ANN ARBOR – Merit Network has selected CommScope as

fiber-optic cable vendor for its broadband stimulus project,

REACH-3MC, which bested other qualified suppliers

that responded to a Request for Proposal Merit issued in late June.

While there were several strong proposals, the Merit team’s thorough

review of all RFPs showed that CommScope could deliver the most

competitive solution for the fiber-optic cable needs of the REACH-3MC

project, which will build 1,017 miles of open-access, advanced

fiber-optic network through rural and underserved communities in

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

“We believe that CommScope will manufacture and deliver a superior

fiber-optic cable at a very competitive cost,” said Bob Stovall, vice

president of Network Engineering and Operations for Merit Network.

“There are a number of factors that we examined to reach this

conclusion, from the quality of the fiber-optic cable produced to the

delivery methods and cleanup.”

“The REACH-3MC build-out will utilize CommScope’s ability to deliver

fiber in as close to just-in-time as possible,” said Pete Miller,

Merit’s director of network engineering and operations. “This will give

Merit the ability to customize reel size and have the material delivered

to where it is needed and exactly when it is needed.”

“The fiber delivery is done via CommScope’s own fleet of delivery

vehicles that are equipped with off-loading hoists,” said Robert Duncan,

Merit’s director of infrastructure architecture and strategy. “This

means Merit will not have the need for shipping and receiving docks or

forklifts to accept the delivery of the fiber. It makes things easier

and more cost-effective.”

The CommScope RFP response included the recovery and recycling of all

spent reels as well, the Merit team said. This is significant

considering there is expected to be over 1,000 empty reels when

construction is complete.

“CommScope specializes in helping people connect to high-bandwidth data,

voice and video applications everywhere,” said Peter Karlsson, senior

vice president of Global Enterprise Sales, CommScope. “We are pleased to

support Merit in providing advanced broadband access to more residents

and communities in Michigan.”

For more information Merit.Edu

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