Corning Incorporated GLW is increasing its focus on fiber-optic infrastructure to benefit from the growing demand for high-speed Internet and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven data usage. Its Optical Communications business has become a major growth driver, with first-quarter 2026 sales rising 36% year over year to approximately $1.85 billion as telecom companies, hyperscalers and data center operators expand their networks.
Corning’s fiber portfolio includes products such as GlassWorks AI, Contour Flow Cable, RocketRibbon cables, EDGE connectivity solutions and multicore fiber, supporting AI data centers, cloud computing and 5G networks. Increasing investments in AI data centers are driving higher demand for the company’s advanced fiber connectivity solutions.
The company is also benefiting from government broadband projects in the United States and other countries, which are expanding fiber networks, especially in rural areas. Improving telecom spending and stronger customer demand are further supporting growth, while Corning’s fiber solutions help lower costs and improve network efficiency.
Corning has partnered with Meta $META and NVIDIA to supply fiber-optic and connectivity products, helping expand its manufacturing capacity and strengthen its position in the growing digital infrastructure market.