Corning and EXFO Leveraging New Technologies
At OFC 2026, Corning and EXFO executives highlighted how AI‑driven data traffic is forcing unprecedented density in optical networks. They outlined advances in multicore fiber and co‑packaged optics that promise higher capacity with lower power consumption. The companies emphasized the need for joint development and standardized testing to accelerate deployment in hyperscale data centers. Their collaboration aims to bridge the gap between component innovation and large‑scale roll‑out.
Openreach Furthers Its Sustainability Effort with New Zyxel Fiber ONTs
Openreach has teamed with Zyxel to roll out Optical Network Terminals built from 95% recycled plastic, aiming to cut plastic waste in its UK fiber‑broadband expansion. Half a million of these sustainable ONTs are already installed, and the partnership supports...
What Is a Passive Optical Network (PON)?
Passive Optical Networks (PON) are fiber‑optic systems that use unpowered splitters to deliver a single optical signal to multiple endpoints, eliminating the need for powered equipment between the central office and users. The architecture centers on an optical line terminal...
AFL Tapped by Inligo as Fiber Partner for Australia’s Unite Cable System
Inligo Networks has appointed Australian fiber specialist AFL as the primary cable supplier for its new Unite Cable System, a high‑capacity, low‑latency terrestrial network spanning six Australian states. The system will interconnect Darwin, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and regional hubs,...
Fiber’s AI Densification
The fiber industry is accelerating densification to meet AI‑driven data‑center demand, using smaller‑diameter glass, multicore fibers and new standards such as XPO and Hyper‑Rail. These advances can boost a single‑strand’s capacity up to eight times and shrink optical switching racks...
AT&T Enhances Wireless Coverage Along NYC MTA Subway Line via Boldyn Partnership
AT&T has expanded its 5G cellular coverage in New York City subway tunnels by partnering with neutral‑host provider Boldyn. The rollout adds service on the MTA’s 4/5 lines between Bowling Green and Fulton Street and on the G line from Bedford‑Nostrand to Hoyt‑Schermerhorn....
OpenLight Pushes Photonic Integration as AI Networks Drive Optical Scaling
OpenLight unveiled a photonic design platform that lets customers create custom photonic integrated circuits using standard semiconductor design tools, with lasers integrated directly onto the chip. The model mirrors fabless semiconductor companies, aiming to bring silicon‑scale economies to optics and...
Life After Affirmed: What Operators Should Prioritize as 5G Core Strategies Evolve
Microsoft’s decision to retire the Affirmed Networks portfolio has forced operators worldwide to reassess their 4G/5G core infrastructure. The shift accelerates a move toward cloud‑native, micro‑service‑based cores that can run across hybrid and multi‑cloud environments. Vendors that offer modular, low‑cost...
Corning, Meta Begin North Carolina Cable Manufacturing Facility Expansion
Corning and Meta have broken ground on a major expansion of Corning's optical‑fiber manufacturing in Hickory, North Carolina, under a multiyear agreement worth up to $6 billion. The new capacity is expected to lift Corning's North Carolina workforce by 15‑20 percent, creating...
Uniti’s CEO Says We’re in the Early Innings of an Unprecedented Fiber Build
Uniti projects a $1.5 billion revenue opportunity from hyperscaler fiber deals over the next five years and plans to construct nearly 6,000 miles of fiber within three years, generating about $1 billion in non‑recurring cash revenue. The contracts carry an estimated 28 % internal...
Hyperscaler Data Center Capex Jumped 57% in 2025 as AI Deployments Accelerated
Data‑center capital expenditures among the world’s largest hyperscalers surged 57% in 2025, topping $420 billion. The four biggest U.S. cloud providers alone accounted for over $340 billion, with Amazon leading at $125 billion. AI workloads are shifting from training to inferencing, fueling demand...
Fidium Expands Presence in Flexential’s Texas and Minnesota Data Centers
Fidium announced an expanded on‑net presence at Flexential’s data centers in Dallas, Plano and Minneapolis‑St. Paul, adding high‑capacity fiber connectivity to its portfolio. The deal unlocks 100 G and 800 G wavelength services, Ethernet, dark fiber, and Construction‑as‑a‑Service offerings for enterprise and hyperscaler...
Corning Unveils Fiber, Cable, and Connectivity Solutions Targeting AI Data Center Networks
At OFC 2026, Corning introduced a suite of fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions aimed at AI‑driven data center networks. The multicore fiber promises four‑fold capacity per strand while cutting connectors by 75 % and reducing cable mass up to 70 %. Its...
Lumentum’s CEO Says It’s Beginning to Unlock the Massive Potential of OCS and CPO
Lumentum reported Q2 revenue of $665.5 million, driven by strong component sales and a surge in cloud transceiver demand. The company highlighted a $400 million OCS order backlog that hit its $10 million quarterly target three months early and announced progress in co‑packaged...
Ciena’s CEO Sees MOFN as a Key Service Provider Growth Segment
Ciena’s CEO highlighted Managed Optical Fiber Networks (MOFN) as a core growth engine, noting a 40% year‑over‑year rise in Indian orders and record shipments of its RLS product line. The optical networking segment surged 67.9% to $1.02 billion, helping lift total...
