Telecommunications Policies on Specifications, Acceptable Materials, and Standard Contract Forms, 39028-39039 [E7-13795]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Rural Utilities Service

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 136 (Tuesday, July 17, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39028-39039]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-13795]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Part 1755


Telecommunications Policies on Specifications, Acceptable 
Materials, and Standard Contract Forms

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service, an agency delivering the United 
States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development Programs, 
hereinafter referred to as Rural Development and/or Agency, proposes to 
revise the fiber optic cable specification used by borrowers, their 
consulting engineers, and cable manufacturers. This revision will bring 
the specification to meet current industries standards. Additional 
requirements have been included in the specification to meet the 
construction requirement of fiber-to-the-home construction.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or by September 17, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments by either of the following methods:
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and, 
in the lower ``Search Regulations and Federal Actions'' box, select 
``Rural Utilities Service'' from the agency drop-down menu, then click 
on ``Submit.'' In the Docket ID column, select RUS-07-Telecom-0005 to 
submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related 
materials available electronically. Information on using 
Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing documents, 
submitting comments, and viewing the docket after

[[Page 39029]]

the close of the comment period, is available through the site's ``User 
Tips'' link.
    Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send your comment addressed 
to Michele Brooks, Acting Deputy Director, Program Development and 
Regulatory Analysis, USDA Rural Development, 1400 Independence Avenue, 
STOP 1522, Room 5159, Washington, DC 20250-1522. Please state that your 
comment refers to Docket No. RUS-07-Telecom-0005.
    Other Information: Additional information about Rural Development 
and its programs is available on the Internet at https://
www.rurdev.usda.gov/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norberto Esteves, Chair, Technical 
Standards Committee ``A'' (Telecommunications), Advanced Services 
Division, USDA Rural Development Telecommunications Program, STOP 1550, 
Washington, DC 20250-1550, telephone number 202-720-0699, fax number 
202-205-2924, e-mail norberto.esteves@wdc.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Order 12866

    This rule is exempted from the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) review for purposes of Executive Order 12866 and, therefore, has 
not been reviewed by OMB.

Executive Order 12988

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. USDA Rural Development has determined that this 
proposed rule meets the applicable standards provided in section 3 of 
the Executive Order. In addition, all state and local laws and 
regulations that are in conflict with this proposed rule will be 
preempted; no retroactive effect will be given to the rule, and, in 
accordance with section 212(e) of the Department of Agriculture 
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6912(e)), administrative appeals 
procedures, if any are required, must be exhausted before an action 
against the Department or its agencies may be initiated.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

    USDA Rural Development has determined that this proposed rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities, as defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.). The standard USDA Rural Development telecommunications loan 
documents contain provisions on procurement of products and 
construction of telecommunications facilities purchased with loan 
funds. This ensures that the telecommunications systems financed with 
loan funds are adequate to serve the purposes for which they are to be 
constructed and that loan funds are adequately secured. USDA Rural 
Development borrowers, as a result of obtaining Federal financing, 
receive economic benefits that exceed any direct cost associated with 
complying with USDA Rural Development regulations and requirements.

Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements

    The information collection and recordkeeping requirements contained 
in this proposed rule are cleared under control numbers 0572-0059 and 
0572-0132 pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
Chapter 35, as amended).

Executive Order 13132

    This regulation will not have substantial direct effects on the 
States, on the relationship between the national government and the 
States, or on distribution of power and responsibilities among the 
various levels of government. Under Executive Order 13132, this 
proposed rule does not have sufficient federalism implications 
requiring the preparation the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    The program described by this proposed rule is listed in the 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program under No. 10.851, Rural 
Telephone Loans and Loan Guarantees and No. 10.857, Rural Broadband 
Access Loans and Loan Guarantees. This catalog is available on a 
subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, the United 
States Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Telephone: 
(202) 512-1800.

Executive Order 12372

    This proposed rule is excluded from the scope of Executive Order 
12372, Intergovernmental Consultation, which may require consultation 
with State and local officials. See the final rule related notice 
titled ``Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive 
Order 12372'' (50 FR 47034), advising that USDA Rural Development 
Utilities Programs loans and loan guarantees are excluded from the 
scope of Executive Order 12372.

Unfunded Mandates

    This proposed rule contains no Federal Mandates (under the 
regulatory provisions of Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
of 1995 (2 U.S.C. Chapter 25)) for State, local, and tribal governments 
or the private sector. Thus, this proposed rule is not subject to the 
requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act of 1995.

National Environmental Policy Act Certification

    The Agency has determined that this proposed rule will not 
significantly affect the quality of the human environment as defined by 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) 
Therefore, this action does not require an environmental impact 
statement or assessment.

Background

    This proposed rule revises the current requirements for fiber optic 
cables of 7 CFR 1755.900 codified in 1995. The proposed rule sets the 
minimum performance requirements based on current industry standards. 
This revision was initiated to resolve problems the rural telecom 
industry is experiencing with cables manufactured under the existing 
specification and reported by rural carriers and their consulting 
engineers. It addresses the buffer tube shrinkage caused by storage at 
low temperatures, which impairs fiber-to-the-home system performance. 
The proposed specification also sets new requirements for drop cables 
(cables with 12 or fewer fibers operating up to 100 meters (300 feet)).
    Cables manufactured to this revised specification will have lower 
average bi-directional loss at fusion splices, about 0.1 decibels (dB) 
instead of the 0.2 dB currently required. For fiber-to-the-home 
applications the specification requires a maximum mid-span length of 
4.9 meters (16 feet) or 3 meters (10 feet), as specified by the buyer, 
for cables used on mid-span applications with buffer tube storage. From 
a polarization mode dispersion standpoint, the maximum Statistical 
Parameter of Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMDQ) of 0.20 
Picosecond per nanometer times kilometer (ps/[radic]km) specified will 
allow the deployment of higher-speed transmission systems at longer 
distances: 3,000 kilometers (km) (1,864 miles) for digital systems 
operating at 10 Gigabit per second (Gbps) and 80 km (50 miles) 
operating at 40 Gbps. These performance refinements are necessary 
because purchasers deploying cable meeting this level of performance 
expect it to deliver high bitrate services during the useful economic 
life of these cables.

[[Page 39030]]

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1755

    Broadband, Fiber optic cables, Loan programs--communications, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas, 
Telecommunications, Telephone.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Agency proposes to 
amend part 1755, chapter XVII of title 7 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations, as follows:

PART 1755--TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICIES ON SPECIFICATIONS, 
ACCEPTABLE MATERIALS, AND STANDARD CONTRACT FORMS

    1. The authority citation for part 1755 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et seq., 6941 et seq.

    2. The heading of part 1755 is revised to read as set out above.
    3. Section 1755.900 is revised, an undesignated center heading is 
added, appendixes A and B to Sec.  1755.900 are removed, and a new 
appendix to Sec.  1755.900 is added, to read as follows:

Minimum Performance Specification for Fiber Optic Cables


Sec.  1755.900  Agency specification for fiber optic cables.

