Introduction: Why Fiber Cable Costs Vary Widely
A kilometer of fiber optic cable can cost anywhere from ₹3,800 to ₹95,000 in India, depending on:
✔ Cable type (armored, FTTH, aerial, underground)
✔ Fiber count (2-core to 24-core)
✔ Protection (FRP, steel tape, UV resistance)
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ Price per km for 10+ cable types (2025 market rates)
✅ Hidden costs (GST, forwarding, installation)
✅ Case study: How an ISP saved 22% on a 5km deployment
✅ Where to buy at wholesale rates
(Need a custom quote? WhatsApp us instantly.)
1. 2025 Fiber Optic Cable Price List (Per Kilometer)
A. Standard FRP Cables (Aerial/Indoor Use)
| Cable Type | Core Count | Diameter | Protection | Price/m (₹) | 1km Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRP Cable | 2 | 5.8mm | 1200 TEX Silk Yarn | 4.60 | 4,600 |
| FRP Cable | 4 | 5.8mm | 1200 TEX Silk Yarn | 5.15 | 5,150 |
| FRP Cable | 6 | 5.8mm | 1200 TEX Silk Yarn | 5.75 | 5,750 |
| FRP Cable | 12 | 5.8mm | 1200 TEX Silk Yarn | 7.75 | 7,750 |
B. Armored Cables (Underground/Outdoor Use)
| Cable Type | Core Count | Diameter | Armor Type | Price/m (₹) | 1km Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Tape Armored | 6 | 7.5mm | Single Armor | 11.70 | 11,700 |
| Steel Tape Armored | 12 | 7.5mm | Single Armor | 13.50 | 13,500 |
| Double Armored | 24 | 8.5mm | Double Armor | 21.20 | 21,200 |
C. Premium/Specialty Cables
| Cable Type | Core Count | Diameter | Special Feature | Price/m (₹) | 1km Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UV-Protected Premium | 2 | 6.5mm | 2400 TEX + UV Guard | 6.05 | 6,050 |
| UV-Protected Premium | 12 | 6.5mm | 2400 TEX + UV Guard | 9.55 | 9,550 |
| FTTH Drop Cable | 2 | 4.5mm | 600 TEX + 2 FRP | 3.85 | 3,850 |
| Multitube Unarmored | 24 | 9.5mm | HDPE Jacket | 23.20 | 23,200 |
💡 Note:
- GST (18%) extra → Adds ₹690–₹3,816/km
- Bulk discounts often apply for 5km+ orders
2. What Affects 1km Fiber Cable Costs?
Key Price Drivers
- Fiber Count:
- 2-core: ₹3,850/km
- 24-core: ₹21,200/km (5.5x costlier)
- Protection Level:
- Armored cables cost 2–3x more than unarmored.
- Material:
- UV-resistant jackets add 15–20% premium.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
- GST: 18% on cable + accessories
- Installation: ₹8–₹15/meter (trenching, poles, labor)
- Testing: OTDR tests cost ₹5,000–₹10,000/km
3. Case Study: How a Gujarat ISP Optimized Costs
Challenge:
A rural ISP needed 8km of 12-core cable but had a tight budget.
Solution:
They chose:
- Unarmored FRP cable (₹7,750/km) instead of armored (₹12,300/km)
- Bought 10km+ for a 12% bulk discount
Savings:
✅ Total cost: ₹6.82L vs. ₹9.84L (armored)
✅ ROI achieved in 11 months
4. Where to Buy Fiber Cable at the Best Rates?
Trusted Purchase Options
- Wholesale Suppliers:
- Lowest rates for 5 km+ orders (e.g., ₹6,200/km for 12-core FRP).
- Local Dealers:
- Faster delivery but 10–15% markup.
📌 Pro Tip:
Ask for:
- Free sample testing before bulk orders
- FOB pricing to avoid hidden forwarding charges
(Want wholesale contacts? Message us on WhatsApp.)
5. FAQs: Fiber Cable Pricing
Q1. Is armored cable worth the extra cost?
A: Only if:
- Installing underground (rodent risk)
- In extreme weather zones
Q2. Why does 24-core cost more than 2-core?
A: Higher fiber count = more raw materials + complex manufacturing.
Q3. How much does 5km of FTTH cable cost?
A: ~₹19,250 (2-core) to ₹38,500 (12-core) before GST.
Conclusion: Smart Buying Tips for 2025
- For ISPs: Buy unarmored in bulk (save 20–30%).
- For Home Use: FTTH drop cables (₹3,850/km) suffice.
- Always budget for GST + installation.
Ready to order?