Long-term Operation of Optical Cable Equipment: How to Keep Production Lines “Non-stop” in a High-cycle Period?
Data shows that global total demand for optical fiber and cable in 2026 is expected to reach 577 million fiber‑kilometers, while effective global supply is only about 397 million fiber‑kilometers, resulting in a supply‑demand gap of 180 million fiber‑kilometers for the full year, a shortfall of approximately 16.4%. In April 2026, the global fiber price index climbed to 107.2, marking the first double‑digit monthly increase since 2021. Since May 2025, the cumulative price increase for G.652.D bare fiber has exceeded 400%, and G.657.A2 has risen even higher, by 600%. With orders fully booked and prices soaring, this is undeniably a “golden era” for optical cable manufacturers. But one issue is often overlooked: can production lines run 24/7 without stopping?
