We had the opportunity to converse with Dr. Shoichi Hanatani, Chief Engineer of SANWA Technologies Co., Ltd., Founding President of FTTH Council APAC, and a founding member of Fiber Network Council APAC.
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?
SANWA Technologies is a leading supplier in the fiber optic industry, providing high-quality fiber optic components, devices, and connectivity solutions. Based on the technological development capabilities and knowledge that we have cultivated through contributing to the nation-wide deployment of optical communications in Japan since its early days in collaboration with the government, local governments, network operators, and industries, we contribute to the development of sustainable connectivity in the APAC region by providing advanced and field-oriented solutions to accommodate regional demands.
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?
SANWA Technologies has been at the forefront of fiber optic technology innovation, and we are pleased to share some recent examples of advancements that have made a significant impact on the market.
One standout product is the Pluggable PLC Splitter, an innovative solution that simplifies optical signal splitting; it is the most compact product to date, allowing optical signals to be split from a single LC connector to an optical connector via MPO simply by plugging in the connector. With its compact design and plug-and-play functionality, the Pluggable PLC Splitter revolutionizes the way you deploy fiber optic networks, saving time, space, and resources while maintaining high performance. This year, the product received high marks in the “FTTx Systems” category in the Lightwave Innovation Reviews, a competition organized by Lightwave, a prominent media outlet for the global optical networking industry, to recognize the best products and solutions in optical communications.
Another breakthrough product is the MDC Dust Shutter Adapter, the industry’s first VSFF (Very Small Form Factor) with built-in IP5X class dust protection. The adapter accommodates three MDC connectors, and each of the three MDC ports has its own shutter that operates independently so that dustproof performance remains available even if only one or two ports get connected. The footprint is exactly the same as that of the well-known SC adapter, making it compatible with SC adapters. This unique architecture is under patent application.
These two products showcase our commitment to pushing the boundaries of fiber optic technology and delivering solutions that address real-world challenges while driving progress in the industry. As an industry innovator, SANWA Technologies is proud to continue leading the way in developing advanced fiber optic solutions that make a meaningful impact on the market and empower our customers to achieve their goals with confidence.
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 industry in the APAC region is experiencing strong growth, driven by increasing demand for high-speed Internet and digital services. Governments and the private sector are investing heavily in fiber infrastructure to support this demand. Trends such as the expansion of 5G networks, smart cities, and IoT applications are further shaping the evolution of all industries, and furthermore, the increasing use of fiber optics in the healthcare sector is showing growth in the APAC region. The untapped opportunities offered by the APAC region’s vast population base are expected to fuel the fiber optics market further, leading to exciting developments in the coming years.
Looking into the future, what exciting opportunities or challenges do you foresee for the fiber industry in the APAC region over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next decade, the fiber optic industry in the APAC region will be on the cusp of transformational opportunities, especially in support of emerging technologies such as 5G/6G, IoT, and AI. As consumer demand for enhanced data capacity and broader coverage further increases, the ability to meet the performance targets imposed on 5G/6G networks will depend on the widespread availability of extensive fiber connectivity. Significant expansion of the fiber infrastructure is needed to support future 5G/6G wireless networks, foster broadband competition, and provide broadband coverage to rural areas. However, challenges such as geographic diversity, urban-rural disparities, and different regulatory environments will require innovative approaches to infrastructure deployment and service delivery.
In terms of infrastructure development and deployment, what unique insights does your organization bring to the table that contribute to the success of fiber networks in the diverse
SANWA Technologies brings invaluable insights into navigating the diverse and complex landscape of the APAC region. Our expertise in developing scalable, flexible, and cost-effective fiber solutions enables us to tailor our approach to the specific needs of different markets, providing VA (Value Analysis)/VE (Value Engineering) recommendations with a localized, on-the-ground perspective to provide accessible, reliable, and safe solutions to ensure successful deployment of fiber networks in a variety of terrains and communities.
How does your organization approach collaboration and partnerships within the fiber ecosystem to drive innovation and ensure seamless connectivity experiences for consumers and businesses?
SANWA Technologies respects the power of collaboration and is actively engaged in partnerships with industry associations, academia, telecommunication operators, and equipment/component manufacturers. Through these partnerships, we aim to combine our technical expertise and knowledge with various business sectors to co-create innovation and ensure that our connectivity solutions meet the diverse needs of the APAC region.
Given your experience, what advice would you offer to businesses and governments aiming to accelerate the adoption of fiber-optic technology in underserved or rural areas of the APAC region?
To accelerate the adoption and deployment of fiber-optic technology in underserved or rural areas of the APAC region, we recommend a multifaceted approach that includes government incentives, public-private partnerships, and community engagement. In addition to addressing the technical and financial challenges, it is crucial to educate people by sharing the lessons we have learned and clearly ensuring the benefits of fiber connectivity to these communities.
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?
The Fiber Network Council APAC plays a crucial role in uniting stakeholders across the fiber industry to share knowledge, foster innovation, and advocate for policies that support fiber network growth. Its efforts are instrumental in driving the industry forward, promoting further understanding of the benefits and potential of fiber network solutions among the public and industry in the APAC region, and ensuring that the APAC region remains at the forefront of digital connectivity.
Looking ahead to the next decade, where do you envision the fiber industry in the APAC region? How will emerging technologies and evolving market dynamics shape the landscape?
Looking ahead, we envision the fiber optic industry in the APAC region continuing to expand rapidly, supported by a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and collaboration, and the growing use of fiber will contribute significantly to the region’s economy, utilities, communications, facilities, industrial sector, and education. Emerging technologies will further revolutionize how we live, work, and interact, with fiber optics serving as the backbone of this digital transformation. Today’s challenges will pave the way for tomorrow’s achievements and shape a future where seamless and bandwidth-free connectivity is a reality for all. SANWA Technologies will contribute to this bright future with fiber optic connectivity through continuous innovation.
