The importance of fibre technology has grown substantially in France from 2007 to 2019. The importance of this new technology grew rapidly and had reached an *** percent penetration rate in June 2019. The source adds that the increase of subscriptions to fibre broadband can in part be explained by the fact that DSL customers are switching to fibre infrastructure.

Context

OECD Telecommunications and Internet Statistics

This subscription provides online access to the OECD Telecommunications and Internet Statistics Database, which provides annual data from 1980 onwards for 100 telecommunications variables such as standard lines, digital lines, IDN lines, DSL lines, mobile subs, residential lines, pay phones, telecoms staff, revenues, investment, traffic, and much more for OECD countries. This database is updated every two years

Broadband Fibre/LAN subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

https://stats.oecd.org/viewhtml.aspx?datasetcode=BROADBAND_DB&lang=en

Content

Broadband database

The broadband database on information and communication technology (ICT) contains indicators on wireless and fixed broadband usage, access and diffusion to OECD households, individuals and businesses.

https://stats.oecd.org/viewhtml.aspx?datasetcode=BROADBAND_DB&lang=en

Acknowledgements

https://stats.oecd.org/viewhtml.aspx?datasetcode=BROADBAND_DB&lang=en

Inspiration

.Remote learning during Covid Pandemic

Almost ** percent of all broadband connections in South Korea were fiber connections as of December 2023, the highest share among OECD nations, while the OECD average sat at **** percent. Fiber internet connections offer superior download and upload speeds compared to traditional copper wire connections, as well as lower latency.

Percentage of premises with Full Fibre Broadband coverage.Percentage of premises with broadband speed under 30Mbit/s.Number of all premises.Number of residential premises.

As of 2023, around ** percent of households in Finland had a fixed broadband connection with fiber-optics. The highest share of households with high-speed broadband connection was reported in the Åland Islands (** percent), followed by Ostrobothnia (** percent), and Pirkanmaa (** percent).

This data represents the Virginia State Broadband Data area of broadband availability. Area of broadband availability refers to those individual US Census Blocks where each facilities-based provider of broadband service claims to provide broadband services. For each area the provider name and technology they provide there are represented. In addition, advertised and typical upload and download speeds are often reported at these levels. If a provider offers availability to any location within a census block, the entire block is deemed available under this effort. For this purpose, ''broadband service'' is the provision, on either a commercial or non-commercial basis, of data transmission technology that provides two-way data transmission to and from the Internet with advertised speeds of at least 4 megabits per second (mbps) downstream and 0.5 mbps upstream to end users. For this purpose, an ''end user'' of broadband service is a residential or business party, institution or State or local government entity that may use broadband service for its own purposes. An entity is a ''facilities based'' provider of broadband service connections to end user locations if any of the following conditions are met: (1) It owns the portion of the physical facility that terminates at the end user location; (2) it obtains unbundled network elements (UNEs), special access lines, or other leased facilities that terminate at the end user location and provisions/equips them as broadband; or (3) it provisions/equips a broadband wireless channel to the end user location over licensed or unlicensed spectrum.

VABB_CABLE： Cable Wireline Coverage (June 2019) VABB_DSL_COPPER： DSL/Copper Coverage (June 2019) VABB_FIBER： Fiber Optic Coverage (June 2019) VABB_FIXED： Fixed Wireless Coverage (June 2019) VABB_MOBILE： Mobile Wireless Coverage (Dec. 2018) VABB_LTE： 4G/LTE Wireless Coverage (Dec. 2018) VABB_satellite： Satellite Coverage (Dec. 2018) VABB_VATI： Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) Funding VABB_TRRC： Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) Funding VABB_UNDERSERVED： Underserved Areas greater than 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload and less than 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload VABB_Unserved： Unserved Areas below or equal to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload VABB_Lacking： No Residential Broadband (25/3) reported (June 2019)

As of the second quarter of 2025, almost ************** of fixed broadband connections worldwide were fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) or fiber-to-the-building (FTTB) connections. Also known as fiber to the premises (FTTP), these connections use fiber optic cables to deliver an internet connection directly to a home or other building. Other fiber connections may use traditional copper cables for some portion of the connection, such as the final stage from a roadside cabinet to the home.