    (a) Abbreviations. The following abbreviations apply to this 
section:
    (1) ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials;
    (2) [deg]C Centigrade temperature scale;
    (3) dB Decibel;
    (4) dB/km Decibels per 1 kilometer;
    (5) ECCS Electrolytic chrome coated steel;
    (6) EIA Electronic Industries Alliance;
    (7) EIA/TIA Electronic Industries Alliance Telecommunications 
Industry Association;
    (8) FTTH Fiber-to-the-Home;
    (9) Gbps Gigabit per second or Gbit/s;
    (10) GE General Electric;
    (11) HDPE High density polyethylene;
    (12) ICEA Insulated Cable Engineers Association, Inc.;
    (13) Km kilometers(s)
    (14) LDPE Low density polyethylene;
    (15) m meter(s)
    (16) Max. Maximum;
    (17) MDPE Medium density polyethylene;
    (18) MHz-km Megahertz-kilometer;
    (19) Min. Minimum;
    (20) MFD Mode-Field Diameter
    (21) nm Nanometer(s);
    (22) N Newton(s);
    (23) NA Numerical aperture;
    (24) NESC National Electrical Safety Code;
    (25) OC Optical cable;
    (26) O.D. Outside Diameter;
    (2) OF Optical fiber;
    (28) OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration;
    (29) OTDR Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
    (30) % Percent;
    (31) ps/(nm[middot]km) Picosecond per nanometer times kilometer;
    (32) ps/(nm\2\[middot]km) Picosecond per nanometer squared times 
kilometer;
    (33) SI International System (of Units) (From the French 
Syst[egrave]me international d'unit[eacute]s); and
    (34) [mu]m Micrometer.
    (b) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section:
    (1) Agency: The Rural Utilities Service, an agency which delivers 
the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development 
Utilities Programs;
    (2) Armor: A metal tape intended to provide mechanical and 
environmental protection against rodents, termites, etc.
    (3) Bandwidth: The range of signal frequencies that can be 
transmitted by a communications channel with defined maximum loss or 
distortion. Bandwidth indicates the information-carrying capacity of a 
channel. For an optic fiber system bandwidth is usually given as its 
capacity to transmit information in a specific time period for a 
specific length, e.g., 10 Mbit/sec/km.
    (4) Chromatic Dispersion: The spreading out of light pulses as they 
travel in an optical fiber, proportional to length.
    (5) Cladding: A layer of glass or other transparent material fused 
to and concentrically surrounding the core. The cladding has a lower 
refractive index than the core, so light is internally reflected along 
the core.
    (6) Core: The central region of an optical waveguide or fiber 
through which light is transmitted.
    (7) Cutoff Wavelength: The shortest wavelength at which only the 
fundamental mode of an optical wavelength can propagate.
    (8) Dielectric Cables: Cable with no metallic members or other 
electrically conductive materials.
    (9) Graded Refractive Index Profile: Any index profile that varies 
smoothly with radius.
    (10) Loose Tube Buffer: A protective tube loosely surrounding a 
cabled fiber, often filled with suitable water blocking material.
    (11) Matched Cable: Cable manufactured to this specification for 
which the calculated loss due to Mode Field Diameter (MFD) mismatch 
between two fibers to be spliced is <= 0.06 dB when using the following 
formula:

LOSS (dB) = -10 LOG10 [4/(MFD1/MFD2 + 
MFD2/MFD1)\2\],

    where subscripts 1 and 2 refer to the two fibers to be spliced.

    (12) Mil: A measurement unit of length indicating one thousandth of 
an inch.
    (13) Minimum Bending Diameter: A smallest diameter that must be 
maintained to avoid degrading cable performance (Bending Diameter/Cable 
Diameter.)
    (14) Mode-Field Diameter: The diameter of the one mode of light 
propagating in a single mode fiber.
    (15) Multimode Fiber: An optical fiber which will allow more than 
one bound mode to propagate. It may be either a graded index or step 
index optical fiber.
    (16) Numerical Aperture (NA): An optical fiber parameter that 
indicates the angle of acceptance of light into a fiber.
    (17) Optical Fiber: Any fiber made of dielectric material that 
guides light.
    (18) Optical Point Discontinuities: Localized deviation of the 
optical fiber loss characteristic which location and magnitude may be 
determined by appropriate OTDR measurements.
    (19) Optical Waveguide: Any structure capable of guiding optical 
power. In optical communications, the term generally refers to a fiber 
designed to transmit optical signals.
    (20) Polarization Mode Dispersion: A form of modal dispersion where 
different polarizations of the light caused by asymmetric distortions 
of the fiber form the ideal perfect shape of a cylinder that travel at 
different speeds due to random imperfections in the fiber waveguide 
causing random spreading of optical pulses.
    (21) Ribbon: A planar array of parallel optical fibers.
    (22) Shield: Conductive metal tape for lightning protection, 
bonding, grounding and electrical shielding.
    (23) Single Mode Fiber: An optical fiber in which only one bound 
mode can propagate at the wavelength of interest.
    (24) Step Refractive Index Profile: An index profile characterized 
by a uniform refractive index within the core and a sharp decrease in 
refractive index at the core-cladding interface. It corresponds to a 
power-law profile with profile parameter, g, approaching infinity.
    (25) Tight Tube Buffer: One or more layers of buffer material 
tightly surrounding a fiber in contact with the coating of the fiber.
    (c) Scope. This section is intended for cable manufacturers, Agency 
borrowers, and consulting engineers. It covers the requirements for 
fiber optic cables intended for aerial installation either by

[[Page 39031]]

