2026-10-12
Leaky (radiating) cables are special RF transmission lines essential for wireless coverage in tunnels, mines, utility corridors, and large indoor venues. Industry reports estimate the global leaky cable market at about USD 4.78 billion in 2026, up 8.6% year on year, with China exceeding RMB 9.62 billion, about 28.4% of the global total.
Rail transit remains the largest single application. Global leaky cable demand in 2026 is estimated at about 126,000 km, up 7.9% year on year, with rail transit accounting for about 41.2%, coal and non-coal mines 23.7%, and tunnels and roadways 18.5%. The standard adoption rate for leaky communication systems in new metro lines is expected to exceed 91% by the end of 2026.
As 5G-A in-building systems penetrate tunnels, metros, and mines, leaky cables are migrating to higher frequency bands. The share of 3.3-3.8GHz and mmWave products is expected to jump from 19.6% in 2025 to 27.4% in 2026, while radiating-type products still dominate, contributing about 71.5% of global market revenue.
Driven by mandatory standards for metro projects in the EU and North America, the penetration of low-smoke zero-halogen flame-retardant jackets has risen from 41% in 2024 to an estimated 57% in 2026. As urban rail transit, utility corridors, and industrial IoT continue to expand, the business model is shifting toward integrated delivery of cable, connectors, installation, and signal optimization.