The UK fixed connectivity market, valued at approximately £34.02 billion in 2025, exhibits a steady growth trajectory, projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.69% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key drivers. The increasing adoption of high-speed broadband, driven by the rise of remote work, online streaming, and the Internet of Things (IoT), is a significant factor. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting digital infrastructure development and the expansion of full-fibre networks contribute to market expansion. Competition amongst major players like BT Group, Vodafone, and Virgin Media Business Ltd. fosters innovation and drives pricing strategies that benefit consumers and businesses. While the market faces challenges, such as the high cost of infrastructure upgrades and the potential for saturation in certain areas, the overall outlook remains positive. The segmentation, encompassing fixed data and fixed voice services for both consumers and enterprises, reflects the diverse demands within the market, with the enterprise sector expected to see significant growth due to increasing reliance on cloud services and robust network connectivity. The market's regional distribution reflects the UK's uneven digital infrastructure development. While major urban centers enjoy high broadband penetration, rural areas lag behind, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for future growth. Providers are focusing on bridging this digital divide through targeted investment and government support programs. The competitive landscape is dynamic, with established players facing pressure from new entrants offering innovative solutions and competitive pricing. Future growth will likely depend on the successful rollout of next-generation networks (5G and beyond), continued investment in infrastructure, and the ability of providers to meet the evolving needs of increasingly data-hungry consumers and businesses. The ongoing focus on cybersecurity and data privacy will also shape the market's trajectory. This report provides a detailed analysis of the UK fixed connectivity market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. It examines market size, growth drivers, challenges, and key players, offering valuable insights for businesses operating in or considering entry into this dynamic sector. The report utilizes data from the historical period (2019-2024), the base year (2025), and offers estimations for 2025 and forecasts until 2033. Key segments analyzed include fixed data, fixed voice, consumer, and enterprise end-users. Recent developments include: May 2024: BT Group, the UK's provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications, along with a suite of secure digital offerings, unveiled an updated timeline for transitioning all its customers, spanning both individual consumers and businesses from the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to digital landlines. The move followed the introduction of a series of program enhancements aimed at better protecting vulnerable customers, especially those with additional needs, such as telecare users.February 2024: BT Group, the provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications in the United Kingdom, unveiled its advanced NB-IoT network. This multi-million-pound investment is poised to catalyze the development of smart cities and industries across the UK, boasting an overall 97% population coverage. Powered by the EE mobile network, NB-IoT is a low-power network, holding the potential to transform sectors like utilities, construction, and the public domain.. Key drivers for this market are: Huge demand for high-speed connectivity, Rising digital transformation in the industries. Potential restraints include: Huge demand for high-speed connectivity, Rising digital transformation in the industries. Notable trends are: Digital Transformation is Increasing Across the Industries.

Polygon layer displays areas where fiber optic broadband service is available.

Fibre Optic Cables Market Outlook

The global fibre optic cables market size was valued at approximately USD 9.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 18.7 billion by 2032, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% during the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by an increasing demand for high-speed internet and data transmission capabilities across various sectors. As industries continue to digitize and expand their reliance on cloud services and IoT, the necessity for robust and efficient data transmission systems, like fibre optic cables, becomes increasingly important. Technological advancements and the growing penetration of the internet in emerging economies further augment this demand.

Several growth factors are steering the expansion of the fibre optic cables market. One of the primary drivers is the exponential increase in data consumption and the subsequent demand for high-speed internet connectivity. As video streaming services, online gaming, and cloud computing become more prevalent, the need for faster, reliable, and higher bandwidth internet solutions has surged. Fibre optic cables, with their superior bandwidth and data transfer capabilities compared to traditional copper cables, are increasingly being adopted to meet these demands. Additionally, the ongoing deployment of 5G networks globally is significantly boosting the demand for fibre optic infrastructure, as it serves as the backbone for these next-generation networks.