attachment to a support strand or by an integrated self-supporting 
arrangement, for underground application by placement in a duct, or for 
buried installations by trenching, direct plowing, and directional or 
pneumatic boring.
    (1) Requirements. Specification requirements are given in SI units 
which are the controlling units in this part. Approximate English 
equivalent of units are given for information purposes only.
    (i) The optical waveguides are glass fibers having directly-applied 
protective coatings, and are called ``fibers'', herein. These fibers 
may be assembled in either loose fiber bundles with a protective core 
tube, encased in several protective buffer tubes, in tight buffer 
tubes, or ribbon bundles with a protective core tube.
    (ii) Fillers, strength members, core wraps, and bedding tapes may 
complete the cable core.
    (iii) The core or buffer tubes containing the fibers and the 
interstices between the buffer tubes, fillers, and strength members in 
the core structure are filled with a suitable material or water 
swellable elements to exclude water.
    (iv) The cable structure is completed by an extruded overall 
plastic jacket. A shield or armor or combination thereof may be 
included under the jacket. The jacket may have strength members 
embedded in it.
    (v) Buried installation requires armor under the outer jacket.
    (vi) For self-supporting cable, the outer jacket may be extruded 
over the support messenger and cable core.
    (vii) Cables for mid-span applications for network access shall be 
designed for easy mid-span access to the fibers. The manufacturer may 
use reversing oscillating stranding (SZ) described in section 6.4 of 
ITU-T Recommendation L.58 or any other manufacturer's method that is 
acceptable to the Agency.
    (2) The normal temperature ranges for cable under this 
specification must meet paragraph 1.1.3 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (3) Tensile Rating. The standard installation tensile rating for 
cable under this specification is 2670 N (600 lbf.), unless, 
installation involves micro type cables that utilize less stress 
related methods of installation, i.e. blown micro-fiber cable or All-
Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) cables (see paragraph (c)(4) of this 
section.)
    (4) ADSS cables. Based on the storm loading districts referenced in 
Section 25, Loading of Grades B and C, of the latest edition of NESC 
and the maximum span and location of cable installation provided by the 
purchaser, the manufacturer shall provide a cable design with sag and 
tension tables showing the maximum span and sag information for that 
particular installation. The information included shall be for Rule B, 
Ice and Wind Loading, and when applicable, information on Rule 250C, 
Extreme Wind Loading. Additionally, to ensure the proper ground 
clearance, typically 4.3 m (14 feet) the end user should factor in the 
maximum sag under loaded conditions as well as height of attachment for 
each application.
    (5) Minimum Bend Diameter. For cable under loaded and unloaded 
conditions, the cable shall have the minimum bend diameters indicated 
in paragraph 1.1.5, Minimum Bend Diameter of the ANSI/ICEA S-87-640. 
For very small cables, manufacturers may specify fixed cable minimum 
bend diameters that are independent of the outside diameter. For a bend 
diameter of cables having a non-circular cross-section is to be 
determined using the thickness as the cable diameter and bending in the 
direction of the preferential bend.
    (6) The cable is fully color coded so that each fiber is 
distinguishable from every other fiber. A basic color scheme of twelve 
colors allows individual fiber identification. Colored tubes, binders, 
threads, strippings, or markings provide fiber group identification.
    (7) Cable manufactured to this specification must demonstrate 
compliance with the qualification testing requirements to ensure 
satisfactory end-use performance characteristics for the intended 
applications.
    (8) Optical cable designs not specifically addressed by this 
specification may be allowed if accepted by the Agency. Justification 
for acceptance of a modified design must be provided to substantiate 
product utility and long term stability and endurance.
    (9) All cables sold to Agency borrowers for projects involving 
Agency loan funds under this specification must be accepted by the 
Agency's Technical Standards Committee ``A'' (Telecommunications.) For 
cables manufactured to this specification, all design changes to an 
accepted design must be submitted for acceptance. The Agency will be 
the sole authority on what constitutes a design change.
    (10) The Agency intends that the optical fibers contained in the 
cables manufactured under this specification have characteristics that 
will allow signals, having a range of wavelengths, to be carried 
simultaneously.
    (d) Optical Fibers. (1) The solid glass optical fibers must consist 
of a cylindrical core and cladding covered by either an ultraviolet-
cured acrylate or other suitable coating. Each fiber shall be 
continuous throughout its length.
    (2) Zero-dispersion. Optical fibers shall meet the fiber attributes 
of Table 2/G.652, G.652.B attributes, of ITU-T Recommendation G.652. 
However, when the purchaser stipulates a low water peak fiber the 
optical fibers shall meet the fiber attributes of Table 4/G.652, 
G.652.D attributes, of ITU-T Recommendation G.652.
    (3) Non-zero dispersion. Optical fibers shall meet the fiber 
attributes of ITU-T Recommendation G.656. However, when the buyer 
specified ITU-T Recommendation G.655 A, B, C, D, or E, the optical 
fibers shall meet the fiber attributes of such ITU-T Recommendation.
    (4) Multimode fibers. Optical fibers shall meet the requirements of 
paragraphs 2.1 and 2.3.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (5) Matched cables. Unless otherwise specified by the buyer, all 
single mode fiber cables delivered to an Agency-financed project must 
be manufactured to the same MFD specification. However, notwithstanding 
the requirements indicated in paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(3) of this 
section, the maximum MDF tolerance allowed for cable made under this 
specification shall be of a magnitude so the cable meets the definition 
of ``matched cables,'' as defined in this specification. With the use 
of cable manufactured to this specification the user can reasonably 
expect that the average bi-directional loss of a fusion splice to be <= 
0.1 dB.
    (6) Buyers will normally specify the MFD for the fibers in the 
cable. When a buyer does not specify the MFD for fiber compliant with 
ITU-T Recommendation G.652.B or 652.D, the fibers shall be manufactured 
to an MFD of 9.2  0.5 [mu]m (362  20 
microinch), unless the buyer agrees to accept cable with fibers 
specified to a different MD. When the buyer does specify an MFD with a 
MDF tolerance conflicting with the MFD maximum tolerance allowed by 
paragraph (d)(5) of this section, the requirements of paragraph (d)(5) 
shall prevail.
    (7) Factory splices are not allowed.
    (8) Coating. The optical fiber must be coated with a suitable 
material to preserve the intrinsic strength of the glass having an 
outside diameter of 250  15 micrometers (10  
0.6 mils) when measured per EIA/TIA-455-55C. The protective coverings 
must be free from holes, splits, blisters, and other

[[Page 39032]]

imperfections and must be as smooth and concentric as is consistent 
with the best commercial practice. The diameter of the fiber as the 
fiber is used in the cable includes any coloring thickness or the 
uncolored coating, as the case may be. The strip force required to 
remove 30  3 millimeters (1.2  0.1 inch) of 
protective fiber coating shall be between 1.0 N (0.2 pound-force) and 
9.0 N (2 pound-force).
    (9) All optical fibers in any single length of cable must be of the 
same type unless otherwise specified by purchaser.
    (10) Optical fiber dimensions and data reporting shall be as 
required by paragraph 7.13.1.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (e) Buffers. (1) The optical fibers contained in a tube buffer 
(loose tube), an inner jacket (unit core), a channel, or otherwise 
loosely packaged must have a clearance between the fibers and the 
inside of the container sufficient to allow for thermal expansions 
without constraining the fibers. The protective container must be 
manufactured from a material having a coefficient of friction 
sufficiently low to allow the fibers free movement. The loose tube 
shall contain a suitable water blocking material. Loose buffer tubes 
must be removable without damage to the fiber when following the 
manufacture's recommended procedures.
    (2) The tubes for single mode loose tube cables shall be designed 
to allow a maximum mid-span buffer tube exposure of 3 meters (10 feet) 
or 4.9 meters (16 feet). The buyer should be aware that certain housing 
hardware may require cable designed for 4.9 meter buffer tube storage.
    (3) Optical fibers covered in near contact with an extrusion (tight 
tube) must have an intermediate soft buffer to allow for thermal 
expansions and minor pressures. The buffer tube dimension shall be 
established by the manufacturer to meet the requirement of this 
specification. Tight buffer tubes must be removable without damage to 
the fiber when following the manufacture's recommended procedures. The 
tight buffered fiber shall be strippable per paragraph 7.20 of ANSI/
ICEA S-87-640.
    (4) Both loose tube and tight tube coverings of each color and 
other fiber package types removed from the finished cable must meet the 
following shrinkback and cold bend performance requirements. The fibers 
may be left in the tube.
    (i) Shrinkback: Testing must be conducted per ASTM D 4565, 
Paragraph 14.1, using a talc bed at a temperature of 95 [deg]C (203 
[deg]F). Shrinkback must not exceed 5 percent of the original 150 
millimeter (6 inches) length of the specimen. The total shrinkage of 
the specimen must be measured. (Buffer tube material meeting this test 
may not meet the midspan test in paragraph (t)(18) of this section.)
    (ii) Cold Bend: Testing must be conducted on at least one tube from 
each color in the cable. Stabilize the specimen to -30  1 
[deg]C (-22  2 [deg]F) for a minimum of four hours. While 
holding the specimen and mandrel at the test temperature, wrap the tube 
in a tight helix ten times around a mandrel with a diameter to be the 
greater of five times the tube diameter or 50mm (2 inches.) The tube 
must show no evidence of cracking when observed with normal or 
corrected-to-normal vision.

