An optical fiber is a flexible, transparent fiber made of extruded glass (silica) or plastic, slightly thicker than a human hair. It can function as a waveguide, or “light pipe”, to transmit light between the two ends of the fiber. The field of applied science and engineering concerned with the design and application of optical fibers is known as fiber optics.
In India, the demand for optical fiber cables is not limited to the telecom sector. Optical fiber cables have been consumed by other sectors such as power, railways, and oil & gas. Communication sectors in these industries have specific connectivity requirements. For instance, fiber optics for oil and gas serve as links for data, control and for sensing of various attributes. Indian Railways use optical fiber cables, for signaling and tracking. Electricity departments use optical fiber cables for monitoring and control purpose.
Future Outlook
The OFC market is set to grow with the implementation of National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), which aims to increase internet usage and improve connectivity in suburban and rural areas. Continuing expansion of existing networks by Railways and Defence will also help fuel the demand, apart from private players who want to build project with OFC as key component.
The fiber optics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% between 2014 and 2019 to reach a value of $3.0 billion. The demand is increasing and driven by investments in new information technology and telecommunication sectors, upcoming developments and projects in the U.S., China, India, Brazil, and Western and Eastern European countries.
Research has established that OFC would beat competing technologies (such as copper and microwave) in the long term.
Optical Fibre Cables
Demand : Past & Future
Year mn kms
2000-01 1.65
2001-02 1.45
2002-03 1.25
2003-04 1.33
2004-05 1.42
2005-06 1.52
2006-07 1.63
2007-08 1.75
2008-09 1.88
2009-10 2.02
2010-11 2.18
2011-12 2.83
2012-13 2.90
2013-14 2.95
2014-15 3.02
2019-20 3.36
Strategic Alliances
Company Collaboration
Birla Ericsson Ericsson Cables, Sweden
TN Telecom Fujikura, Japan
Finolex Cables AT&T/Lucent Technologies, USA
Sterlite Optical Nokia, Finland
Aksh Optifibres Shin-Etsu Chemicals, Japan
Leading Players
Birla Ericsson Optical
TN Telecom
Sterlite Optical
Finolex Cables
Sudarshan Telecom
RPG Cables
Hindustan Futuristic
Aksh Optifibre
Hindustan Cables
Micro Engeeners
Market Structure
Market Segmentation
Segment Share (%)
Telecommunication 68
Power Sector 13
Railways 10
Defence 3
Others 6