Arlyn S. Powell, Jr.
Consumption of fiber-optic installation apparatus in North America is forecast to increase more than threefold between 1995 and 2005, according to a market-research report released recently by ElectroniCast Corp. (San Mateo, CA). With growth projected to average more than 14% per year, consumption valued at $1.1 billion in 1995 is expected to rise to $4.3 billion during the next decade.
"This growth," says senior research analyst Saba Hailu, "will be driven by the dynamic expansion of fiber-optic deployment by cable-TV and private data-network administrators, plus the shift to telecom feeder and distribution cable and associated rapid expansion of outside-plant apparatus."
The largest sector of this market in 1995 was premises data networking, with a 51% share, followed by telecommunications (36%), cable TV (11%), and military and aerospace applications (2%). Data networking is expected to increase its share to 57% over the decade, while cable TV expands to a 14% share; the corresponding drop is expected to take place in telecommunications (to 27%).
The large share for data networks, according to the report, results from the substantial use of inside-plant and campus fiber-optic cable. Outside-plant cable use is also expected to climb steadily, leading to average annual growth of 16% for its installation apparatus. The North American market is expected to be valued at $382 million by 2005. "This growth," says Hailu, "will be led by below-grade, including semi-buried, connection boxes; but all segments of outside-plant will achieve strong growth."
The real winner in the fiber-optic installation apparatus market, however, is projected to be inside-plant equipment for all applications, the market for which is projected to expand from $1.1 billion in 1995 to $1.99 billion in 2000. The market will then continue growing at an average of 15% a year, to $3.97 billion in 2005. The lion`s share of the inside-plant market will go to premises data networks, with a 55% share in 1995 that rises to 62% by 2005. The inside-plant premises data networking is forecast at $2.45 billion in the last year of the study. Cable TV`s share is also projected to grow, and that of telecommunications to decline.
For more information on The Fiber Optic Installation Apparatus Market Forecast, which is priced at $7500, contact ElectroniCast at (415) 343-1398, or fax (415) 343-1698.