    Note to paragraph (E)(4)(II): Channel cores and similar slotted 
single component core designs need not be tested for cold bend.

    (f) Fiber Identification. (1) Each fiber with a unit and each unit 
within the cable shall be identifiable per paragraph 4.2.1 and 4.3.1 of 
ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (2) The colors designated for identification of loose buffer tubes, 
tight tube buffer fibers, individual fibers in multi-fiber tubes, 
slots, bundles or units of fibers, and the units in cables with more 
than one unit shall be per TIA-598-C, Optical Fiber Cable Color Coding.
    (3) Standards of Colors: The colors of fibers and tubes supplied 
shall be per the terms of the Munsell Color System (ASTM D 1535) and 
must comply with the color limits as defined in TIA-598-C.
    (g) Optical Fiber Ribbon. (1) Each ribbon shall be identified per 
paragraphs 3.4.1 and 3.4.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (2) Ribbon fiber count shall be specified by the purchaser, i.e. 2, 
4, 6, 12, etc.
    (3) Ribbon dimensions shall be as agreed by the purchaser and 
manufactures per Paragraphs 3.4.4.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (4) Ribbons shall meet each of the following tests. These tests are 
included in the paragraphs of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 that are indicated in 
parentheses below.
    (i) Ribbon Dimensions (7.14 through 7.14.2)--Measures ribbon 
dimension using FOTP-123.
    (ii) Ribbon Twist Test (7.15 through 7.15.2)--evaluates the ability 
of the ribbon to resist splitting or other damage while undergoing 
dynamic cyclically twisting the ribbon under load.
    (iii) Ribbon Residual Twist Test (7.16 through 7.16.2)--evaluates 
the degree of permanent twist in a cabled optical ribbon.
    (iv) Ribbon Separability Test (7.17 through 7.17.2)--evaluates the 
ability to separate fibers.
    (5) Ribbons shall meet paragraph 3.4.4.6 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640, 
Ribbon Strippability.
    (h) Strength Members. (1) Strength members may be an integral part 
of the cable construction, but are not considered part of the support 
messenger for self-supporting optical cable.
    (2) The strength members may be metallic or nonmetallic.
    (3) The combined strength of all the strength members must be 
sufficient to support the stress of installation and to protect the 
cable in service.
    (4) Strength members may be incorporated into the core as a central 
support member or filler, as fillers between the fiber packages, as an 
annular serving over the core, as an annular serving over the 
intermediate jacket, embedded in the outer jacket or as a combination 
of any of these methods.
    (5) The central support member or filler must contain no more than 
one splice per kilometer of cable. Individual fillers placed between 
the fiber packages and placed as annular servings over the core must 
contain no more than one splice per kilometer of cable. Cable sections 
having central member or filler splices must meet the same physical 
requirements as un-spliced cable sections.
    (6) In each length of completed cable having a metallic central 
member, the dielectric strength between the shield or armor, when 
present, and the metallic center member must withstand at least 15 
kilovolts when tested per ASTM D 4566. The voltage shall be applied for 
3 seconds minimum; no failures are allowed.
    (i) Cable Core. (1) Protected fibers may be assembled with the 
optional central support member, fillers and strength members in such a 
way as to form a cylindrical group.
    (2) The standard cylindrical group or core designs commonly consist 
of 4, 6, 12, 18, or 24 fibers. Cylindrical groups or core designs 
larger than the sizes shown above must meet all the applicable 
requirements of this section.
    (3) When threads or tapes are used in cables using water blocking 
elements as core binders, they must be a non-hygroscopic and non-
wicking dielectric material or be rendered such by the gel or water 
blocking material produced by the ingress of water.
    (4) When threads or tapes are used as unit binders to define 
optical fiber units in loose tube, tight tube, slotted, or bundled 
cored designs, they must be a

[[Page 39033]]

