CommScope and AFL Announce Licensing Agreement for Prodigy Hardened Connectivity Solutions

AFL will provide global second sourcing for Prodigy connectors—powering simpler, more sustainable FTTH deployments worldwide

Claremont, NC – September 18, 2024 – CommScope (NASDAQ: COMM), a global leader in network connectivity, announced today that it has licensed fiber optic solution leader AFL to manufacture CommScope Prodigy® universal fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) hardened connectivity solutions. 

Together, AFL and CommScope are addressing the growing needs of global FTTH installations, including business-as-usual and government-subsidized projects. The Prodigy line of connectivity solutions leverages revolutionary convertor technology that allows it to provide seamless, backwards compatibility with historical hardened connectivity solutions as well as enhanced density when deployed as a complete system.

“We’re proud to partner with CommScope to bring its proven Prodigy solutions to our own customers and more broadly to FTTH deployments around the world,” stated Marc Bolick, President of Product Solutions at AFL. “As a leader in fiber optic solutions, we recognize the clear advantage in interoperability and ease-of-use that Prodigy offers, and we’re looking forward to providing these licensed solutions to our customers in support of tomorrow’s fiber networks.”

The Prodigy line of hardened connectivity drop cables and terminals offers several key advantages for FTTH deployments—especially in rural areas with limited resources:

• Interoperability, speed, simplicity: Prodigy universal connectors are compatible with legacy fiber infrastructure and are designed to help eliminate installation errors for more efficient rollouts and restorations as well as simplified logistics and planning.
• Sustainability: Prodigy solutions’ spacing-saving design offers the smallest form factor connectors on the market—enabling higher-density environments with lower costs and environmental impact—while its reusable core connectors and minimal, plastic-free packaging reduce waste.
• Accessibility: Globally available dual sourcing combined with interoperability and high-density features help optimize warehousing and streamline inventory—for more agile supply chains with shorter lead times, more truck space, and fewer trips.

“We designed Prodigy solutions to be the foundation for the next generation of FTTH hardened connectivity, and our new licensing agreement with AFL supports that global initiative with a reliable second source to speed adoption,” stated Koen ter Linde, SVP and president, Connectivity & Cable Solutions, CommScope. “Prodigy solutions are universal, sustainable, and optimized for rural installations where both space and skilled labor resources are limited. Together with AFL, we’re making these advantages more widely available to support tomorrow’s FTTH deployments and ensure broadband for everyone.”

This agreement represents a significant step in AFL's commitment to supporting the Buy America, Build America (BABA) provisions, ensuring eligibility for BEAD funding. Starting in 2025, the initial product releases from AFL will include drop assemblies and multiports powered by Prodigy.

For additional information on the Prodigy universal connector platform, please visit the CommScope website.

Stop by booth #1321 at SCTE TechExpo 2024 to see CommScope and stop by booth #1741 to see AFL. 

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_{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. Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. 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 AFL
Founded in 1984, AFL is an international manufacturer providing end-to-end solutions to the energy, service provider, enterprise, hyperscale and industrial markets. The company’s products are in use in over 130 countries and include fiber optic cable and hardware, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectivity, test and inspection equipment, and fusion splicers. AFL also offers a wide variety of services supporting data center, enterprise, wireless and outside plant applications.

CommScope News Media Contact
Luke Hamer, CommScope
Luke.Hamer@commscope.com

CommScope Financial Contact
Massimo Disabato, CommScope
Massimo.Disabato@commscope.com

AFL PR Contact:
Nancy Rice, AFL
Nancy.Rice@AFLglobal.com

_{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.}

_{Source: CommScope}