Another critical factor contributing to market growth is the burgeoning adoption of fibre optics in industrial applications. Sectors such as healthcare, military, and aerospace are increasingly utilizing fibre optic cables due to their advantages like immunity to electromagnetic interference, high security, and superior reliability. In healthcare, for example, fibre optics are used in minimally invasive surgical instruments and advanced imaging techniques. The military and aerospace sectors leverage fibre optics for secure communications and advanced navigation systems. These applications underscore the versatility and indispensable role of fibre optics in modern technology.

Furthermore, government initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide and improving broadband connectivity in rural and underserved areas are further propelling market growth. Various countries are investing heavily in fibre optic infrastructure to enhance digital access and support economic development. Such initiatives not only boost demand for fibre optic cables but also catalyze their deployment across diverse geographical locations, thereby expanding market reach. Simultaneously, technological advancements in fibre optics, such as the development of bend-insensitive fibres and the advent of multi-core fibres, are facilitating wider adoption by addressing previous limitations and enhancing performance.

Regionally, the Asia Pacific market is exhibiting robust growth, driven by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and government efforts to enhance digital infrastructure. Countries like China, Japan, and India are investing significantly in fibre optic network expansion to support the burgeoning demand for high-speed broadband. North America remains a key market due to the widespread adoption of advanced technologies and the presence of major industry players. In Europe, the focus on smart city projects and digital transformation initiatives is fueling demand. Meanwhile, the Middle East & Africa and Latin America are witnessing moderate growth, primarily due to infrastructure development and burgeoning internet penetration.

Type Analysis

The fibre optic cables market is broadly segmented into single-mode and multi-mode fibre optics, each serving distinct applications and offering unique advantages. Single-mode fibre optic cables, known for their long-distance data transmission capabilities, are predominantly used in telecommunications and internet services. These cables are designed to carry light directly down the fibre, allowing for minimal signal attenuation and higher bandwidth over long distances. As telecommunication operators expand their networks to cover more remote areas and enhance urban connectivity, the demand for single-mode fibres is witnessing substantial growth. The ongoing deployment of 5G networks also heavily relies on single-mode fibres due to their capacity to handle high-speed data transmission efficiently.

Mining Fiber Optic Cable is a specialized applica

This layer shows computer ownership and type of internet subscription. This is shown by tract and county boundaries. This service is updated annually to contain the most currently released American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year data, and contains estimates and margins of error. There are also additional calculated attributes related to this topic, which can be mapped or used within analysis. This layer is symbolized to show all households with broadband such as cable, fiber optic, or DSL.

Proportion of the area’s households with broadband access of at least 1 Gigabit per second, or fibre in absolute proximity. Includes access to DOCSIS 3 and fiber, as well as household/workplaces in absolute proximity to fiber. The measure means that either a) actual connection exists b) a connection can be ordered for a maximum of SEK 40000 or c) that the household or workplace is estimated to be in the absolute vicinity of a fibre connection. PTS (Post and Telecom Agency) requests documentation on the coverage of access technologies by interested parties, the documentation is then matched with the Property Register. The collected data together with a number of assumptions form the basis for the mapping. For access to really high speeds, 1 Gbit/s under favorable conditions and at least 500 Mbit/s in a hurry hour, wired access technologies are required in the form of fiber or cable TV networks. It refers to the situation on 1 October. Until 2014, the population was referred to instead of households. As of 2021, it refers to population.