non-hygroscopic and non-wicking dielectric material or be rendered such 
by the filling compound. The colors of the binders must be per 
paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this section.
    (j) Core Water Blocking. (1) To prevent the ingress of water into 
the core and water migration, a suitable filling compound or water 
blocking elements must be applied into the interior of the loose fiber 
tubes and into the interstices of the core. When a core wrap is used, 
the filling compound water or blocking elements, as the case may be, 
must also be applied to the core wrap, over the core wrap and between 
the core wrap and inner jacket when required.
    (2) The materials or elements must be homogeneous and uniformly 
mixed; free from dirt, metallic particles and other foreign matter; 
easily removed; nontoxic and present no dermal hazards. The filling 
compound and water blocking elements shall contain a suitable 
antioxidant or be of such composition as to provide long term 
stability.
    (3) The individual cable manufacturer must satisfy the Agency that 
the filling compound or water blocking elements selected for use is 
suitable for its intended application by submitting test data showing 
compliance with ASTM D 4568. The filling compound and water blocking 
elements must be compatible with the cable components when tested per 
ASTM D 4568 at a temperature of 80 [deg]C (176 [deg]F). The jacket 
shall retain a minimum of 85% of its un-aged tensile and elongation 
values.
    (k) Water Blocking Material. (1) Sufficient flooding compound or 
water blocking elements must be applied between the inner jacket and 
armor and between the armor and outer jacket so that voids and air 
spaces in these areas are minimized. The use of flooding compound or 
water blocking elements between the armor and outer jacket is not 
required when uniform bonding, paragraph (o)(10) of this section, is 
achieved between the plastic-clad armor and the outer jacket.
    (2) The flooding compound or water blocking elements must be 
compatible with the jacket when tested per ASTM D 4568 at a temperature 
of 80 [deg]C  1 [deg]C (176  2 [deg]F). The 
aged jacket shall retain a minimum of 85% of its unaged tensile 
strength and elongation values. The flooding compound must exhibit 
adhesive properties sufficient to prevent jacket slip when tested per 
paragraph 7.30.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 and meets paragraph 7.30.2 for 
minimum sheath adherence of 14 N/mm for armored cables.
    (3) The individual cable manufacturer must satisfy the Agency by 
submitting test data showing compliance with the appropriate cable 
performance testing requirements of this section that the flooding 
compound or water blocking elements selected for use is acceptable for 
the application.
    (l) Core Wrap. (1) At the option of the manufacturer, one or more 
layers of dielectric material may be applied over the core.
    (2) The core wrap(s) can be used to provide a heat barrier to 
prevent deformation or adhesion between the fiber tubes or can be used 
to contain the core.
    (m) Inner Jackets. (1) For designs with more than one jacket, the 
inner jackets shall be applied directly over the core or over the 
strength members when required by the purchaser. The jacket must be 
free from holes, splits, blisters, or other imperfections and shall be 
as smooth and concentric as is consistent with the best commercial 
practice. The inner jacket shall not adhere to other cable components 
such as fibers, buffer tubes, etc.
    (2) For armored and unarmored cable an inner jacket is optional. 
The inner jacket may absorb stresses in the cable core that may be 
introduced by armor application or by armored cable installation.
    (3) The inner jacket material and test requirements must be as for 
the outer jacket material of this specification, except that either 
black or natural polyethylene may be used and the thickness 
requirements are included in paragraph (m)(4) of this section. In the 
case of natural polyethylene, the requirements for absorption 
coefficient and the inclusion of furnace black are waived.
    (4) The inner jacket thickness shall be determined by the 
manufacturer, but shall be no less than a nominal jacket thickness of 
0.5mm (0.02 inch) with a minimum jacket thickness of 0.35mm (0.01 
inch.)
    (n) Outer Jacket. (1) The outer jacket must provide the cable with 
a tough, flexible, protective covering which can withstand exposure to 
sunlight, to atmosphere temperatures and to stresses reasonably 
expected in normal installation and service.
    (2) The jacket must be free from holes, splits, blisters, or other 
imperfections and shall be as smooth and concentric as is consistent 
with the best commercial practice.
    (3) The raw material used for the outer jacket must be one of the 
types listed below. The raw material must contain an antioxidant to 
provide long term stabilization and the materials must contain a 
minimum of 2.35 percent concentration of furnace black to provide 
ultraviolet shielding.
    (i) Type L1. Low density, polyethylene (LDPE) must conform to the 
requirements of ASTM D 1248, Type I, Class C, Category 4 or 5, Grade 
J3.
    (ii) Type L2. Linear low density, polyethylene (LLDPE) must conform 
to the requirements of ASTM D 1248, Type I, Class C, Category 4 or 5, 
Grade J3.
    (iii) Type M. Medium density polyethylene (MDPE) must conform to 
the requirements of ASTM D 1248, Type II, Class C, Category 4 or 5, 
Grade J4.
    (iv) Type H. High density polyethylene (HDPE) must conform to the 
requirements of ASTM D 1248, Type III, Class C, Category 4 or 5, Grade 
J4.
    (4) Particle size of the carbon selected for use must not average 
greater than 20 nm.
    (5) Absorption coefficient must be a minimum of 400 per the 
procedures of ASTM D 3349.
    (6) The outer jacketing material removed from or tested on the 
cable shall be capable of meeting the performance requirements of Table 
5.1 found in ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (7) Testing Procedures. The procedures for testing the jacket 
specimens for compliance with paragraph (n)(6) of this section must be 
as follows:
    (i) Jacket Material Density Measurement. Test per paragraphs 7.7.1 
and 7.7.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (ii) Tensile Strength, Yield Strength, and Ultimate Elongation. 
Test per paragraphs 7.8.1 and 7.8.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (iii) Jacket Material Absorption Coefficient Test. Test per 
paragraphs 7.9.1 and 7.9.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (iv) Environmental Stress Crack Resistance Test. For large cables 
(outside diameter >= 30 mm (1.2 inch)), test according with 7.10.1 
through 7.10.1.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640. For small cables (Diameter < 30 
mm (1.2 inch)), test per paragraphs 7.10.2 through and 7.10.2.2 of 
ANSI/ICEA S-87-640. A crack or split in the jacket constitutes failure.
    (v) Jacket Shrinkage Test. Test per paragraphs 7.11.1 and 7.11.2 of 
ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (8) Jacket Thickness. The outer jacket must meet the requirements 
of Paragraph 5.4.5.1 and 5.4.5.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (9) Jacket Repairs. Repairs are allowed per Paragraph 5.5 of ANSI/
ICEA S-87-640.
    (o) Armor. (1) A steel armor, plastic coated on both sides, is 
required for direct buried cable manufactured under this section. Armor 
is optional for duct and aerial cable, as required by the purchaser. 
The plastic coated steel armor must be applied longitudinally

[[Page 39034]]

