CommScope, a leading network connectivity solutions provider, has revealed plans to invest $60.3 million in expanding its manufacturing facilities located in North Carolina over the next four years.
This strategic move comes in response to the growing demand for internet connectivity driven by federal initiatives aimed at achieving “Internet For All,” especially in underserved and rural broadband markets. The expansion will also significantly boost production capacity during this period.
With the increasing emphasis on bringing reliable internet access to all Americans, federal programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program have gained traction. CommScope’s investment will align with these initiatives and enable the company to better meet the surge in U.S. supply demands.
The ambitious expansion plan is expected to generate a positive economic impact, with the creation of at least 250 new jobs in the region. These employment opportunities will cater to the rising demand for broadband infrastructure and connectivity solutions from states across the country, as they begin to disburse funds from the BEAD Program.
Currently, CommScope’s U.S. facilities have the capacity to manufacture drop cable at an impressive rate of approximately 2 billion feet per year. This level of production ensures that states and their partners can effectively connect underserved Americans as part of the broader BEAD program.
The upcoming expansion will further enhance CommScope’s manufacturing capabilities, allowing the company to produce the necessary cable for service providers to deploy broadband networks nationwide. The capacity increase will focus on loose tube production and additional fiber cable counts and styles required for rural deployment, including the innovative HeliARC fiber-optic cable, which was initially introduced in March. The HeliARC fiber-optic cable is specially designed to meet the unique needs of rural fiber network architecture.
By bolstering its manufacturing capabilities, CommScope aims to play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that high-quality broadband connectivity becomes accessible to even the most remote and underserved regions across the United States. The company’s commitment to innovation and expansion reflects its dedication to supporting the nation’s broader connectivity goals.
The construction and implementation of the expanded manufacturing facilities are anticipated to begin in the coming months and are expected to contribute significantly to the growth and development of North Carolina’s economy and the overall advancement of nationwide broadband access.