(Link to Metadata) The VTBB201006 VT Broadband Availability Dataset represents wireline and wireless 'broadband service' availability in VT as of 6/30/2010. This dataset was compiled in support of BroadbandVT.org and the NTIA State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grant program. This dataset includes the following feature classes - Utility_VTBB201006_point_Public = The list provided contains non-commercial locations where free broadband access is available. It primarily lists public libraries. - Utility_VTBB201006_poly_BlockAll = Detailed broadband availability by census block - Utility_VTBB201006_poly_BlockSum = Total availability of wireline and wireless broadband service by census block - Utility_VTBB201006_poly_Cable = Availablity of cable broadband by census block - Utility_VTBB201006_poly_DSL = Availablity of DSL broadband by census block - Utility_VTBB201006_poly_Fiber = Availablity of fiber optic broadband by census block - Utility_VTBB201006_poly_Wireless = Availablity of wireless (mobile and fixed) broadband by census block - Utility_VTBB201006_poly_Wireline = Availablity of wireline (cable, DSL, fiber optic) broadband by census block For this purpose, 'broadband service' is the provision, on either a commercial or non-commercial basis, of data transmission technology that provides two-way data transmission to and from the Internet with advertised speeds of at least 768 kilobits per second (kbps) downstream and greater than 200 kbps upstream to end users, or providing sufficient capacity in a middle mile project to support the provision of broadband service to end-users within the project area. For this purpose, an 'end user' of broadband service is a residential or business party, institution or State or local government entity that may use broadband service for its own purposes and that does not resell such service to other entities or incorporate such service into retail Internet-access services. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are not 'end users' for this purpose. An entity is a 'facilities based' provider of broadband service connections to end user locations if any of the following conditions are met: (1) It owns the portion of the physical facility that terminates at the end user location; (2) it obtains unbundled network elements (UNEs), special access lines, or other leased facilities that terminate at the end user location and provisions/equips them as broadband; or (3) it provisions/equips a broadband wireless channel to the end user location over licensed or unlicensed spectrum. For this purpose, 'broadband service' is 'available' at an address if the provider does, or could, within a typical service interval (7 to 10 business days) without an extraordinary commitment of resources, provision two-way data transmission to and from the Internet with advertised speeds of at least 768 kilobits per second (kbps) downstream and greater than 200 kbps upstream to end-users at that address.

(Link to Metadata) The VTBB201106 VT Broadband Availability Dataset represents wireline and wireless 'broadband service' availability in VT as of 6/30/2011. This dataset was compiled in support of BroadbandVT.org and the NTIA State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grant program. This dataset includes the following feature classes - Utility_VTBB201106_point_Public = The list provided contains non-commercial locations where free broadband access is available. It primarily lists public libraries. - Utility_VTBB201106_poly_BlockAll = Detailed broadband availability by census block - Utility_VTBB201106_poly_BlockSum = Total availability of wireline and wireless broadband service by census block - Utility_VTBB201106_poly_Cable = Availablity of cable broadband by census block - Utility_VTBB201106_poly_DSL = Availablity of DSL broadband by census block - Utility_VTBB201106_poly_Fiber = Availablity of fiber optic broadband by census block - Utility_VTBB201106_poly_Wireless = Availablity of wireless (mobile and fixed) broadband by census block - Utility_VTBB201106_poly_Wireline = Availablity of wireline (cable, DSL, fiber optic) broadband by census block For this purpose, 'broadband service' is the provision, on either a commercial or non-commercial basis, of data transmission technology that provides two-way data transmission to and from the Internet with advertised speeds of at least 768 kilobits per second (kbps) downstream and greater than 200 kbps upstream to end users, or providing sufficient capacity in a middle mile project to support the provision of broadband service to end-users within the project area. For this purpose, an 'end user' of broadband service is a residential or business party, institution or State or local government entity that may use broadband service for its own purposes and that does not resell such service to other entities or incorporate such service into retail Internet-access services. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are not 'end users' for this purpose. An entity is a 'facilities based' provider of broadband service connections to end user locations if any of the following conditions are met: (1) It owns the portion of the physical facility that terminates at the end user location; (2) it obtains unbundled network elements (UNEs), special access lines, or other leased facilities that terminate at the end user location and provisions/equips them as broadband; or (3) it provisions/equips a broadband wireless channel to the end user location over licensed or unlicensed spectrum. For this purpose, 'broadband service' is 'available' at an address if the provider does, or could, within a typical service interval (7 to 10 business days) without an extraordinary commitment of resources, provision two-way data transmission to and from the Internet with advertised speeds of at least 768 kilobits per second (kbps) downstream and greater than 200 kbps upstream to end-users at that address.

