In October 2024, STL unveiled its new MultiCore Fibre (MCF) at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024. Featuring ultra-thin fibers with 7 and 4 cores developed using indigenous preform technology, the MCF was demonstrated through a live 400G network transmission. This innovation supports advanced applications like quantum communications and silicon photonics, addressing the growing demand for high-capacity optical networks. The MCF was tested under the Advanced Optical Communications Test Bed project, a collaboration between India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and IIT Chennai.
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Fiber Optic Preform Market
Fiber Optic Preform Market Size, Share, Growth & Industry Analysis, By Process (OVD, VAD, PCVD, MCVD), By Product Type (Single-mode, Multi-mode), By End User (Telecom, Oil & Gas, Military & Aerospace, BFSI, Medical, Railway, Others) and Regional Analysis, 2025-2032
pages: 170 | baseYear: 2024 | release: June 2025 | author: Versha V.
Market Definition
The market includes the production, distribution, and utilization of high-purity glass rods that serve as the foundational material for manufacturing optical fibers. It involves various technologies and processes to create preforms that comply with industry standards for telecommunications, data transmission, and sensing applications.
The market covers key end-users, raw material suppliers, and equipment manufacturers supporting the fiber optic supply chain. The report offers a thorough assessment of the main factors driving market expansion, along with detailed regional analysis and the competitive landscape influencing industry dynamics.
Fiber Optic Preform Market Overview
The global fiber optic preform market size was valued at USD 5.08 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 6.21 billion in 2025 to USD 26.42 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 22.99% during the forecast period.
The market is witnessing rapid expansion, driven by the rising need for faster data transmission and the ongoing development of telecommunication infrastructure worldwide. Rising investments in 5G networks and the widespread adoption of cloud computing and data centers are boosting the demand for advanced optical fibers.
Major companies operating in the fiber optic preform industry are Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Knill Gruppe, Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company, biolitec Holding GmbH & Co KG, HENGTONG GROUP CO., LTD., FASTEN GROUP, ZTT, Thorlabs, Inc., FCJ OPTO TECH, STL Tech, Heraeus Covantics, Fujikura Ltd., GELINDE Optical Co., Ltd., Newton Technology Group, and WEINERT AG.
Additionally, government initiatives to enhance broadband connectivity in underserved regions are supporting market expansion. Technological advancements such as precision fabrication methods and the advancement of high-purity glass materials are enhancing the quality and efficiency of fiber optic preforms.
These innovations are helping manufacturers increase production output while meeting the growing demand for improved signal transmission, lower attenuation, and higher bandwidth capacity.
Key Highlights
- The fiber optic preform market size was valued at USD 5.08 billion in 2024.
- The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 22.99% from 2025 to 2032.
- Asia Pacific held a market share of 39.39% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 2.00 billion.
- The VAD segment garnered USD 1.59 billion in revenue in 2024.
- The single-mode segment is expected to reach USD 15.15 billion by 2032.
- The telecom segment is expected to reach USD 12.39 billion by 2032.
- The market in North America is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 23.15% during the forecast period.
Market Driver
Rising Need for High-Speed Data Transmission and 5G Support
The market is expanding due to the rising demand for high-speed internet and reliable data transmission. The rapid rollout of 5G networks and the growth of data centers are driving the need for preforms with higher transmission capacity and improved performance.
As digital communication requirements increase, preforms must support greater bandwidth and minimize signal loss to ensure stable connectivity. The widespread adoption of cloud computing, video streaming, and connected IoT ecosystems is placing significant demands on network infrastructure, further fueling the need for advanced preform technologies.
In response, manufacturers are focusing on developing high-purity, durable preforms that enhance signal integrity and overall network efficiency. These factors collectively contribute to the sustained growth of the market.
- T-Mobile and EQT formed a joint venture to acquire Lumos, a fiber-to-the-home provider. The partnership aims to expand fiber internet access to millions of customers by combining T-Mobile’s customer reach, EQT’s expertise in fiber infrastructure, and Lumos’ scalable network capabilities. This initiative supports rapid network expansion, with a goal of reaching 3.5 million homes by 2028 and improving broadband availability across the U.S.
Market Challenge
Environmental Impact and Sustainable Energy Transition
A significant challenge in the fiber optic preform market is the high environmental impact of manufacturing processes. Preform production is energy-intensive and primarily relies on fossil fuels, resulting in considerable carbon emissions and increased greenhouse gases.
These environmental concerns have led to stricter regulations on the industry. Additionally, the high energy demand raises operational costs for manufacturers. To address these issues, companies are exploring cleaner alternatives such as green hydrogen energy.
As a zero-emission energy source, green hydrogen can help reduce the environmental footprint of preform manufacturing while supporting regulatory compliance and improving cost efficiency.