directly over the core wrap or the intermediate jacket and have a 
minimum overlap of 3.0 millimeters (118 mills), except for small 
diameter cables with diameters of less than 10 mm (394 mills) for which 
the minimum overlap shall be 2mm (79 mills). When a cable has a shield, 
the armor should normally be applied over the shielding tape.
    (2) The uncoated steel tape must be electrolytic chrome coated 
steel (ECCS) and shall meet the requirements of paragraph B.2.4 of 
ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (3) The reduction in thickness of the armoring material due to the 
corrugating or application process must be kept to a minimum and must 
not exceed 10 percent at any spot.
    (4) The armor of each length of cable must be electrically 
continuous with no more than one joint or splice allowed in any length 
of one kilometer of cable. This requirement does not apply to a joint 
or splice made in the raw material by the raw material manufacturer.
    (5) The breaking strength of any section of an armor tape, 
containing a factory splice joint, must not be less than 80 percent of 
the breaking strength of an adjacent section of the armor of equal 
length without a joint.
    (6) For cables containing no flooding compound over the armor, the 
overlap portions of the armor tape must be bonded in cables having a 
flat, non-corrugated armor to meet the mechanical requirements of 
paragraphs (t)(1) through (t)(16)(ii) of this section. If the tape is 
corrugated, the overlap portions of the armor must be sufficiently 
bonded and the corrugations must be sufficiently in register to meet 
the requirements of paragraphs (t)(1) through (t)(16)(ii) of this 
section.
    (7) The armor tape must be so applied as to enable the cable to 
pass the Cable Low (-30 [deg]C (-22 [deg]F)) and High (60 C (140 F)) 
Temperatures Bend Test, as required by paragraph (t)(3) of this 
section.
    (8) The protective coating on the steel armor must meet the 
Bonding-to-Metal, Heat Sealability, Lap-Shear and Moisture Resistance 
requirements of Type I, Class 2 coated metals per ASTM B 736-92a.
    (9) The ability of the plastic-clad metal to resist the flooding 
compound must be determined as required by ASTM D 4568 using a one 
meter (3.3 feet) length of coated steel which must be aged for 7 days 
at 68  1 [deg]C (154  2 [deg]F). There must be 
no delamination of the coating from the steel at the conclusion of the 
test.
    (10) When the jacket is bonded to the plastic coated armor, the 
bond between the plastic coated armor and the outer jacket must not be 
less than 525 Newtons per meter (36 pound-force) over at least 90 
percent of the cable circumference when tested per ASTM D 4565-90a. For 
cables with strength members embedded in the jacket, and residing 
directly over the armor, the area of the armor directly under the 
strength member is excluded from the 90 percent calculation.
    (p) Figure 8 Aerial Cables. (1) When self-supporting aerial cable 
containing an integrated support messenger is supplied, the support 
messenger must comply with the requirements specified in paragraphs 
D.2.1 through D.2.4 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 with exceptions and 
additional provisions as follows:
    (i) Any section of a completed strand containing a joint must have 
minimum tensile strength and elongation of 29,500 Newtons (6,632 pound-
force) and 3.5 percent, respectively, when tested per the procedures 
specified in ASTM A 640.
    (ii) The individual wires from a completed strand which contain 
joints must not fracture when tested according to the ``Ductility of 
Steel'' procedures specified in ASTM A 640 except that the mandrel 
diameter must be equal to 5 times the nominal diameter of the 
individual wires.
    (iii) The support strand must be completely covered with a flooding 
compound that offers corrosion protection. The flooding compound must 
be homogeneous and uniformly mixed.
    (iv) The flooding compound must be nontoxic and present no dermal 
hazard.
    (v) The flooding compound must be free from dirt, metallic 
particles, and other foreign matter that may interfere with the 
performance of the cable.
    (2) Other methods of providing self-supporting cable specifically 
not addressed in this section may be allowed if accepted by the Agency. 
Justification for acceptance of a modified design must be provided to 
substantiate product utility and long term stability and endurance.
    (3) Jacket Thickness Requirements. Jackets applied over an integral 
messenger must meet the following requirements:
    (i) The minimum jacket thickness at any point over the support 
messenger must meet the requirements of paragraph D.3 of ANSI/ICEA S-
87-640.
    (ii) The web dimension for self-supporting aerial cable must meet 
the requirements of paragraph D.3 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (q) Sheath Slitting Cord. (1) A sheath slitting cord or ripcord is 
optional.
    (2) When a sheath slitting cord is used it must be capable of 
slitting the jacket or jacket and armor, at least a 1 meter (3.3 feet) 
length without breaking the cord at a temperature of 23  5 
[deg]C (73  9 [deg]F).
    (3) The sheath slitting cord must meet the sheath slitting cord 
test depicted in paragraph (t)(1) of this section.
    (r) Identification Markers. (1) Each length of cable shall be 
permanently identified. The method of marking must be by means of 
suitable surface markings producing a clear distinguishable contrasting 
marking meeting paragraph 6.1.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 and shall meet 
the durability requirements of paragraphs 7.5.2 through 7.5.2.2 of 
ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (2) The color of the initial marking must be white or silver. If 
the initial marking fails to meet the requirements of the preceding 
paragraphs, it will be permissible to either remove the defective 
marking and re-mark with the white or silver color or leave the 
defective marking on the cable and re-mark with yellow. No further re-
marking is permitted. Any re-marking must be on a different portion of 
the cables circumference than any existing marking when possible and 
have a numbering sequence differing from any other marking by at least 
3,000. Any reel of cable that contains more than one set of sequential 
markings must be labeled to indicate the color and sequence of marking 
to be used. The labeling must be applied to the reel and also to the 
cable.
    (3) Each length of cable must be permanently labeled either OPTICAL 
CABLE, OC, OPTICAL FIBER CABLE, or OF on the outer jacket and 
identified as to manufacturer and year of manufacture.
    (4) Each length of cable intended for direct burial installation 
shall be marked with a telephone handset in compliance with Rule 350G 
of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).
    (5) Each length of cable shall be identified as to the manufacturer 
and year of manufacturing. The manufacturer and year of manufacturing 
may also be indicated by other means as indicated in paragraphs 6.1.2 
through 6.1.4 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (6) The number of fibers on the jacket shall be marked on the 
jacket.
    (7) An alternative method of marking may be used if acceptable to 
the Agency.
    (8) The completed cable must have sequentially numbered length 
markers in METERS or FEET at regular intervals of not more than 2 feet 
or not more than 1 meter along the outside of the jacket. Continuous 
sequential numbering must

[[Page 39035]]

be employed in a single length of cable. The numbers must be 
dimensioned and spaced to produce good legibility and must be 
approximately 3 millimeters (118 mills) in height. An occasional 
illegible marking is permissible if form the illegible mark a legible 
marking is located within 2 meters cable marked in meters or 4 feet for 
cable marked in feet.
    (9) Agreement between the actual length of the cable and the length 
marking on the cable jacket must be within the limits of +1 percent and 
-0 percent.
    (10) Jacket Print test. Cables manufactured under this 
specification must meet the Jacket Print Test depicted in paragraphs 
7.5.2.1 and 7.5.2.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (s) Performance of a Finished Cable.--(1) Zero Dispersion Optical 
Fiber Cable. Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, the optical 
performance of the fibers in a finished cable must comply, as 
appropriate, with the cable attributes of Table 2G/G.652.B Attributes 
or Table 2G/G.652D found in ITU Recommendations G.652.B and G.652.D.
    (2) Nonzero Dispersion Optical Fiber Cable. Unless otherwise 
specified by the purchaser, the optical performance of the fibers in a 
finished cable must comply with the cable attributes of Table 1 of ITU-
T Recommendation G.656. When the buyer specifies ITU-T G.655 
Recommendation A, B, C, D or E, the optical performance of the fibers 
in a finished cable must comply with the cable attributes of such 
Recommendation.
    (3) Multimode Optical Fiber Cable. Unless otherwise specified by 
the purchaser, the optical performance of the fibers in a finished 
cable must comply with Table 8.1 through 8.3, of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (4) Measurement of the attenuation must be conducted at the 
wavelength specified for application and must be expressed in decibels 
per kilometer.
    (5) Because the accuracy of attenuation measurements for single 
mode fibers becomes questionable when measured on short cable lengths, 
attenuation measurements are to be made utilizing characterization 
cable lengths. Master Cable reels shall be tested and the attenuation 
values measured will be used for shorter ship lengths of cable.
    (6) Because the accuracy of attenuation measurements for multimode 
fibers becomes questionable when measured on short cable lengths, 
attenuation measurements are to be made utilizing characterization 
cable lengths. If the ship length of cable is less than one kilometer, 
the attenuation values measured on longer lengths of cable 
(characterization length of cable) before cutting to the ship lengths 
of cable may be applied to the ship lengths.
    (7) Attenuation must be measured per FOTP-78.
    (8) The bandwidth of multimode fibers in a finished cable shall be 
no less than the values specified in ANSI/ICEA S-87-640, Table 8.2 
according to paragraph 8.3.1
    (t) Mechanical Requirements. Fiber optic cables manufactured under 
the requirements of this section shall be tested by the manufacturer to 
determine compliance with such requirements. Unless otherwise 
specified, testing shall be performed at the standard conditions 
defined in TIA/EIA-455 (Temperature of 23  5 [deg]C (73 
 9 [deg]), Relative Humidity of 20 to 70%, and Atmospheric 
Pressure of the Site Ambient.) The standard optical test wavelengths to 
be used are 1550 nm single mode and 1300 nm multi-mode, unless 
otherwise specified in the individual test.
    (1) Sheath Slitting Cord Test. All cables manufactured under the 
requirements of this section must meet the Ripcord Functional Test 
depicted in paragraphs 7.18.1 and 7.18.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (2) Material Compatibility and Cable Aging Test. All cables 
manufactured under the requirements of this section must meet the 
Material Compatibility and Cable Aging Test depicted in paragraphs 7.19 
through paragraph 7.19.2.4 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (3) Cable Low and High Bend Test. Cables manufactured under the 
requirements of this section must meet the Cable Low (-30 [deg]C (-22 
[deg]F)) and High (60 C (140 F)) Temperatures Bend Test per paragraphs 
7.21 and 7.21.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (4) Compound Flow Test. All cables manufactured under the 
requirements of this section must meet the test depicted in paragraphs 
7.23, 7.23.1 and 7.23.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (5) Cyclic Flexing Test. All cables manufactured under the 
requirements of this section must meet the Flex Test depicted in 
paragraphs 7.27 through 7.27.2 of the ICEA S-87-640.
    (6) Water Penetration Test. All cables manufactured under the 
requirements of this section must meet paragraphs 7.28 through 7.28.2 
of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (7) Cable Impact Test. All cables manufactured under the 
requirements of this section must meet the Cable Impact Test depicted 
in paragraphs 7.29.1 and 7.29.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (8) Cable Tensile Loading and Fiber Strain Test. Cables 
manufactured under the requirements of this section must meet the Cable 
Loading and Fiber Strain Test depicted in paragraphs 7.30 through 
7.30.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640. This test does not apply to aerial self-
supporting cables.
    (9) Cable Compression Test. All cables manufactured under 
requirements of this section must meet the Cable Compressive Loading 
Test depicted in paragraphs 7.31 through 7.31.2 of ICEA S-87-640.
    (10) Cable Twist Test. All cables manufactured under the 
requirements of this section must meet the Cable Twist Test depicted in 
paragraph 7.32 through 7.32.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (11) Cable Lighting Damage Susceptibility Test. Cables manufactured 
under the requirements of this section must meet the Cable Lighting 
Damage Susceptibility Test depicted in paragraphs 7.33 and 7.33.1 of 
ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (12) Cable External Freezing Test. All cables manufactured under 
the requirements of this section must meet the Cable External Freezing 
Test depicted in paragraphs 7.22 and 7.22.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (13) Cable Temperature Cycling Test. All cables manufactured under 
the requirements of this section must meet the Cable Temperature 
Cycling Test depicted in paragraph 7.24.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (14) Cable Sheath Adherence Test. All cables manufactured under the 
requirements of this section must meet the Cable Sheath Adherence Test 
depicted in paragraph 7.26.1 and 7.26.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (15) Mid-Span Test. This test is applicable only to cables of a 
loose tube design specified for mid-span applications with tube 
storage. Cable of specialty design may be exempted of this requirement 
when such exception is accepted by the Agency. All buried and 
underground loose tube single mode cables manufactured per the 
requirements in this section and intended for mid-span applications 
with tube storage must meet the following mid-span test without 
exhibiting an increase in fiber attenuation greater than 0.1 dB.
    (i) The specimen shall be installed in a commercially available 
pedestal or closure, or in a device that mimics their performance, as 
follows: A length of cable sheath, equal to the mid-span length, shall 
be removed from the middle of the test specimen so as to allow access 
the buffer tubes. All binders, tapes, strength members, etc. shall be 
removed. The buffer tubes shall be left intact. The cable ends defining 
the ends of the mid-span length shall be properly secured in the 
closure, to the

