Price of self-supporting butterfly-shaped drop optical cable

The price of self-supporting butterfly-shaped drop optical cable ranges from approximately $0.01 to $0.13 per foot, depending on purchase scale, core count, and sourcing method.

Pricing Overview

• B2B Wholesale Pricing: Large-scale buyers sourcing directly from manufacturers, such as on Alibaba, can obtain duct-type self-supporting butterfly drop cables at $0.01 to $0.03 per meter, reflecting bulk purchase discounts and direct-to-manufacturer pricing models .
• B2C or Retail Pricing: Smaller quantities or consumer-focused platforms, like Amazon, typically see prices around $0.28 per meter for a 100-foot cable, which is higher due to packaging, distribution, and lower purchase volumes .
• Per-Foot Estimates: For standard 1-core FTTH drop cables, the cost is approximately $0.13 per foot, aligning with typical wholesale material pricing for self-supporting designs .

Factors Affecting Price

1. Core Count: Single-core cables are cheaper, while multi-core (2–4 cores) cables increase the per-unit cost due to additional fiber and structural materials .
2. Material and Construction: Self-supporting designs include metal or FRP strength members, LSZH or PVC sheaths, and bend-insensitive fibers, which influence cost. For example, G.657A1 bend-insensitive fiber traded at around $22 per kilometer in early 2026, affecting overall cable pricing .
3. Purchase Volume: Bulk orders significantly reduce per-unit cost, especially in B2B transactions.
4. Regional Supply and Demand: Prices may vary depending on local availability, import duties, and market demand for FTTH deployments .

Practical Considerations

• Installation Efficiency: Self-supporting butterfly cables are designed for aerial and last-mile FTTH applications, reducing installation complexity and long-term maintenance costs .
• Supplier Selection: Leading manufacturers like Hengtong Optic-Electric, ZTT Group, and Hunan Shuanglin Communication Technology offer scalable production and quality assurance, which can influence pricing and delivery timelines . In summary, for self-supporting butterfly-shaped drop optical cables, expect $0.01–$0.03 per meter for bulk B2B purchases and $0.28 per meter or $0.13 per foot for smaller retail quantities, with variations depending on core count, materials, and supplier.