Worldwide demand for optical fiber outstrips supply
Due to the explosive demand for fiberoptic cable, the worldwide supply of optical fiber is running short, according to a New York Times report. Driven by an expanding market for Internet access and other high-speed communications links, annual installation of optical fiber worldwide has doubled since 1993 to an estimated 16.25 million miles. Demand for optical fiber has run about 10% higher than production during the past year. According to Paul Rogoski, spokesperson for Corning Incorporated (Corning, NY), fiber has been in tight supply for the last couple of years. The industry is doing what it can, Rogoski says. Domestically, the need may lessen in the next five to seven years, but by then the demand will be u¥from developing countries.