While there’s no question that 2022 was a major year for broadband, we can already see that 2023 is shaping up to be even bigger. At the same time, we have heard loud and clear from our members about the problems in the telecommunications and broadband supply chain, and, from advocacy at the highest levels of government to detailed discussions with various manufacturers and distributors, we are pulling out all the stops to identify ways that might help members overcome these challenges.
I’m writing this blog today to share some exciting news. After many discussions with our Board of Directors about how best NTCA might help our members address supply chain challenges—especially access to fiber cable—NTCA is delighted to announce that Corning Optical Communications is making available an exclusive supply program to help NTCA members accelerate rural broadband deployments as we work together to connect more rural Americans to sustainable, future-proof technologies.
Following many months of discussion and information gathering from a variety of member companies, Corning is offering a bundle of connectivity solutions specially reserved for this program—supplying NTCA members with industry-leading quality for their network buildouts. A total of 46.3 million feet in fiber cable purchases will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. NTCA members will also have access to Corning’s award-winning FlexNap™ system, which ushered in the era of fiber to the home by eliminating splicing in the field, reducing deployment time and lessening the need for skilled labor. Corning’s Evolv™ portfolio of terminals and connectors, designed to speed fiber deployment in all types of environments, is also part of the program. We’re excited Corning, whose preconnectorized solutions have passed more than 70 million homes around the world, will offer these products.
Here’s how the program works: You’ll find a list of eligible Corning products in this overview. Critical network components in the eligible products list will be made available for reservation to our members ahead of the official purchase order window. NTCA members will have the unique opportunity to pre-enroll for this special program and pre-select their orders before committing to purchase. The pre-enrollment window opens on Monday, February 13, and members will be able to pre-select products and quantities by completing a survey. Pre-enrollment selected quantities cannot be guaranteed and are non-binding. NTCA members will be able to change their selections and quantities up until a final purchase order is submitted through Corning’s selected distributors in April 2023. Purchase orders submitted through eligible distributors in April will have allocated supply for delivery in 2024. Depending on interest, this initial offering may be extended.
For purposes of clarification, NTCA has no contractual relationship with Corning or any of the distributors and is not a party to any of the agreements among Corning, distributors, or any NTCA members placing orders through this program. NTCA is not a beneficiary to the agreements that any member enters into with Corning or a distributor, and NTCA is not involved in and does not specifically endorse or recommend any specific solution, service, product, or party.
Corning has attempted to answer as many questions as possible in a Frequently Asked Questions document that will be shared in a subsequent message when the pre-enrollment window opens on Monday.
Delivering reliable, high-speed internet access to rural Americans is of paramount importance. We hope this exciting announcement by Corning will help our members meet their supply needs and simplify their network deployment at a critical time for our country. Be on the lookout for more updates as we move forward, including during the 2023 Rural Telecom Industry Meeting & EXPO in San Diego.