What Affects the Cost of Armored Fiber Optic Cable Price
When planning a fiber optic network, especially for outdoor or industrial use, armored fiber optic cable is often the go-to solution. It’s durable, rodent-proof, and designed for harsh environments. But how much does armored fiber optic cable cost? What factors influence the price? Should you buy from a local supplier or directly from a fiber optic cable manufacturer in China?
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about armored fiber optic cable price, helping you make an informed decision.
What Is Armored Fiber Optic Cable?
Before we get into pricing, let’s clarify what armored fiber optic cable is.
Armored fiber optic cable is a type of fiber cable that includes a protective metal layer—such as corrugated steel tape (CST) or steel wire armor (SWA)—to enhance resistance against physical damage like crushing, rodents, or moisture.
Armored cables are commonly used in:
- Direct burial installations
- Duct and conduit pathways
- Industrial environments
- High-risk zones (e.g. tunnels, mining, oil & gas)
Ours Armored fiber products
Average Price Range (2025)
Here is a general overview of armored fiber optic cable prices in 2025 (based on FOB China factory prices):
| Type | Description | Fiber Count | Unit Price (USD/km) |
| GYTS | Corrugated Steel Tape Armored | 2–144 | $100 – $300 |
| GYTA | Aluminum Tape Armored | 2–144 | $110 – $280 |
| GYTA53 / GYTY53 | Double Armored | 4–96 | $150 – $400 |
| SWA Armored | Steel Wire Armored | 4–24 | $250 – $600 |
| Indoor Armored | Stainless Tube Inside | 1–12 | $0.5 – $2.5/meter |
Note: Prices vary by specifications, fiber type (G.652D, G.657A2, OM3, etc.), jacket material (PE, LSZH), and order quantity.
8 Factors That Affect Armored Fiber Optic Cable Price
1. Fiber Count (Core Quantity)
The more fibers inside the cable, the higher the cost. A 4-core cable is cheaper than a 24-core or 96-core cable.
2. Type of Fiber
- Single-mode (SM): G.652D is the most economical
- Bend-insensitive fiber (G.657A1/A2): Slightly more expensive
- Multi-mode (OM2/OM3/OM4): Price varies with bandwidth and core size
3. Armor Type
| Armor Type | Cost Impact | Description |
| CST (Steel Tape) | ★ | Most common and cost-effective |
| Aluminum Tape | ★ | Slightly cheaper, used in GYTA |
| SWA (Steel Wire Armor) | ★★★ | Heavier, stronger, more expensive |
| Double Armor (GYTA53/GYTY53) | ★★ | High mechanical protection |
4. Jacket Material
- PE (Polyethylene): Standard outdoor jacket, UV-resistant
- LSZH: Flame-retardant, low-smoke for indoor/outdoor hybrid
- TPU: Flexible and rugged for indoor armored patch cords
5. Cable Structure
Single-tube cables are generally cheaper than multi-tube or ribbon fiber cables, due to simpler production and fewer materials.
6. Installation Environment
Cables designed for harsh outdoor use, such as direct burial armored cables, usually include additional water-blocking materials and thicker jackets, raising the price.
7. Length & Order Quantity
Bulk orders (e.g. >10km) usually get better unit prices. MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) from factories is often around 1km per model.
8. Customization / OEM Services
Custom print, jacket color, fiber mix, or packaging may add 3–10% to the price.
Local vs China Supplier: Which Is Cheaper?
| Option | Price | Lead Time | Quality Control | Notes |
| Local Distributors | 💰💰💰 | ✅ Fast | ✅ Verified | 30–100% markup |
| China Factory (FOB) | 💰 | 7–15 days | ✅ With test report | Direct pricing, factory MOQ |
If you’re a system integrator, project contractor, or purchasing in bulk, buying directly from a Chinese armored fiber optic cable factory often cuts the price by 30–60%.
Hidden Costs to Watch
Even if the cable price seems low, remember to consider:
- Shipping Fees (especially for air freight)
- Import Duties / VAT
- Customs Clearance Fees
- Splicing & Installation Accessories
Always request a CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) quote for total landed cost estimation.
Real Example: 10km GYTS 24 Core Armored Cable
Let’s say you need 10km of GYTS 24-core armored cable:
- FOB Price (China Factory): $180/km
- Total Cable Cost: $1,800
- Sea Freight (CIF USA): ~$300
- Duties (5%): ~$90
- Total Delivered Cost: ~$2,190 (approx. $0.22/m)
Buying the same from a US distributor may cost $0.35–$0.45/m—50% higher.
How to Get a Price Quotation from a Factory
To get an accurate price, provide the following:
Required fiber type (e.g. G.657A2)
Number of cores
Armor type (CST, SWA, double armor)
Jacket material (PE/LSZH)
Quantity (in km)
Destination country & port
Any custom requirements (jacket print, packaging, etc.)
You can also request:
- 📄 Datasheets
- 🧪 Test reports
- 🎥 Factory production videos
- 📷 Cable structure photos
FAQs on Armored Cable Pricing
Q: What’s the cheapest type of armored fiber cable?
A: GYTS (steel tape armored) is generally the most cost-effective option.
Q: Can I mix different fiber types in one order?
A: Yes, most manufacturers allow mixing G.652D and G.657A1 or different core counts in a bulk order.
Q: Do prices fluctuate?
A: Yes. Copper, steel, and PE prices affect cable costs. Also, exchange rates and shipping costs can fluctuate monthly.
Q: Can I get free samples?
A: Some factories provide free samples (up to 100m) for testing—though shipping fees are usually covered by the buyer.
Conclusion: How to Get the Best Armored Fiber Optic Cable Price
To get the best value:
- Clarify your technical needs – Don’t over-spec
- Request quotes from multiple factories – Compare apples to apples
- Order in bulk if possible – Reduce per-km cost
- Include shipping & customs in your budget
- Ask for factory certification and QC reports
Buying armored fiber optic cable doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right supplier and specs, you can get durable, high-performance cables at a very competitive price.
Need a Quotation?
We are a trusted armored fiber optic cable manufacturer in China, with 23+ years of experience.
- 💡 Custom designs available
- 📦 Fast shipping worldwide
- 🧪 Full testing and certification
- 💬 Engineering support included
