Purchase of Mobile Optical Cable

Mobile optical cables can be purchased from leading suppliers like ZTT, Hengtong, YOFC, and FiberHome, with careful consideration of specifications, quality, and procurement terms.

Key Suppliers and Market Overview

Recent procurement by China Mobile highlights the top suppliers in the optical cable market.

ZT

T secured the largest share (19. 36%) of the 2025–2026 tender, followed by Hengtong, YOFC, and FiberHome, collectively controlling 60% of the awarded volume. Prices for loose-tube optical cables ranged around RMB 54–55 per F-km including VAT, reflecting both market stability and supplier differentiation based on quality, delivery reliability, and ESG performance.

Types of Mobile Optical Cables

Optical cables for mobile and outdoor applications are designed to withstand environmental stress while ensuring high-speed data transmission: Single-mode fibers: Ideal for long-distance, high-bandwidth applications with minimal signal dispersion. Multi-mode fibers: Suitable for short-distance connections, such as data centers or local networks, supporting multiple light modes simultaneously. Drop cables: Used for connecting the main network to end-user devices, often requiring flexibility and bend-insensitive fibers.

Outdoor and armored cables: Designed for harsh environments, including UV exposure, moisture, and mechanical stress.

Technical Considerations

When purchasing mobile optical cables, consider the following: Attenuation and bandwidth: Ensure the fiber supports the required data rates over the intended distance. Environmental resistance: For outdoor deployment, cables should resist temperature fluctuations, moisture, and physical stress. Compatibility: Verify that the cable type matches your network infrastructure (e.g., 5G fronthaul/backhaul, FTTx, or data center interconnects),.

Supplier reliability: Evaluate production capacity, delivery performance, and ESG credentials, as these factors increasingly influence procurement decisions.

Procurement Tips

Define specifications clearly: Use structured criteria for fiber type, core count, jacket material, and environmental ratings. Compare multiple suppliers: Avoid relying on a single source; consider both price and non-price factors such as quality and R&D capabilities. Document evaluations: Maintain records of supplier assessments and technical compliance to support responsible purchasing decisions.

Monitor market trends: Global demand is rising due to 5G expansion, FTTH deployment, and broadband infrastructure investments, which may affect availability and pricing. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your purchase of mobile optical cables meets both technical requirements and long-term reliability standards.