He has won multiple awards for his writing.
Contact Stephen to discuss:
- Contributing editorial material to the Web site or digital magazine
- The direction of a digital magazine issue, staff-written article, or event
- Lightwave editorial attendance at industry events
- Arranging a visit to Lightwave's offices
- Coverage of announcements
- General questions of an editorial nature