Free space optics is an optical communication technology, which is responsible for transmitting light beams in free space for broadband communications. This optical communication technology offers various advantages including, high-speed data transmission rate, installation, and protected data transfer. The technology is utilized in deep-space probes, satellite links, for aircraft communication as well as for communication in UAVs and remote areas.

Proliferation of internet usage is one of the major factors driving growth of the global market

Major factors driving growth of the global free space optics market is, increasing internet traffic. Factors such as utilization of high-bandwidth applications, expanding online video content, and rising number of mobile internet users will lead to rise in the global IP traffic during the forecast period. Adoption of smartphones is increasing, which is leading to increasing mobile advertising, including SMS & MMS advertising, mobile web, mobile video & television, and several online advertising channels

Global Free Space Optics Communication Market: Regional Insights

The global free space optics communication market is segmented on the basis of regions into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. The market in Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to increasing number of internet users in this region along with growing 5G pilot projects in the region. According to Coherent Market Insights’ analysis, in 2017, Asia Pacific accounted for over 50% of internet users in the world, of which China accounted for the largest share in the regional market, accounting for around 26% share of global internet users. This in turn, is expected to boost adoption of better wireless infrastructure. For instance, China Telecom Corporation Ltd. established a new 5G base station in Lanzhou, in December 2017, to expand 5G pilot projects in China. Moreover, government initiative plays a major role for growth of the 5G infrastructure in Asia Pacific region. For instance, China government is expected initiate commercial rollouts by 2020. With 3,400–3,600 MHz band, the country’s first trials will be conducted in 2020. The 3,300–3,400 MHz, 4,400–4500 MHz, and 4,800–4,990 MHz bands are also under consideration. For high internet speeds, China government has plans on using spectrum around 25 gigahertz and 40 gigahertz frequencies. This in turn, is expected to boost growth of regional market over the forecast period.

Global Free Space Optics Communication Market: Competitive Background

Major players operating in the free space optics communication market are Koninklijke Philips N.V., General Electric Co., Bytelight, Inc., Panasonic Corp., Purelifi Ltd., LVX System, Oledcomm, Lightbee Corp., Outstanding Technology Corp., Ibsentelecom Ltd., and Supreme Architecture Inc.