Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) Splitters for Optical Fiber Communications Global Market Forecast (February, 2022)

 ElectroniCast, a leading market, and technology consultancy, today announced the report release of their 10-year market forecast of the global consumption of Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) splitters used in optical fiber communication networks.

The PLC splitter market forecast data is segmented by: Component devices (compact devices); and Modules (splitter cassette modules).

PLC Splitter Component Devices - According to the study, the worldwide consumption value of component-level compact PLC splitters reached an estimated $142.4 million in 2021, up from $131.9 million in 2020. The value of component-level compact PLC splitters is forecast to increase to $170.3 million in the year 2026, and eventually increase to $175.6 million in 2031. (All values and prices in this report are at factory as-shipped levels, and are in current dollars, which include the effect of a forecasted 5 percent annual inflation rate over the forecast period).     

The Asia Pacific region is forecast to continue to dominate the market share.  Europe, the Middle East, the Africa region (EMEA), and the American region (South, Central, and North America) held a similar percentage in market share in 2021.  The global increase in PLC splitters is driven by their use in FTTx Passive Optical Networks (PONs), especially the use of the 1x4 split ratio (port count) configuration devices.

The global use in the Telco/CATV (Service Provider) application category, is forecast for a relatively low growth pattern during the next decade; mainly because much of the “greenfield” (new-built) Telco/CATV projects are winding-down in mature countries.  PLC splitters used in service provider network applications led to global consumption in relative market share in 2021. 

Component-level PLC splitters used with test/measurement, R&D, and other non-specific use (specialty applications) are forecast to remain relatively minor through the year 2031. Private Enterprise/Local Area Networks (LANs) and the majority of Harsh Environment optical communication usage, tends to favor multimode optical fiber (and lower port-count) and therefore most of the coupler/splitter function is dealt with by the usage of Fused Biconical Taper (FBT) component; however, as overall optical fiber use and link distances expand in Private Enterprise, including Enterprise Hyperscale Data Centers (HDCs), and Harsh Environments, also use of single-mode fiber (and PLC splitters). It is important to note, however, that PLC splitter (and module) packaging for the harsh environment application (military, industrial, and other related) demands a cost/price premium versus standard packaging.

 This market forecast report, which is available immediately, is part of a consultant service from ElectroniCast to our clients. For detailed information on this or other services provided by ElectroniCast, please contact ElectroniCast at their website.

Founded in 1981, ElectroniCast – www.electronicast.com specializes in forecasting trends in technology forecasting, markets and applications forecasting, strategic planning, and consulting. ElectroniCast, as a technology-based independent forecasting firm, serves industrial companies, trade associations, government agencies, communications, and manufacturing companies, as well as the investment/financial community.  Reduction of the risk of major investment decisions is the main benefit provided.  ElectroniCast’s goal is to understand the challenges and opportunities facing clients and to provide timely, accurate information for strategic planning.