- In September 2024, Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL) partnered with Hygenco to transition its manufacturing operations to green hydrogen energy. The collaboration aims to power STL’s Glass Preform Plant in Aurangabad, India, using sustainable energy. This move reflects STL’s efforts to adopt environmentally responsible practices in materials science, photonics, and precision engineering.
Market Trend
Multicore Fiber Adoption and Space-Division Multiplexing
A key trend in the market is the increased adoption of multicore fiber technology. This technology enables space-division multiplexing by transmitting multiple data streams simultaneously through separate cores in a single fiber, thereby significantly enhancing transmission capacity.
Growing demand for higher bandwidth and faster communication drives this adoption. Quantum communication requires highly secure data transfer, while silicon photonics benefits from improved integration with electronic components.
These factors are prompting manufacturers to develop advanced multicore fiber preforms. This trend supports the evolution toward more efficient and higher-capacity fiber optic solutions in the market.
Fiber Optic Preform Market Report Snapshot
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Segmentation |
Details |
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By Process |
OVD, VAD, PCVD, MCVD |
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By Product Type |
Single-mode, Multi-mode |
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By End User |
Telecom, Oil & Gas, Military & Aerospace, BFSI, Medical, Railway, Others |
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By Region |
North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico |
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Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe | |
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Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
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Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa | |
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South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America |
Market Segmentation
- By Process (OVD, VAD, PCVD, and MCVD): The VAD segment earned USD 1.59 billion in 2024 due to its ability to produce high-quality preforms at scale, meeting the demands of expanding telecommunication networks.
- By Product Type (Single-mode, Multi-mode): The single-mode segment held 58.76% of the market in 2024, due to its widespread use in long-distance and high-speed data transmission applications.
- By End User (Telecom, Oil & Gas, Military & Aerospace, BFSI, Medical, Railway, Others): The telecom segment is projected to reach USD 12.39 billion by 2032, owing to continuous investments in 5G infrastructure and growing data traffic globally.
Fiber Optic Preform Market Regional Analysis
Based on region, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.
Asia Pacific accounted for 39.39% share of the fiber optic preform market in 2024, with a valuation of USD 2.00 billion. The region’s position is supported by ongoing telecom infrastructure expansion in China, India, and Japan.
Increasing internet penetration and growing demand for broadband connectivity in both urban and rural areas are driving the need for fiber optic solutions. Additionally, Asia Pacific’s strong manufacturing base, supported by abundant raw materials and cost-effective production, strengthens its market presence.
Major telecom operators and rising data traffic further contribute to the region’s significant role in the global market.
The North America fiber optic preform industry is expected to register the fastest growth, with a projected CAGR of 23.15% over the forecast period. Increasing investments by telecommunications companies and technology providers, along with strategic partnerships among fiber optic manufacturers and service providers, are supporting the expansion of fiber networks and driving demand for fiber optic manufacturing.
The presence of leading manufacturers and advanced research institutions fosters continuous innovation in materials and production techniques, enhancing product quality. Additionally, growing adoption of cloud computing and data centers fuels demand for efficient data transmission infrastructure.
Critical sectors such as defense, healthcare, and finance require robust and secure communication networks, further accelerating market growth. Urbanization and smart city initiatives also contribute to rising fiber optic preform consumption across the region.
Regulatory Frameworks
- In the U.S., the regulatory authority for fiber optic preforms and related products is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC is responsible for overseeing telecommunications, including standards for optical fibers used in communication networks.
Competitive Landscape
The fiber optic preform market is characterized by key players focusing on technological innovation and capacity expansion to maintain and enhance their market positions. Companies are investing in advanced manufacturing techniques to improve preform quality and reduce production costs.
Strategic collaborations and partnerships within the supply chain are common to secure raw material availability and enhance product offerings. Additionally, leading players are expanding their production facilities in high-growth regions to meet increasing demand efficiently.
Continuous research and development efforts are prioritized to introduce next-generation preforms that support emerging communication technologies and diverse end-use applications.
- In July 2024, STL extended its partnership with Netomnia to develop a full-fibre network in the UK, providing integrated solutions from glass preform manufacturing to fiber deployment, supporting Netomnia’s goal to reach 2 million premises by 2025.
List of Key Companies in Fiber Optic Preform Market:
- Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
- Knill Gruppe
- Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company
- biolitec Holding GmbH & Co KG
- HENGTONG GROUP CO., LTD.
- FASTEN GROUP
- ZTT
- Thorlabs, Inc.
- FCJ OPTO TECH
- STL Tech
- Heraeus Covantics
- Fujikura Ltd.
- GELINDE Optical Co., Ltd.
- Newton Technology Group
- WEINERT AG
Recent Developments (Partnership)
- In July 2024, ZTE Corporation partnered with YOFC to test real-time signal transmission over 20km of hollow-core fiber using 3W launch power. The test showed very low signal distortion and minimal interference, proving the strength of hollow-core fiber made with advanced preform technology.
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