INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Cabling

Overall , the CommScope expansion will :

• Increase fiber-optic cable output , hastening the deployment of broadband to underserved communities . The HeliARC lines are expected to support 500,000 homes per year in fiber-to-thehome ( FTTH ) deployments

• Increase employment opportunities with the addition of at least 250 jobs over the next five years , 90 % of which will not require a college degree

• Bolster supply chain production in the United States in support of the White House ’ s initiative to have the supply chain for America begin in America

• Introduce a new HeliARC fiber optic cable , specifically designed for the needs of rural deployments

• Invest US $ 47 million CAPEX in the U . S . toward expanding fiber optic cable production focused on rural applications .

“ We are in the business of connectivity . We strive to provide superior solutions to our customers who , in turn , provide connectivity for businesses , individuals and communities . This increase in fiber-optic cable production is a great step forward for our ‘ Broadband for Everyone ’ program , furthering our commitment to serve the fiber optic cable market ,” said Chuck Treadway , President and CEO , CommScope .

“ We will produce more cost-effective and easier-to-deploy fiber-optic cable , add new jobs and simultaneously strengthen the supply chain in America . But our Internet for All initiative is not just a connectivity program – it ’ s an opportunity to create jobs and expand domestic manufacturing ,” said US Secretary of Commerce , Gina Raimondo .

“ As we ’ ve seen today , we can produce the materials needed for broadband deployment right here in America . With today ’ s announcement of a US $ 47 million investment , CommScope is demonstrating its commitment to our once-in-a-generation infrastructure moment .”

Currently , one out of five US households lack access to reliable broadband . HeliARC is a smaller and lighter-weight cable allowing for faster installation and lower cost of deployment . Its reduced size and weight also lowers shipping costs , permitting more product to move in one shipment – making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly product .

Currently , CommScope has two fiber-optic cable production facilities in North Carolina , one in Catawba and the other in Claremont . The increase in production in part results from an expansion of manufacturing at these facilities , where they will add lines of production for HeliARC cable line .

“ From telemedicine and remote work to education and small businesses , access to high-speed Internet is essential in today ’ s digital age ,” said North Carolina Governor , Roy Cooper . “ CommScope ’ s expansion of fiber-optic cable production will help even more families get online in North Carolina and across the country .” p

64 INTELLIGENTCIO NORTH AMERICA www . intelligentcio . com