Mobile Fiber Optic Cable Centralized Procurement

China Mobile's centralized procurement for fiber optic cables covers millions of core kilometers, involves multiple suppliers, and reflects rising prices and strong market demand.Overview of Procurement ProjectsChina Mobile has conducted centralized procurement projects for both standard and special optical cables for the periods 2025–2027. The 2025–2027 G.654E optical fiber and cable procurement project targets approximately 22,900 fiber kilometers, equivalent to 3.1386 million core kilometers, with a maximum bid price of 630.56 million yuan. The project uses a share bidding system, with 2–3 winning suppliers sharing the total procurement volume based on ranking . For ordinary optical cables, the estimated purchase scale is about 140 million core kilometers, with a maximum bid limit of 9.86 billion yuan, marking a 19.3% year-on-year increase and a record high in the past five years . Special optical cables for 2026–2027 include waterline, rodent-proof, flame-retardant direct burial, all-dielectric, microduct blown, fiber-optic composite, and figure-eight self-supporting cables, totaling 79,400 sheath kilometers (3.131 million core kilometers) with a maximum bid of 251.247 million yuan .Bidding and Supplier HighlightsThe procurement process is highly competitive, with most suppliers bidding at the maximum price limit, reflecting strong demand and rising fiber optic prices . In the 2025–2026 outdoor optical cable procurement, ZTT (Jiangsu Zhongtian Technology Co., Ltd.) secured the top position, winning 19.56% of the awarded share for both outdoor and drop cables, recognized for product quality, delivery reliability, and ESG performance .Market ImplicationsThe centralized procurement by China Mobile has significant influence on the fiber optic market:Price trends: The maximum bid limits and competitive bidding indicate a stabilizing and upward trend in fiber optic cable prices .Demand drivers: Domestic 5G network expansion, FTTH deployment, and overseas broadband initiatives (e.g., EU gigabit networks and US Infrastructure Investment Act) are driving increased demand for optical fiber and cable .Industry impact: Suppliers benefit from stable orders, improved profitability, and sustained demand for high-performance products such as armored cables, FTTH/FTTX systems, MPO/MTP assemblies, and professional patch cords .Technological influence: AI infrastructure and digital transformation are further boosting fiber optic connectivity and high-density interconnection solutions, creating long-term growth potential .ConclusionChina Mobile's centralized procurement projects are strategically significant, covering millions of core kilometers of fiber optic cables, involving multiple top-tier suppliers, and reflecting both rising prices and strong market demand. These procurements not only support domestic 5G and broadband expansion but also influence global fiber optic supply chains and technology adoption trends.