Price of a whole reel of optical cable

Fiber optic cable reels currently range from $0.09 to $6 per foot depending on type, strand count, and construction, with bulk reels offering significant discounts.

Price Overview by Cable Type

• Single-mode fiber (OS2): $0.09 to $1.52 per foot for wholesale bulk purchases; premium brands like Corning may cost more due to lower attenuation and higher quality glass .
• Multimode fiber (OM3/OM4): $1.50 to $6 per foot, reflecting wider cores and higher manufacturing complexity .
• Armored cables: $0.50 to $6.50 per foot depending on steel tape or dual jacket construction, suitable for outdoor or high-risk environments .
• LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jackets: Typically 25–40% more expensive than standard PVC due to safety and environmental standards .

Reel Sizes and Bulk Options

• Standard bulk reels range from 500 meters to over 17,000 feet. For example, SurplusTraders lists reels such as 7,000-foot Lucent single-mode spools at $3.10 per foot original cost, with offers accepted for bulk purchase .
• Large installation reels, such as 17,770–17,850 feet of outdoor single-jacket cable, are available for enterprise or ISP projects .
• Buying 10 km+ reels directly from manufacturers can significantly reduce unit costs compared to distributor pricing .

Factors Affecting Pricing

1. Fiber count: Higher strand counts increase cost proportionally (e.g., 12-strand vs 288-strand cables), .
2. Cable construction: Indoor riser-rated cables are cheaper than plenum-rated or armored cables .
3. Installation type: Underground or direct-burial cables cost more than aerial or indoor runs .
4. Brand and quality: Premium glass and certified brands (Corning, Prysmian, Superior Essex) command higher prices but ensure performance over long distances .

Recommended Sources for Latest Pricing

• Wolontek: Factory-direct pricing for single-mode and multimode cables, including master reels for ISPs .
• CableWholesale: Offers bulk fiber optic cables with discounts for large orders, including singlemode duplex and multimode options .
• SurplusTraders: Provides a wide selection of reels from multiple brands, including indoor, outdoor, armored, and specialty cables .
• Polycab: Price lists available for download for current retail and wholesale rates . For precise quotes, it is recommended to contact suppliers directly with your required fiber type, strand count, reel length, and jacket specifications to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.