Opto components shine for UK firmsDavid
Manners
UK firms such as Bookham Technology and Kymata are well placed to
benefit from a predicted boom in the use of DWDM (Dense Wavelength
Division Multiplexing) components in high speed comms systems.
The high optical networking technology will outstrip any other
sector of the fibre-optic industry, according to a report from the
specialist optical analysts Electronicast.
The report forecasts that demand for DWDM components will grow at
65 per cent per year to reach $2.45bn in 2009. Overall, the market
for fibre-optic components, including cable, will reach $3bn in
2004 and over $10bn by 2009.
Only last month Bookham Technology CEO Giorgio Anania said reaching
a profit in Q4 this year would "depend on the ramp up of our DWDM
products".
Along with Bookham, other UK firms looking to capitalise on the
demand for DWDM opto devices are Southampton Photonics, Kamelian
and Kymata.
Demand for the broadband communications technology is strong from
operators in European markets including Germany and the UK. BT
recently placed a £2bn order with Marconi for backbone network
technology based on DWDM systems.
What is predicted to drive the demand is the need for broadband
video entertainment and Internet access services to the home over
the next decade. The fastest growth is predicted to come from
videophone services, with voice traffic declining steadily over the
next decade.