[[Page 39036]]

more stringent of the cable or hardware manufacturer's recommendations. 
Strength members shall be secured with an end stop type clamp and the 
outer jacket shall be clamped to prevent slippage. A minimum of 20 feet 
of cable shall extend from the entry and exit ports of the closure, for 
the purpose of making optical measurements.
    (ii) The expressed buffer tubes shall be loosely constrained during 
the test.
    (iii) The enclosure, with installed cable, shall be placed in an 
environmental chamber for temperature cycling. It is acceptable for 
some or all of the two 20 ft. cable segments to extend outside the 
environmental chamber.
    (iv) Lids, pedestal enclosures, or closure covers shall be removed 
if possible to allow for temperature equilibrium of the buffer tubes. 
If this is not possible, the manufacture must demonstrate that the 
buffer tubes are at temperature equilibrium prior to beginning the soak 
time.
    (v) Measure the attenuation of dispersion-unshifted single mode 
fibers at 1310  10 and 1550  10 nm, dispersion-
shifted single mode fibers at 1550  10 nm.
    (vi) After measuring the attenuation of the optical fibers, test 
the cable sample per EIA/TIA-455-3A. The following detailed test 
conditions shall apply:
    (A) Section 4.1--Loose tube single mode optical cable sample shall 
be tested.
    (B) Section 4.2--An Agency accepted 8 to 12 inch diameter optical 
buried distribution pedestal or equivalent sample shall be tested.
    (C) Mid-span opening for installation of loose tube single mode 
optical cable in pedestal shall be 3 meters (10 feet) or 4.9 meters (16 
feet) depending on the cable listing.
    (D) Section 5.1--3 hours soak time.
    (E) Section 5.2--Test Condition C-2, minimum -40 [deg]C (-40 
[deg]F) and maximum 70[deg] Celsius (158 [deg]F).
    (F) Section 5.7.2--A statistically representative amount of 
transmitting fibers in all express buffer tubes passing through the 
pedestal and stored shall be measured.
    (vii) The cable may be allowed to warm to room temperature before 
visual inspection. The cable mid-span opening must not show visible 
evidence of fracture of the buffer tubes nor any degradation of all 
exposed cable assemblies. Fiber cable attenuation measured through the 
express buffer tubes during the last cycle at -40 [deg]C C (-40 [deg]F) 
and +70C (158 [deg]F) and after the test shall not exceed 0.1 dB from 
the initial baseline measurements made per EIA/TIA-455-3A, Section 
5.7.1 and Section 5.7.2 specified in paragraph (t)(15)(vi) of this 
section.
    (16) Aerial Self-Supporting Cables. The following tests apply to 
aerial cables only:
    (i) Static Tensile Testing of Aerial Self-Supporting Cables. Aerial 
self-supporting cable made to this specification must meet the test 
depicted in paragraphs D.4.1.1 through D.4.1.5 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 
when using FOTP-33.
    (ii) Cable Galloping Test. Aerial self-supporting cable made to the 
requirements of this section must meet the test depicted in paragraphs 
D.4.2 through D.4.2.3 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
    (u) Pre-connectorized Cable. (1) At the option of the manufacturer 
and upon request by the purchaser, the cable may be factory terminated 
with connectors acceptable to the Agency.
    (2) All connectors must be accepted by the Agency prior to their 
use.
    (v) Acceptance Testing. (1) The tests described in the Appendix to 
this section are intended for acceptance of cable designs and major 
modifications of accepted designs. What constitutes a major 
modification is at the discretion of the Agency. These tests are 
intended to show the inherent capability of the manufacturer to produce 
cable products that have satisfactory performance characteristics, long 
life and long-term optical stability but are not intended as field 
tests. After initial Agency acceptance is granted, the manufacturer 
will need to apply for continued product acceptance on January of the 
third year after the year of initial acceptance.
    (2) Acceptance. For initial acceptance, the manufacturer must 
submit:
    (i) An original signature certification that the product fully 
complies with each section of this specification;
    (ii) Qualification Test Data, per the Appendix to this section;
    (iii) A set of instructions for handling the cable;
    (iv) OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets for all components;
    (v) Agree to periodic plant inspections;
    (vi) A certification stating whether the cable, as sold to the 
Agency Telecommunications program borrowers, complies with the 
following two provisions:
    (A) Final assembly or manufacture of the product, as the product 
would be used by an Agency Telecommunications program borrower, is 
completed in the United States or eligible countries (currently, 
Mexico, Canada and Israel); and
    (B) The cost of United States and eligible countries' components 
(in any combination) within the product is more than 50 percent of the 
total cost of all components utilized in the product. The cost of non-
domestic components (components not manufactured within the United 
States or eligible countries) which are included in the finished 
product must include all duties, taxes, and delivery charges to the 
point of assembly or manufacture;
    (vii) Written user testimonials concerning performance of the 
product; and
    (viii) Other nonproprietary data deemed necessary by the Agency.
    (3) Re-qualification acceptance. For submission of a request for 
continued product acceptance after the initial acceptance, follow 
paragraph (v)(1) of this section and then, on January every three 
years, the manufacturer shall submit an original signature 
certification stating that the product fully complies with each section 
of the specification, excluding the Qualification Section, and a 
certification that the products sold to Agency Telecommunications 
Program borrowers comply with paragraphs (v)(2)(vi) through 
(v)(2)(vi)(B) of this section. The tests of the Appendix to this 
section shall be conducted and records kept for at least three years 
and the data shall be made available to the Agency on request. The 
required data must have been gathered within 90 days of the submission. 
A certification shall be submitted to the Agency stating that the cable 
manufactured to the requirements of this section has been tested per 
the Appendix of this section and that the cable met the test 
requirements.
    (4) Initial and re-qualification acceptance requests should be 
addressed to: Chairman, Technical Standards Committee ``A'' 
(Telecommunications), STOP 1550, Advanced Services Division, Rural 
Development Telecommunications Program, Washington, DC 20250-1500.
    (5) Tests on 100 Percent of Completed Cable. (i) The armor for each 
length of cable must be tested for continuity using the procedures of 
ASTM D 4566.
    (ii) Attenuation for each optical fiber in the cable must be 
measured.
    (iii) Optical discontinuities greater than 0.1dB must be isolated 
and their location and amplitude recorded.
    (6) Capability Tests. The manufacturer shall establish a quality 
assurance system consistent with nationally or internationally 
recognized standards such as ANSI/ASQC Q9000, ISO 9001, or TL 
9000[reg]. Tests on a quality assurance basis must be made as 
frequently as is required for each

