As of early 2026, G.657A1 optical fiber is trading at approximately $22 per kilometer, with CIF prices likely higher depending on shipping and insurance costs.

Current Market Price

The G.657A1 bend-insensitive fiber, commonly used for FTTH and long-distance optical networks, has seen a significant price increase due to global demand pressures. As of March 2026, the base price is around $22 per kilometer for bare fiber . This represents an 80% increase from mid-2025, when prices ranged between $12–14 per kilometer . The surge is driven by high demand from both civilian telecom projects and specialized military applications, which have strained the global supply chain .

Factors Affecting CIF Pricing

1. Shipping and Insurance: CIF prices include freight and insurance to the destination port. Depending on the origin (e.g., China, Europe) and destination, CIF costs can add 10–20% or more to the base fiber price.
2. Lead Times: Many suppliers report 12–20 week lead times, with some specialty fibers facing up to 6-month backlogs . Longer lead times can increase CIF costs due to storage and handling fees.
3. Cable Type and Construction: Pre-terminated cables, armored outdoor cables, and long-distance optical cables may carry additional costs beyond bare fiber, including protective sheathing, tight-buffer construction, and flame-retardant coatings .
4. Global Supply Constraints: Rising silica prices, helium shortages, and high demand for 5G and FTTH networks contribute to higher production costs, which are reflected in CIF pricing .

Practical Estimate

For long-distance G.657A1 optical cable, a rough CIF estimate would be:

• Bare fiber: $22/km base + 10–20% shipping/insurance → approximately $24–26/km CIF.
• Pre-terminated or armored cable: Prices can be higher, potentially $30–35/km CIF, depending on specifications and supplier .

Recommendations

• Contact suppliers directly for custom CIF quotes, as prices fluctuate with demand and shipping conditions .
• Consider bulk orders to reduce per-kilometer costs and secure delivery within the extended lead times.
• Monitor market trends, as prices may continue to rise if global demand remains high . This provides a current, practical estimate for budgeting and procurement of G.657A1 long-distance optical cable.