CommScope recently announced it will expand production of its fiber-optic connectivity product portfolio in U.S.-based facilities. “The manufacturing expansion will help address the projected increase in demand for Build America Buy America (BABA)-compliant products manufactured and assembled in the U.S.,” the company said when announcing the plans, which it said will meet industry demand as soon as this year’s third quarter. “The expansion will occur at CommScope’s existing facilities that drive manufacturing for [our] broadband portfolio,” it added.
The fiber optic splice closure (FOSC; pictured), fiber distribution cabinet, and connectorized hardened and non-hardened fiber terminal product lines are among those that will be produced in greater quantities thanks to the expansion. CommScope explained the increased production will focus on its “fiber-optic connectivity products and solutions that target faster installation and more-efficient construction of rural broadband networks. CommScope is committed to supporting its partners and customers with full end-to-end network solutions.”
The company noted it already produces a number of BABA-compliant products and systems. The manufacturing expansion will increase its BABA-compliant portfolio, which is led by its HeliARC fiber solution.
The company pointed out it already has shipped more than 2 million FOSC units in the U.S. over the past two years, some of which have been destined for projects funded by the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), as well as other government-funded initiatives.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for our partners and customers as they access federal and state funding subject to BABA domestic preference requirements,” commented Koen ter Linde, CommScope’s senior vice president, connectivity and cable solutions. “We are eager to expand the U.S. manufacturing capacity of our fiber connectivity portfolio to support our partners and customers, and the efforts to bring broadband to everyone … We’ve long been a proponent of bridging the digital divide. Regardless of what your network architecture is or what challenges you face, CommScope has solutions to help.”