How long does it take to lay China Unicom optical cables

China Unicom typically completes optical cable acceptance within several months after procurement and installation, depending on project scale and testing requirements.Procurement and Bidding PhaseChina Unicom conducts centralized procurement for optical cables, often involving multiple suppliers and large-scale orders. For example, the 2024 centralized procurement project involved 65.7859 million core kilometers of optical cable, with bidding announced at the end of 2024 and bid opening in early 2025 . This indicates that the initial procurement and selection process can take a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the number of bidders and project complexity .Installation and Field TestingAfter procurement, the optical cables are installed along designated routes. Acceptance is not immediate; it requires field testing for performance, durability, and compliance with technical standards. For instance, YOFC's LEAF optical cable deployed in Xinjiang and Shandong underwent extensive field tests for environmental adaptability, construction, and maintenance before acceptance, which was completed in June 2016 after starting research and development in 2010 and field trials in 2015 . Similarly, Hengtong's ultra low-loss G.654E fiber was tested and accepted after installation in mainline projects .Typical Acceptance DurationBased on historical examples:Small to medium-scale projects: Acceptance may take 1–3 months after installation, including testing and verification.Large-scale or new technology projects: Acceptance can take several months, as extensive field trials and performance verification are required before formal approval .Factors Affecting Acceptance TimeProject scale: Longer routes or higher cable volumes require more testing time.Cable type: Advanced fibers like G.654E or LEAF require additional performance verification.Environmental conditions: Harsh climates or complex terrains may extend testing duration.Supplier readiness: Experienced suppliers with prior approvals may shorten acceptance time. In summary, China Unicom's optical cable acceptance generally ranges from a few weeks for standard projects to several months for large-scale or innovative deployments, with the process including procurement, installation, and rigorous field testing to ensure compliance with technical standards.