136 10G Optical Network Pilot Projects Just Accepted, New Round Kicks Off: Is It Still Timely for Integrators to Enter the Full-Optical Network Track?

In April 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) officially released the final results of the 10G optical network pilot program. Out of 168 shortlisted national pilot projects, 136 passed the acceptance inspection smoothly, covering 52 10G residential communities, 38 10G factories and 46 10G industrial parks.

The data looks impressive, yet many system integrators are caught in doubt: all pilot projects have wrapped up, and I only start to research full-optical network agency cooperation now. Is it too late?

The straightforward answer: on the contrary, the real market opportunities have only just begun.

I. 136 Pilot Projects Do Not Mean Full-Optical Networks Are Fully Deployed; They Mark the Starting Line for Large-Scale Rollout

We need to interpret the data rationally. The 168 pilot projects only covered 86 prefecture-level cities across the country, while China has nearly 300 prefecture-level and above cities in total. The 136 accepted projects are scattered among 52 residential compounds, 38 manufacturing plants and 46 industrial parks, representing an extremely low penetration rate amid tens of thousands of parks and communities nationwide.

The core value of pilot trials lies in technical verification rather than full completion. MIIT clearly stated: “These projects provide critical references for shifting 10G optical networks from technical pilots to large-scale deployment and commercial application.” The next phase is to transition from isolated verification and demonstration points to scaled implementation and value monetization.

More importantly, the new round of pilot rollout has already been launched. The National Working Conference on Industry and Information Technology explicitly proposed launching a special “Broadband Upgrade” initiative and kicking off a new batch of 10G optical network pilots. It will systematically advance the evolution from “Dual Gigabit” networks to “Dual 10G” networks. The first round focused on technical validation, and the second round will drive massive market penetration.

II. The 15th Five-Year Plan Sets the Tone: 1 Million 50G PON Ports Form the Real Market Volume

If the 136 pilot projects are just an appetizer, the 15th Five-Year Plan outlines the main course of the industry.

The national 15th Five-Year Plan mandates the deployment of 10G optical networks, with a target of constructing 1 million 50G PON ports. Operators in nearly 30 provinces have already launched commercial 10G broadband packages, and China Unicom has announced its 10G optical network coverage has exceeded 130 cities.

To put it in perspective: the first batch of 136 pilots are merely 136 model showrooms within the grand blueprint of 1 million 50G PON ports, and large-scale construction is yet to follow.

Market scale forecasts further illustrate the huge upside:

The national full-optical network market size is projected to grow from RMB 184 billion to RMB 320 billion between 2026 and 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2%.

According to IDC, China’s POL (Passive Optical LAN) market will grow by 5.6% in 2026 to RMB 1.89 billion, with a 5% CAGR over the next five years, reaching RMB 2.28 billion by 2030.

Per QYResearch research, the global F5G full-optical network market reached approximately USD 3.318 billion in 2025, forecast to hit USD 8.027 billion by 2032.

III. Expanding Market, Rising Anxiety for Integrators Unable to Capture Orders

As the market expands, a prominent contradiction emerges: market demand surges rapidly, yet qualified service providers fall short of supply.

Full-optical networks adopt a technical architecture drastically different from traditional data communication systems, including POL flat framework, FTTR (Fiber to the Room) and passive optical networking principles. Many integrators have decades of experience in switch and Ethernet cabling projects but lack confidence in full-optical solutions. Inability to design technical proposals, compile bidding documents and commission optical devices has become a common bottleneck for most partners.

Other integrators hold back due to bitter past cooperation experiences with manufacturers: end clients poached by direct manufacturer sales, capital trapped in unsold inventory, and zero responsive technical support. They exhaust tremendous time and energy chasing projects but end up with zero profits.

Abundant market opportunities exist, yet integrators desperately need reliable partners to back them up for full project delivery.

IV. How Does AINOPOL Empower Integrators to Win Full-Optical Network Projects?

The core logic of AINOPOL (智慧光迅) revolves around one goal: transform integrators from lone fighters to supported frontline partners under a solid ecosystem.

Symbiotic Cooperation Model: Manufacturer Takes Charge of Backend, Integrators Focus on Frontend Client Work

Most manufacturers follow a one-sided business model: sell products to agents and leave all follow-up work to partners. AINOPOL positions itself as the backend support platform instead of a superior supplier.

The manufacturer concentrates on R&D, solution optimization and technical empowerment;

Integrators focus on client development, project negotiation and local on-site service.

Clear division eliminates overlapping interests: integrators build client relationships and drive commercial progress, while the manufacturer handles technical design and on-site implementation. Under this framework, partners are freed from complex technical hurdles and protected from client poaching risks.

