LC: The Access Optics Market to Reach $2.3 Billion by 2030

In November 2025, LightCounting released its "Access Optics: FTTx and Wireless Report." The report indicates that access optics sales are projected to reach $2.3 billion by 2030. In 2025, the global online population saw steady growth, adding over 240 million new users. According to the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) "Facts and Figures 2025" report, approximately three-quarters of the world's population uses the internet, primarily via wireless networks and fixed broadband, with satellite connections accounting for a smaller share.

Mobile broadband dominates, with most users accessing the internet mainly through mobile networks. FTTx coverage and construction plans vary by country, depending on national policies, industry structure, geography, and macroeconomic factors.

In 2025, the market shipments for access optical transceivers and BOSA reached 201 million units, with sales totaling $1.3 billion. FTTx optical components accounted for the largest revenue share at 43%, while FTTR optical equipment made up the largest share of shipments at 51%. Wireless network fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul optical transceivers accounted for 10% of unit shipments and 32% of total revenue.

Although gigabit broadband is not yet universal, it has become mainstream. Operators in both developed and emerging markets are expanding their coverage. Speeds of 1Gbps remain sufficient for most households, but demand is growing with the increasing popularity of 4K video streaming, cloud gaming, immersive AR/VR experiences, and AI applications.

Technology Trends

In 2025, operators began deploying 5G-Advanced networks, and the industry accelerated research in preparation for 6G technology, which is expected to emerge within the forecast period. Nearly 500 operators worldwide offer Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services delivered via mobile networks, competing with Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH). At the same time, the surge in FWA traffic benefits mobile backhaul, potentially driving backhaul capacity upgrades.

In 2025, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites launched direct-to-cell and direct-to-device services. SpaceX's Starlink, the largest LEO satellite constellation, has over 8,800 satellites in orbit, with its user base doubling within a year. Starlink LEO satellites are equipped with optical communication terminals, enabling the commercial use of inter-satellite laser links with speeds of up to 100Gbps. Inter-satellite optical communication presents significant opportunities for optical suppliers.

Future Predictions and Opportunities

According to an Ericsson Mobility Report chart, global fixed broadband connections (including DSL, cable, fiber, FWA, and satellite) are projected to see a net increase of approximately 400 million from 2024 to 2030. Fiber, FWA, and satellite are expected to contribute a combined growth of about 550 million, while DSL and cable are projected to decline by about 150 million combined.

The report suggests that by 2030, LEO constellations will no longer be an "alternative" but an integral part of the broadband ecosystem, providing hybrid multi-orbit networks that connect the sky, land, sea, and space.