HFCL launches high-fibre count IBR cable to boost 5G network infrastructure

HFCL Limited has unveiled its high-fibre count Intermittently Bonded Ribbon (IBR) Cable during the ongoing India Mobile Congress in New Delhi.

This innovative 1728-fibre IBR cable from HFCL is designed to meet the increasing demand for high-fibre count cables, especially from data centres, and to enhance 5G network infrastructure. It is ideally suited for installation in congested urban and rural areas and for data centre interconnect in India.

Compared to traditional 864-fibre flat ribbon cables, the new 1728-fibre IBR Cable from HFCL offers double the fibre packing density within the same diameter. Additionally, it is up to 50% slimmer than traditional flat ribbon cables.

With India's data centre market expected to see significant growth and increased investment in hyperscale data centres, HFCL's 1728-fibre IBR cables will help meet the demand for dense fibre connectivity, vital for managing larger and more sophisticated data centres.

India's increasing focus on fiberization, significant investments in telecom infrastructure, and the expansion of data centres globally present a substantial opportunity for companies like HFCL. Although India's fiber penetration has reached approximately 38.44%, according to data from the Digital Infrastructure Provider Association (DIPA), there is still a significant gap compared to the government's target of achieving 70% tower fiberization in the country by 2024-25.

The recent approval of a Rs 1.39 lakh crore plan for rural broadband connectivity by the Union Cabinet is expected to lead to a substantial demand for fiberization to bridge the digital divide.