Six Major Support Policies: End-to-End Mentorship from Onboarding to Final Delivery

AINOPOL has rolled out a complete incentive system for both novice and experienced integrators, covering six core policies:

Price Protection Mechanism

Direct factory supply removes hierarchical general distributors and secondary resellers. Integrators access the unified national channel bottom price, set their own quotation independently, and retain 100% of profit margins with no hidden deductions.

Comprehensive Training System

Structured learning resources cover full-optical basic principles and scenario applications via online courses, bi-weekly live case breakdowns for hotels, campuses and industrial parks, offline salon exchanges, and one-on-one project coaching. Partners with zero technical background can get proficient quickly.

End-to-End Pre-Sales Support

Integrators only need to collect basic client information such as room quantity, floor layout and existing network pain points. The in-house pre-sales team takes full responsibility for drawing network topologies, compiling formal solution documents and ROI calculation reports, which can be directly used for client communication and tender bidding.

Full Technical Outsourcing Service

Remote equipment commissioning, fault troubleshooting, on-site technical dispatch and spare part replacement support are fully covered by the manufacturer. Partners are relieved from maintaining a dedicated full-optical technical team, with the supplier undertaking the whole chain from proposal drafting, bid preparation, deployment debugging to after-sales O&M.

Project Filing & Exclusive Client Protection

Once an integrator registers a project via the official system, exclusive protection takes effect immediately. All AINOPOL internal staff are prohibited from contacting the registered client directly during the protection period, ensuring permanent ownership of client resources for the filing partner.

Non-Compete Bottom Line: No Direct End-Client Engagement

A non-negotiable core principle embedded in all cooperation rules: the manufacturer never signs direct contracts with end customers, participates in tender bidding for terminal projects, or competes for orders with channel partners.

18 Rigid Red Lines: Contract-Bound Institutional Safeguards for Partners

AINOPOL’s core competitive advantage lies in codifying all commitments — including zero client poaching, no forced stocking, no advance capital advances and exclusive project filing protection — into 18 binding red lines within formal cooperation contracts.

Two landmark clauses are legally enforceable: Rule 1 Permanent ban on direct end-user engagement and Rule 6 Absolute project protection. A triple compensation penalty will be imposed on AINOPOL upon verified breach of these terms, turning verbal promises into legally binding guarantees.

Final Verdict: Now Is the Perfect Timing to Join Full-Optical Network Agency Business

It is never too late to step into the market; instead, the window is at its prime opening stage:

Policy Timeline: The first 136 pilot projects have completed acceptance, and the second round is underway. The industry is transitioning from technical validation to large-scale commercial rollout. Early entrants faced immature market demand, while delayed participation will lead to saturated competition. The current phase marks the ideal inflection point.

Market Potential: The industry is poised to expand from RMB 184 billion to RMB 320 billion, with a government target of 1 million 50G PON ports. The 136 pilots are merely the tip of the iceberg, and massive repeatable renovation projects are forthcoming nationwide.

Competitive Landscape: The majority of integrators have not yet mastered full-optical network design and delivery capabilities. Early entrants can secure first-mover advantages in local markets by accumulating successful project cases and brand reputation.

The decisive prerequisite is selecting the right manufacturer partner. A supplier that treats integrators as symbiotic allies, refrains from client poaching and forced inventory, and provides comprehensive technical backstopping can help you avoid costly detours.

With 136 pilot projects closed and a new wave of national deployment launched amid continuous market expansion, there is absolutely no better time than now to become a full-optical network authorized agent.

FAQ

Q: With all 136 pilots completed, does viable market space still remain?

A: Definitely. The 136 pilots only covered 86 cities, leaving vast untapped regions nationwide. The 46 industrial park pilots account for a tiny fraction of tens of thousands of business parks across the country. The real business volume comes from nationwide scaled replication after pilot validation, backed by the 15th Five-Year Plan target of 1 million 50G PON ports.

Q: Can I apply for agency qualification without full-optical technical experience?

A: Yes. AINOPOL offers a full nanny-style support system including online training and one-on-one follow-up coaching. The manufacturer undertakes pre-sales proposal design and bid writing, on-site commissioning and technical support during implementation, plus 24/7 after-sales operation and maintenance. You only need to focus on client communication and commercial negotiation.

Q: Will the competition become overly fierce if I enter the market now?

A: Not yet. The full-optical network industry is still in rapid expansion, with the market scale projected to jump from RMB 184 billion to RMB 320 billion by 2030. Most integrators have not fully built up full-optical solution capabilities, so early participants can lock in prominent local first-mover edges.