Why Price & Performance Matter More Than Ever
As Pakistan accelerates its journey toward digitization, the demand for high-performance fiber optic infrastructure is skyrocketing. Whether it’s for deploying FTTH (Fiber to the Home), powering universities, connecting government departments, or supporting e-commerce data centers — fiber is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.
However, many customers struggle to understand how different core counts affect pricing and use cases. This blog by Litech Pakistan provides a comprehensive, updated comparison of fiber optic cables — from 2 core to 24 core — along with actual market prices, technical insights, and real-world examples from across the country.
Why Core Count Affects Price and Performance
The “core” in fiber optic cables refers to the number of individual optical fibers within a single cable. Each core can transmit data independently, meaning higher core counts allow for more devices, more bandwidth, or redundant connections in the same cable.
But with more cores comes:
- Higher material cost (glass fiber, jacket, protection)
- More complex manufacturing
- More intensive splicing and installation work
That’s why understanding what core count you need — based on your application — is the key to saving money and building a future-proof network.
Updated Price List of Fiber Optic Cables in Pakistan (2025)
Here is an up-to-date price comparison chart for different core-count cables offered by Litech Pakistan. Prices are subject to sheath type (PE, PVC, LSZH), whether the cable is armored, and the region (urban vs rural supply).
| Fiber Core | Approx. Price (PKR/ Meter) | Use Case | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Core | PKR 35 – 50 | Home internet, CCTV | PE, PVC |
| 4 Core | PKR 45 – 70 | Small offices, duplex buildings | PE, LSZH |
| 6 Core | PKR 55 – 85 | Institutes, branch offices | PE armored optional |
| 12 Core | PKR 90 – 130 | Universities, ISP junctions | Armored, gel-filled |
| 24 Core | PKR 160 – 220 | Data centers, citywide networks | Heavy armored |
Bulk orders (above 1,000 meters) receive up to 15% discount from Litech Pakistan. Free nationwide shipping is also available for enterprise clients.
Real-Life Use Cases in Pakistan — Which Core Count Fits You?
Let’s break it down with examples from real sectors across the country:
🔹 2 Core — Ideal for Single Users
In Lahore’s DHA or Islamabad’s Bahria Town, 2-core cables are often used for FTTH installations. One fiber handles upload, and the other handles download. Perfect for homes, security cameras, and small office internet.
Common Clients: Internet providers, home automation companies, electricians.
Tip: Go for PVC indoor for routing inside walls; choose PE outdoor if running underground or across poles.
🔹 4 Core — Dual Link for Redundancy or Expansion
In twin house setups or small clinics (like those in Peshawar or Faisalabad), 4-core cables provide a backup link in case one fiber fails. It also allows two separate connections (e.g., one for data and one for VoIP or CCTV).
Real Use Case: A small textile unit in Multan uses 4-core fiber between its production and admin blocks.
🔹 6 Core — The Smart School or Office Setup
As schools and SME offices adopt digital classrooms, online portals, and biometric systems, 6-core cables have become popular. One fiber each can be dedicated to internet, VoIP, CCTV, and access control.
Example: A private school in Gujranwala uses 6-core cable to connect its 3-building campus with smooth data transfer.
🔹 12 Core — The Enterprise Workhorse
In large setups like hospitals (e.g., Shaukat Khanum Hospital, Lahore), universities, or district government offices, 12-core cables are the most versatile choice. They support multiple VLANs, departments, and failover links.
Example: An ISP in Hyderabad uses 12-core Litech fiber to feed connections to 10 apartment blocks from a central OLT.
🔹 24 Core — The Backbone of Telcos & ISPs
If you’re laying a metro ring in Karachi, setting up a data center in Rawalpindi, or building a smart city zone in Gwadar, 24-core is your go-to cable. It supports massive traffic, redundancy, and can carry everything from internet to IPTV to VoIP on separate strands.
Example: A data warehousing company in Islamabad uses 24-core armored Litech cable for multi-floor data transmission over a 2km stretch.
What Affects the Final Price?
- Type of Fiber:
- Single Mode (SM): Long distances (used in 90% of cases in Pakistan)
- Multi Mode (MM): Short distances, usually in data centers
- Sheathing:
- PE: Outdoor, weatherproof
- PVC: Indoor use
- LSZH: Flame retardant — perfect for hospitals, schools
- Armoring:
- Adds cost but protects from rodents, moisture, and accidental digging
- Recommended for rural and underground installations
- Gel-Filled or Dry Core:
- Gel-filled = extra moisture resistance (good for manholes)
- Dry core = easier to splice (less mess)
How to Save on Your Fiber Installation in Pakistan
- Plan your core count wisely: Overbuying means wasted money; underbuying means future disruptions.
- Buy direct from manufacturers like Litech Pakistan: Skip the middleman markup.
- Get cables with included messenger wire for overhead runs — this saves cost on steel rope.
- Use trained technicians to avoid cable breakage or signal loss.
Why Choose Litech Pakistan?
- ✅ Locally stocked cables in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad
- ✅ Custom lengths and core combinations available
- ✅ Premium-grade fiber certified to global telecom standards
- ✅ Free consultation & design support for bulk buyers
We supply to ISPs, construction firms, security integrators, schools, and factories across Pakistan.
FAQs (2025 Edition)
Q1. Can I use a 12-core cable even if I only need 2 cores now?
Yes, it’s a great future-proof strategy. Just use 2 now and leave others as spare or for future expansions.
Q2. What’s the difference between armored and non-armored fiber?
Armored cables have a protective metal layer to prevent damage from rodents or construction. Non-armored is cheaper and easier to install in controlled indoor environments.
Q3. Do you offer fiber optic installation services?
Yes, Litech Pakistan has a nationwide team of trained installers and fiber splicing technicians.
Q4. Can I get fiber optic cables delivered to rural areas?
Absolutely. We deliver across Pakistan, including remote regions like Skardu, Bahawalpur, and Gwadar.
Q5. Do your prices include connectors and termination boxes?
No, but we offer bundles for tools, patch cords, ODFs, and splicing kits at discounted rates.
Final Thoughts
Buying fiber optic cable is not just about the price per meter. It’s about long-term performance, low signal loss, durability, and proper planning. Litech Pakistan makes this easy by offering transparent pricing, expert advice, and high-quality cables across all core categories — from 2 core to 24 core.
So whether you’re running a new ISP, setting up a school network, or future-proofing your housing society — choose wisely, choose Litech.
👉 Contact us today for updated stock, B2B rates, or a free project quote.