While everything may feel like mobile data is the future, fixed broadband and fiber optics will continue to play a vital role. For operators, fixed networks and backhaul networks help accommodate traffic growth, with 45 percent of total mobile data traffic being offloaded onto the fixed networks in 2013, according to Cisco.
As mobile data grows, so do fixed networks. In 2013, global customers on fiber optics, DSL and cable grew an additional six percent, surpassing 665.4 million subscribers, according to ABI research. In fiber optics alone, customers grew a staggering 29 percent up to 126.6 million subscribers worldwide. According to ABI, which provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies, fiber optic subscriptions will hit 265 million by 2019, continued the increase of nearly 12 percent.
The fiber optic boom didn’t stop with just subscribers, but it also improved bottom lines. Worldwide fiber optic revenue grew over 15 percent in 2013 by an incredible $46 billion. While fiber optics grew, ASI noted a decline in DSL broadband subscriptions in both North America and Asia-Pacific.
“Since revenue from traditional services such as voice and messaging is declining, innovative services and content over high-speed broadband networks are proving essential for operators to maintain overall service revenue growth, “Khin Sandi Lynn, industry analyst said in ABI’s press release. “ABI Research forecast that the worldwide fiber-optic broadband market will generate $100 billion in 2019.”
In a day and age where the economy seems to rise and bust on a monthly basis, fiber optics continue to serve as a growing investment. For investors looking to get into the fiber optic business, fiber optic network maps and broadband maps can be utilized to analyze existing infrastructure and build out their own fiber optic networks.
GeoTel Communications provides fiber network maps and telecom maps. Our data sets help both large cities and rural communities expand their networks by layering infrastructure onto high-quality street-based maps. GeoTel creates custom telecom maps at the client’s requests. If you are interested in obtaining telecom maps, contact GeoTel Communications at (800) 277-2172.