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Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the growing importance and potential of hollow-core optical fibers in the telecommunications industry, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for high bandwidth and low latency solutions [2][3]. Optical Cable Market - In the previous year, China's optical cable market reached a total sales volume of approximately 270 million core-kilometers, with major demand coming from telecom operators like China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom [5]. - The market's activity is largely attributed to ongoing infrastructure upgrades and expansions, particularly the "fiber to the home" policy, which is replacing outdated lines and increasing the demand for higher core counts [5]. - Long Fiber Optic Cable Company is projected to achieve sales of 12 billion yuan in 2024, with 90% of revenue coming from fiber business, especially preform sales, and 35% of revenue from overseas markets [5]. Hollow-Core Optical Fiber - Hollow-core optical fiber represents a revolutionary technology in optical communication, with a core that is hollow and filled with high-purity argon gas, allowing light to travel at near-light speed and significantly reducing transmission loss by about 50% [7][8]. - The technology was initiated in 2016 and has seen practical applications, such as Microsoft's acquisition of Lumenisity for data security purposes [8]. - Current usage of hollow-core optical fiber in China is around 1,000 core-kilometers, with rapid market expansion anticipated [8]. Market Potential and Challenges - Microsoft predicts that global production capacity for hollow-core optical fiber could reach 10,000 core-kilometers by 2025 and potentially 1 million core-kilometers by 2030, with a market size that could increase tenfold if prices drop significantly [9]. - Despite its promising outlook, high costs remain a significant barrier, with domestic prices ranging from 30,000 to 36,000 yuan per core-kilometer compared to only 20 yuan for standard single-mode fiber [10]. - Technical challenges include complex production processes and the need for specialized equipment, which can hinder widespread adoption [10]. Industry Players - Long Fiber is a global leader in the hollow-core optical fiber sector, utilizing advanced preform technologies and achieving a significant reduction in attenuation rates [11]. - The company has begun supplying products to major clients like Guangdong Mobile and Guangdong Telecom, and 35% of its revenue comes from exports, indicating strong international competitiveness [11]. - However, potential risks from international policy changes affecting exports should be monitored [11].