Access optics market good to go for next 5 years: LightCounting

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 firm reckons 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, said LightCounting.

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.

-- Stephen Hardy, LIGHTWAVE