MIIT Reiterates "Orderly Implementation of 10G‑Pilot Programs": New‑Round Pilots on the Way, Ideal Timing for System Integrators to Make Layout

10G‑capable optical networks are moving beyond pilot deployment into their next phase.

In 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) launched 10G optical network pilots, initially covering residential communities, factories, industrial parks and other scenarios. In 2026, MIIT once again proposed to “orderly carry out 10G optical network pilot programs”, driving the evolution from “Dual‑Gigabit” networks toward “Dual‑10G” networks.

The message behind this statement is clear: 10G optical networks are not a temporary technical experiment, but will keep expanding to more regions and projects.

By the end of March 2026, 168 pilot deployments of 10G optical networks had been rolled out across 86 cities nationwide, covering residential compounds, factories and parks. Among them, 136 projects under the first‑wave pilots have completed their deliverables.

The first round of pilots is yielding practical experience, while new market opportunities are emerging.

For system integrators, rather than entering the market after it fully matures, it is advisable to build all‑optical network capabilities amid the ongoing pilot roll‑out.

I. What Changes Have Taken Place for 10G Optical Networks after the First‑Round Pilots?

To assess opportunities in an emerging market, attention should go beyond policy announcements to real outcomes delivered by early‑stage projects.

Over the past year, 10G optical network pilots have gradually moved from concepts to real‑world deployment. Across diverse projects, 10G‑grade networks support cloud PCs, cloud gaming, high‑definition video, industrial quality inspection and other services. Networks are no longer merely for higher connection speeds; they serve as foundational infrastructure for a wide range of digital applications.

This indicates that future development of 10G optical networks will not be limited to a handful of demonstration projects. More construction experience and use cases will be accumulated, and solutions will scale into broader markets.

This shift carries great significance for system integrators.

As network technologies transition from pilot validation to large‑scale adoption, market participation patterns transform accordingly. Early projects were largely led by large‑scale end‑users and specialized vendors. As deployment scales up, market opportunities will open for local, enterprise and park‑based projects.

This creates a critical window for system integrators to get prepared in advance.

II. With New‑Round Pilots Underway, What Should System Integrators Prepare for?

When 10G optical networks gain real‑world traction, clients may not explicitly request “a 10G‑capable project”.

Demand often arises from park network upgrades, enterprise capacity expansion, factory digital transformation, or legacy network architecture overhauls.

This is where system integrators hold inherent advantages.

Serving local enterprises, parks and factories on a long‑term basis, integrators stay close to front‑line project opportunities. Compared with unfamiliar sales channels, they are better positioned to identify client demands ahead of competitors.

Yet a practical challenge remains: can integrators deliver mature all‑optical network solutions once opportunities surface?

Without robust product portfolios and technical teams, promising leads may slip away. Therefore, current‑stage layout for all‑optical networks does not require massive upfront investment. Instead, integrators should build competencies to undertake 10G‑class projects.

They need to respond rapidly to project requirements, deliver feasible solutions for client requests, and secure vendor technical support when technical issues occur.

By the time large‑scale market construction arrives, integrators will already possess hands‑on project experience and established client bases.

III. AINOPOL Offers More Than Products — A Complete Support System for Entering the All‑Optical Network Market

Traditional network system integrators excel in client resources and channels, yet they often need to supplement capabilities in all‑optical products, solutions and technical expertise.

AINOPOL bridges vendor‑grade expertise with the local market strengths of system integrators.

• Project Support: Upon identifying all‑optical opportunities, integrators can submit project filings to obtain project protection and mitigate channel conflicts. For long‑cycle projects, the vendor collaborates with partners on solution development, enabling integrators to focus more on client acquisition.
• Technical Support: AINOPOL provides partner support spanning pre‑sales solution design, product selection, project implementation and delivery. New entrants to the all‑optical sector do not need to build know‑how entirely from scratch; they can accumulate capabilities through real‑world project delivery.
• Reduced Cooperation Risks: Many integrators expanding into all‑optical businesses worry about heavy upfront investment before securing projects. AINOPOL adopts demand‑driven cooperation models to lower inventory pressure. Integrators can advance businesses based on actual project orders instead of bearing high pre‑investment inventory costs.
• Direct Vendor Supply: AINOPOL establishes direct partnerships with channel partners, cutting intermediate links and delivering transparent pricing structures. Integrators can expand all‑optical service lines and unlock new profit margins.

From the first‑wave pilots to MIIT’s renewed call for “orderly implementation of 10G‑pilot programs”, 10G optical networks have entered a brand‑new development phase.

For system integrators, the core focus is no longer debating whether 10G optical networks will grow, but getting well‑prepared to participate in this market.

If integrators start learning all‑optical technologies only after massive projects flood the market, they will face fierce competition from established players. By laying groundwork amid the new‑round pilot roll‑out, partners can accumulate clients, project references and practical experience ahead of time.

AINOPOL welcomes cooperation with network system integrators, low‑voltage engineering contractors and relevant channel partners for all‑optical network businesses. Multi‑faceted support covering projects, technology and channels empowers partners to extend service portfolios from conventional networking to the all‑optical market.

New‑round 10G optical network pilots are in full swing.

For system integrators, the most valuable prize may not be any single project, but securing a solid position in the next‑generation all‑optical network market.