Fiber Network Council APAC is delighted to have a talk with William (Bill) Wallace, Vice President of APAC Regional Sales at Corning Optical Communications, in our Member Spotlight interview.
With a proven track record of leadership and a deep understanding of the fiber optics industry, Bill has been instrumental in driving the adoption of innovative optical solutions across the Asia-Pacific region.
In this insightful conversation, Bill shares his perspectives on the latest market trends, Corning’s strategic approach to advancing connectivity, and his vision for the future of fiber deployments in APAC.
Introducing Corning Optical Communications
Corning Optical Communications, a division of Corning Incorporated, has long been a fiber-optics industry leader. Our company’s legacy traces back to more than 170 years of material science expertise with over 50 years of breakthroughs in optical fiber technology. We are proud to have pioneered the world’s first low-loss optical fiber—an innovation that transformed the telecommunications landscape, enabled today’s broadband networks, and helps operators reach more than 100 million homes.
Our comprehensive portfolio includes end-to-end fiber optic solutions for data centers, long-haul, metro, access, and submarine networks.
https://www.corning.com/optical-communications/worldwide/en/home.html
Can you provide a brief overview of your organization’s involvement in the fiber industry and its contributions to advancing connectivity in the APAC region?
At Corning, our role in the fiber optics industry is pivotal. Our innovative solutions have been instrumental in advancing connectivity across the APAC region. We have contributed to the establishment and growth of many of the world’s most recognized networks, enabling operators to deliver higher-capacity and faster broadband services.
Our continued investments in R&D and manufacturing capabilities in APAC demonstrate our commitment to enabling the region’s digital transformation. We are not just selling products, but partnering with governments, service providers, and enterprises to build the digital infrastructure that will fuel growth and innovation.
From your perspective, where do you see the current state of the fiber industry in the APAC region? What trends or developments are shaping its growth and evolution?
The fiber optics industry is undergoing significant evolution driven by rising demand for high-speed broadband, generative AI, connected devices, remote work, and smart city development. Businesses and governments are accelerating fiber adoption to connect underserved areas, while data centers are scaling up fiber density.
The rollout of 5G and digital transformation initiatives requires robust fiber infrastructure to deliver the low-latency performance promised by next-generation networks. Technological advancements—including increased fiber density and improved signal performance—are accelerating modernization.
Another major trend is the migration from copper to fiber. Copper-based networks involve higher maintenance costs and more failure points, making fiber the preferred choice for long-term modernization.
Submarine cable investment is also rising as APAC becomes more interconnected, boosting demand for high-speed, low-latency regional connectivity.
Sustainability is another key focus, and at Corning, we continue to innovate eco-friendly solutions to support greener network deployments.
As an industry innovator, could you share a recent example of a fiber technology advancement or solution your company has developed that has had a significant impact on the market?
Two of our recent groundbreaking advancements are the award-winning Evolv® Solution with Pushlok® Technology and Clear Track Fiber Pathway.
The Evolv Solution with Pushlok Technology is a next-generation hardened connector system designed to simplify network installation, increase port density, and reduce contamination risks. It significantly lowers deployment time and cost—especially valuable in APAC’s dense and complex urban environments.
Our newest enhancement, the Evolv Terminals with Multifiber Pushlok Technology, features stubless terminals that reduce inventory complexity, minimize waste by up to 30%, and allow 45% more product per pallet.
Clear Track Fiber Pathway provides a nearly invisible indoor/outdoor fiber pathway, enabling fast, aesthetically pleasing installations that support the growing demand for ultra-fast broadband in APAC’s high-density markets.
These innovations play a vital role in enabling service providers to deploy networks faster, cleaner, and more sustainably.
Could you share a success story or case study that highlights how your organization’s fiber solutions have positively impacted a specific industry or community within the APAC region?
Our Evolv Solution with Pushlok Technology was selected for a large FTTH rollout in Southeast Asia, where congested poles, ducts, and aesthetic concerns made traditional deployments difficult. The plug-and-play approach eliminated splicing, accelerated installation by up to 50%, and reduced field equipment needs.
Clear Track Hallway Fiber Pathway also enabled horizontal cabling in previously challenging brownfield MDUs, overcoming conduit congestion and strict aesthetic requirements.
In Australia, our optical fiber cables and OptiTap®/OptiTip® hardened connectors supported one of APAC’s largest FTTH deployments, delivering high-speed broadband to millions of homes and businesses.
These deployments improved network reliability, reduced rollout time, and helped communities meet the rising demand for high-speed internet.
How does your organization approach collaboration and partnerships within the fiber ecosystem to drive innovation and ensure seamless connectivity experiences for consumers and businesses?
We emphasize deep collaboration across the fiber ecosystem. We work closely with customers to understand their needs and tailor solutions accordingly. Through strategic partnerships with operators, integrators, and technology providers—supported by training programs—we create comprehensive solutions that accelerate fiber success.
Internally, we nurture a culture of innovation and cross-functional teamwork, enabling us to solve complex challenges and deliver best-in-class solutions.
As an industry leader, what role do you believe the Fiber Network Council APAC plays in fostering knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration among stakeholders in the fiber industry?
As a founding member of the Fiber Network Council APAC, Corning Optical Communications plays an active role in advancing knowledge-sharing and collaboration. The Council provides an essential platform for experts, operators, vendors, and policymakers to discuss emerging trends, align on best practices, and work together to strengthen the regional fiber landscape.
Through shared commitment, we can drive innovation, accelerate deployment, and build a more connected and digitally inclusive future for APAC.
