CommScope plans to expand U.S. based production of its fiber-optic connectivity products to address the projected increase in demand for Build America Buy America (BABA) compliant products manufactured and assembled in the U.S. The expansion will occur at CommScope’s existing facilities where it already produces an array of BABA compliant products.
The increased production will focus on CommScope’s fiber-optic connectivity products and solutions that target faster installation and more efficient construction of rural broadband networks. These include Fiber Optic Splice Closures (FOSC), fiber distribution cabinets and connectorized hardened and non-hardened fiber terminals will meet the BABA domestic preference. Preparations are currently being implemented and production is planned to meet industry demand as soon as Q3 of 2024.
“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. 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,” stated Koen ter Linde, SVP & president, Connectivity & Cable Solutions. “As a U.S. manufacturer for over half a century with a focus on broadband network solutions, 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.”
The company notes that it has already shipped over 2 million FOSC units in the U.S. over the past two years, which includes projects funded by the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) as well as other government funded initiatives to provide internet for all.
