This IDC study provides an overview and market forecast of the optical access equipment market in Japan for 2007 to 2012.

"One of the main drivers for FTTx is NTT's NGN. In addition, one of the most important success factors for NTT's NGN is FTTH. FTTH will provide the last mile infrastructure that will enable NGN's differentiating features such as QoS and security. The FTTx equipment market is expected to enter its replacement cycle beginning in 2011, which will cause the market to expand following a period of market contraction between 2008 and 2010. IDC estimates this replacement period will represent opportunities for both tier 2 vendors and new market entrants. The key will be low-cost NG-PON technologies, compatibility with existing GE-PON systems, and the ability to deliver products on a timely basis," observes George Hoffman, group manager, Communications, IDC Japan.