Why this market is moving now
- Corning's Optical Communications sales rose 32% in Q2 2026, and Corning cites AI factory buildouts as a demand driver.
- Corning's Enterprise Networks sales rose 65% in the quarter, with Gen AI products growing faster.
- BEAD's $42.45 billion in federal funds remains a source of fiber demand for unserved locations.
Key figures
Each figure names the source it came from. Open the source list below to read the quoted line.
| Figure | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corning's Optical Communications segment sales grew 32% to $2.07 billion in the second quarter of 2026. | 2.07 USD billion | 2026 | Corning Incorporated |
| Corning's Enterprise Networks sales increased 65% in the second quarter of 2026, with Gen AI product sales growing significantly faster. | 65 % | 2026 | Corning Incorporated |
| Corning's core sales grew 17% to $4.74 billion in the second quarter of 2026. | 4.74 USD billion | 2026 | Corning Incorporated |
| Corning's Optical Communications segment net sales were $6,274 million in 2025, up $1,617 million or 35% from $4,657 million in 2024. | 6,274 USD million | 2025 | Corning Incorporated |
| Corning's total net sales were $15,629 million in 2025. | 15,629 USD million | 2025 | Corning Incorporated |
| Corning's internal Springboard Plan aims to grow sales to an annualized run rate of $20 billion by the end of 2026. | 20 USD billion run rate | 2026 | Corning Incorporated |
| The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is a $42.45 billion federal grant program, with allocations announced for all 56 states and territories in June 2023. | 42.45 USD billion | 2023 | U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration |
Sources and method
The figures on this page come from the public sources listed below. Read how we work.
- Corning Incorporated: Corning Q2 2026 results press release (Form 8-K Exhibit 99) (2026-07-28)
Quoted lines
- Figure 1
Optical Communications grew sales 32% to $2.07 billion.
- Figure 2
including a 65% increase in Enterprise Networks, with Gen AI product sales growing significantly faster.
- Figure 3
Q2 core sales grew 17% to $4.74 billion.
- Figure 6
The company's internal Springboard Plan is to grow sales to an annualized run rate of $20 billion by the end of 2026.
- Figure 1
- Corning Incorporated: Form 10-K for fiscal year 2025 (2026-02-12)
Quoted lines
- Figure 4
Optical Communications net sales: 2025 $6,274 million; 2024 $4,657 million; change $1,617 million, 35%
- Figure 5
Net sales 2025: $15,629 million
- Figure 4
- U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration: Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program (2026)
Quoted lines
- Figure 7
a $42.45 billion federal grant program that aims to connect every American to high-speed internet.
- Figure 7
Companies to watch
Corning
Optical Communications sales of $6,274 million in 2025 and $2.07 billion in Q2 2026.
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the United States market - 03Market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 05Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 06Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 07Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 08Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 09Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 10Method and sources
Every assumption and source, listed
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the US fiber optic cable market?
There is no single published US market total. For scale, Corning, a leading supplier, reported Optical Communications sales of $6,274 million in 2025, up 35%.
How fast is Corning's optical business growing?
Corning's Optical Communications sales grew 32% to $2.07 billion in the second quarter of 2026.
Why is fiber demand rising?
Corning cites AI factory buildouts and data center infrastructure: Enterprise Networks sales rose 65% in Q2 2026, with Gen AI product sales growing faster.
What is the BEAD program?
BEAD is a $42.45 billion federal grant program run by NTIA to connect every American to high-speed internet; allocations went to all 56 states and territories in June 2023.
What is Corning's 2026 sales goal?
Corning's internal Springboard Plan aims to grow sales to an annualized run rate of $20 billion by the end of 2026. This is a company target, not a forecast.
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