Ciena, Nokia and Dell’Oro say hyperscalers are driving optical spend

Ciena, Nokia and Dell’Oro Group said on June 9, 2026 that hyperscaler spending is increasingly shaping the optical networking market more than traditional telecom operator spending.

Ciena, Nokia and Dell’Oro Group said the optical networking market is being reshaped by AI-related infrastructure demand from hyperscalers. The comments were reported by RCR Wireless on June 9, 2026 and focused on how spending priorities are changing in the sector.

Dell’Oro Group said spending on DCI, or data center interconnect, is increasing. DCI refers to optical links used to connect separate data centers. The source said this demand is tied to AI growth, which is increasing the need to move large volumes of data between facilities.

The source said traditional telecom operators are no longer the only main force behind optical networking investment. According to the webinar discussion, hyperscalers are taking a larger role in setting spending patterns in the optical market, with Ciena, Nokia and Dell’Oro identifying that shift as a key industry change.