CommScope and NCTC Announce Enhanced Collaboration to Support Independent Service Providers

Rhea-AI Summary

CommScope (NASDAQ: COMM) has announced an enhanced collaboration with the National Content & Technology Cooperative (NCTC) to provide improved access to network solutions for NCTC members. The partnership will benefit independent broadband and pay-TV service providers serving small and midsized communities across all U.S. states and territories, reaching approximately one-third of U.S. households.

Key aspects of the collaboration include enhanced purchasing options through a dedicated distribution partner, assistance with Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program funding for rural FTTH network deployments, and resources for efficient fiber network design. CommScope will provide its Build America, Buy America (BABA)-compliant portfolio of FTTH solutions to help independent service providers improve and manage their broadband networks.

Positive

• Enhanced access to CommScope's network solutions for service providers reaching one-third of U.S. households
• Streamlined purchasing process through dedicated distribution partner
• Support for BEAD program funding applications for rural network deployments
• Access to BABA-compliant FTTH solutions portfolio

Negative

• None.

Insights

Network Infrastructure Analyst

This enhanced collaboration with NCTC represents a strategically timed move that could significantly impact CommScope's market position and revenue potential. The partnership provides access to approximately one-third of U.S. households through NCTC's member network, creating a substantial addressable market for CommScope's FTTH solutions.

The agreement's structure is particularly noteworthy for three key reasons:

• BEAD Program Leverage: By offering grant application guidance for the $42.5 billion BEAD program, CommScope positions itself as a primary beneficiary of this federal funding initiative. This could translate into substantial orders for their BABA-compliant portfolio.
• Distribution Efficiency: The dedicated distribution partner model streamlines the supply chain, potentially reducing operational costs while accelerating deployment timelines. This efficiency is important for capturing market share in the competitive rural broadband space.
• Technical Support Integration: The inclusion of network design assistance creates a sticky relationship with customers, potentially leading to long-term recurring revenue through maintenance and upgrades.

The timing aligns perfectly with the broader national push for rural broadband development, positioning CommScope to capture a significant share of upcoming infrastructure projects. The streamlined purchasing process through NCTC's Marketplace platform could accelerate sales cycles and reduce customer acquisition costs.

While the immediate revenue impact may be gradual, this partnership establishes a robust foundation for sustained growth in the rural broadband sector. The combination of technical support, funding assistance, and simplified procurement creates a compelling value proposition for independent service providers, potentially leading to increased market share and stronger competitive positioning in the expanding rural broadband market.

Agreement will facilitate network design assistance and grant application guidance for NCTC members

CLAREMONT, N.C. and OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CommScope (NASDAQ: COMM), a global leader in network connectivity, announced today a collaboration with the National Content & Technology Cooperative (NCTC) to provide enhanced access to CommScope's end-to-end network solutions for NCTC members.

NCTC supports independent broadband and pay-TV communications service providers serving small and midsized communities in all 50 United States and territories. Together, NCTC members reach about one-third of the households in the United States. CommScope and NCTC have a decades-long relationship; this enhanced collaboration reflects a stronger alliance as CommScope reinforces its ongoing commitment to bringing broadband to rural areas and underserved areas.

Through this partnership, NCTC members will have enhanced purchasing options for CommScope® solutions via a dedicated distribution partner. CommScope will also assist NCTC members with navigating Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program funding to finance rural FTTH network deployments. Additionally, CommScope is providing resources to help service providers design efficient, scalable fiber networks.

"We're excited to work with NCTC to bring their members these valuable opportunities," stated Michelle Hogan, general manager, Broadband Solutions, North America at CommScope. "We are committed to working with service providers of all sizes to make coast-to-coast broadband access a reality. This agreement streamlines the process of accessing our Build America, Buy America (BABA)-compliant portfolio of FTTH solutions for independent service providers. We're able to deliver at greater scale than ever before, which will help independent service providers fulfill their mission to ensure no one is left behind in our digital society."

"CommScope's network solutions enable NCTC members to improve, upgrade, and manage their access network and broadband deployments quickly, economically, and efficiently," said Jacob Igval, VP, Access Network Solutions, CommScope. "Whether members are building new networks or upgrading existing ones, CommScope has a deep portfolio of innovative, end-to-end products that can help maximize their investments in broadband network technology."

"NCTC is dedicated to empowering our members with the tools and partnerships they need to deliver high-quality broadband to their communities," said Rob Smith, VP, Group Purchasing at NCTC. "Our expanded collaboration with CommScope ensures that our members have streamlined access to industry-leading network solutions, helping them deploy and enhance broadband networks more efficiently. We're excited to have a comprehensive suite of CommScope products and services in our online store, Marketplace."

This collaboration will help put CommScope technology and expertise right where it's most needed—in all communities across America.

CommScope and the CommScope logo are registered trademarks of CommScope and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. For additional trademark information see https://www.commscope.com/trademarks. All other product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

About CommScope
CommScope (NASDAQ: COMM) is pushing the boundaries of technology to create the world's most advanced wired and wireless networks. Our global team of employees, innovators and technologists empower customers to anticipate what's next and invent what's possible. Discover more at www.commscope.com.

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About the National Content & Technology Cooperative
The National Content & Technology Cooperative (NCTC) is a Kansas-based, not-for-profit corporation comprised of nearly 700 independent cable and broadband operators serving one-third of the connected households in all 50 United States and territories. The NCTC negotiates content, connectivity, and technology solutions for its member companies that create operational efficiencies, new products, and revenue streams for sustainable growth. For more information, visit: https://www.nctconline.org/

News Media Contacts
CommScope
Luke Hamer
Luke.Hamer@commscope.com 

NCTC
Christy Drummond, NCTC
CDrummond@nctconline.org 

This press release includes forward-looking statements that are based on information currently available to management, management's beliefs, as well as on a number of assumptions concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results to differ materially from those currently expected. In providing forward-looking statements, the company does not intend, and is not undertaking any obligation or duty, to update these statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE NCTC

FAQ

What is the impact of CommScope's NCTC collaboration on rural broadband deployment?

The collaboration provides NCTC members with enhanced access to network solutions, BEAD funding assistance, and network design resources to facilitate rural broadband deployment across America.

How many U.S. households will be reached through the CommScope-NCTC partnership?

The partnership reaches approximately one-third of U.S. households through NCTC's member network of independent service providers.

What funding support does CommScope (COMM) offer through the NCTC partnership?

CommScope offers assistance with Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program funding applications to finance rural FTTH network deployments.

What products are included in CommScope's BABA-compliant portfolio for NCTC members?

CommScope offers a comprehensive portfolio of BABA-compliant FTTH solutions for network deployment, upgrades, and management.

How will NCTC members access CommScope's products under the new agreement?

NCTC members will have enhanced purchasing options through a dedicated distribution partner and access to CommScope products via NCTC's online Marketplace store.