This statistic depicts the availability of fibre broadband connections in selected countries around the world as of 2016, by technology. 97 percent of households in Japan had access to full-fibre broadband in 2016.

Although Europe’s fibre-optic cable manufacturing industry is fairly small on a global scale, it’s becoming increasingly important for the continent's digital transformation. Demand for high-speed internet in Europe is on the rise due to the increase in data-intensive services, like streaming platforms. Telecommunications companies have invested heavily in fibre-optic technology to upgrade their infrastructures, inflating demand for fibre-optic cables. Fibre-optic cables are also essential for expanding the 5G network, as they connect numerous small base stations and enable the required data transfer rates. They’re also used in the automotive industry, sensor technology and robotics. Over the five years through 2025, fibre-optic cable manufacturing revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 3.4% to €4 billion, including a forecast hike of 4.1% in 2025. Consumers and businesses are increasingly valuing fast internet connection, resulting in telecommunications companies investing heavily in their fibre-optic infrastructure, ramping up profitability over the past five years. However, the development of fibre-optic networks in Europe varies between countries. According to the German Broadband Association, in 2022, fibre-optic penetration in Germany was around 26%, while the UK reported a penetration rate of 33% at the beginning of 2022. In contrast, Spain (89%), Portugal (87%) and Sweden (84%) had a much higher penetration rate at the end of 2021. In Sweden, telecommunication companies have rejected transitional technologies like vectoring, which has led to a faster roll-out of fibre networks, avoiding delays in roll-out that have occurred in other countries. The automotive market also provides a healthy market for fibre-optic cable manufactures, a sector that has been experiencing a slow recovery from its pandemic-driven tumble amid severe supply chain disruptions. Over the five years through 2030, revenue is slated to swell at a compound annual rate of 5.4% to €5.2 billion. Western Europe isn’t particularly attractive for the production of fibre-optic cables due to low sales volume, high labour costs and market dominance by subsidiaries of international corporations. However, several Western European countries are actively investing in and expanding their fibre-optic infrastructure, which should promote future sales. The European Commission has announced investments of around €850 million for the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital second Work Programme in the four years through 2027. The UK and Germany have also launched initiatives to achieve nationwide gigabit broadband coverage by 2030. Spain is driving forward its fibre infrastructure with significant investment and legislative support to promote competition and digitisation.

The indicator measures the share of households with fixed very high capacity network (VHCN) connection. Very high capacity network means either an electronic communications network that consists entirely of optical fibre elements at least up to the distribution point at the serving location, or an electronic communications network capable of delivering, under usual peak-time conditions, similar network performance in terms of available downlink and uplink bandwidth, resilience, error-related parameters, and latency and its variation.

Percentage of premises with Full Fibre Broadband coverage.Percentage of premises with broadband speed under 30Mbit/s.Number of all premises.Number of residential premises.

This table shows the number and types of broadband subscribers in several countries. The table includes a part of the Broadband Statistics of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). The number of broadband subscribers per 100 inhabitants is shown and divided into DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), cable, glass fibre and other (among which satellite Internet access). Note: Comparable definitions are used to compare the figures presented internationally. The definitions sometimes differ from definitions used by Statistics Netherlands. The figures in this table could differ from Dutch figures presented elsewhere on the website of Statistics Netherlands. Data available from: June 2001 up to December 2010. Status of the figures: The external source of these data frequently supply adjusted figures on preceding periods. These adjusted data are not mentioned as such in the table. Changes as of 1 March 2018: This table has been discontinued. When will new figures be published? No longer applicable.