5G to Spur Robust Optical Networking and Cabling Infrastructure Buildout

CROZET, VA — A robust market is predicted for optical networking and cabling in the coming years as carriers deploy the infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of the growing 5G wireless business, according to industry analyst firm Communications Industry Researchers (CIR) in its new report on the 5G fiber optics infrastructure market. (“Optical Networking Opportunities In The 5G Infrastructure Market: 2019 To 2028”)

CIR sees global expenditures on 5G fronthaul and backhaul equipment will peak at $4.1 billion in 2021. Optical cabling expenditures will exceed $5 billion annually with some years having spending amounts substantially higher during the 5G infrastructure build out.

About the Report
This new report from CIR analyzes and quantifies the opportunities in the optical networking market for 5G fronthaul and backhaul equipment as well as optical cable. In both the forecasts and the analysis, the market is broken down by protocols — WDM, PON, Carrier Ethernet, and SDM — and by data rate and type of technology used. Geographical breakouts also included. In addition, the prospects for alternatives to fiber optics in 5G infrastructure such as millimeter and microwave radio and free-space optic are explored. Our ten-year forecasting model takes account of the rapid build out of 5G infrastructure that is expected in the next few years and the inevitable decline as the 5G infrastructure deployments become sufficient to support a large number of 5G users.