[[Page 39037]]

manufacturer to determine and maintain compliance with all the 
mechanical requirements and the fiber and cable attributes required by 
this section, such as:
    (i) Numerical aperture and bandwidth of multimode fibers;
    (ii) Cut off wavelength of single mode fibers;
    (iii) Dispersion of single mode fibers;
    (iv) Shrinkback and cold testing of loose tube and tight tube 
buffers;
    (v) Adhesion properties of the protective fiber coating;
    (vi) Dielectric strength between the armor and the metallic central 
member;
    (vii) Performance requirements for the fibers.
    (viii) Performance requirements for the inner and outer jacketing 
materials;
    (ix) Performance requirements for the filling and flooding 
compounds;
    (x) Bonding properties of the coated armoring material;
    (xi) Sequential marking and lettering;
    (xii) Mechanical tests depicted in paragraphs (t)(1) through 
(t)(16)(ii) of this section.
    (w) Records Tests. (1) Each manufacturer must maintain suitable 
summary records for a period of at least 3 years of all optical and 
physical tests required on completed cable by this specification as set 
forth in paragraphs (v)(5) and (v)(6) of this section. The test data 
for a particular reel must be in a form that it may be readily 
available to the Agency upon request. The optical data must be 
furnished to the purchaser on a suitable and easily readable form.
    (2) Measurements and computed values must be rounded off to the 
number of places or figures specified for the requirement according to 
ASTM E 29.
    (x) Manufacturing Irregularities. (1) Repairs to the armor, when 
present, are not permitted in cable supplied to the end user under this 
section.
    (2) Minor defects in the inner and outer jacket (defects having a 
dimension of 3 millimeters or less in any direction) may be repaired by 
means of heat fusing per good commercial practices utilizing sheath 
grade compounds.
    (y) Packaging and Preparation for Shipment. (1) The cable must be 
shipped on reels containing one continues length of cable. The diameter 
of the drum must be large enough to prevent damage to the cable from 
reeling and unreeling. The diameter must be at least equal to the 
minimum bending diameter of the cable. The reels must be substantial 
and so constructed as to prevent damage during shipment and handling.
    (2) A circumferential thermal wrap or other means of protection 
must be secured between the outer edges of the reel flange to protect 
the cable against damage during storage and shipment. The thermal wrap 
must comply with the requirements included in the following test:
    (i) Thermal Reel Wrap Test. This test procedure is for 
qualification of initial and subsequent changes in thermal reel wraps.
    (A) Sample Selection. All testing must be performed on two 450 
millimeter (18 inches) lengths of cable removed sequentially from the 
same fiber jacketed cable. This cable must not have been exposed to 
temperatures in excess of 38 [deg]C (100 [deg]F) since its initial cool 
down after sheathing.
    (B) Test Procedure. (1) Place the two samples on an insulating 
material such as wood.
    (2) Tape thermocouples to the jackets of each sample to measure the 
jacket temperature.
    (3) Cover one sample with the thermal reel wrap.
    (4) Expose the samples to a radiant heat source capable of heating 
the uncovered sample to a minimum of 71[deg]C (160 [deg]F). A GE 600 
watt photoflood lamp or an equivalent lamp having the light spectrum 
approximately that of the sun shall be used.
    (5) The height of the lamp above the jacket shall be 380 
millimeters (15 inches) or an equivalent height that produces the 71 
[deg]C (160 [deg]F) jacket temperature on the unwrapped sample shall be 
used.
    (6) After the samples have stabilized at the temperature, the 
jacket temperatures of the samples shall be recorded after one hour of 
exposure to the heat source.
    (7) Compute the temperature difference between jackets.
    (8) For the thermal reel wrap to be acceptable to the Agency, the 
temperature difference between the jacket with the thermal reel wrap 
and the jacket without the reel wrap shall be greater than or equal to 
17 [deg]C (63 [deg]F).
    (3) Cable manufactured to the requirements of this specification 
must be sealed at the ends to prevent entrance of moisture.
    (4) The end-of-pull (outer end) of the cable must be securely 
fastened to prevent the cable from coming loose during transit. The 
start-of-pull (inner end) of the cable must project through a slot in 
the flange of the reel, around an inner riser, or into a recess on the 
flange near the drum and fastened in such a way to prevent the cable 
from becoming loose during installation.
    (5) Spikes, staples or other fastening devices must be used in a 
manner which will not result in penetration of the cable.
    (6) The arbor hole must admit a spindle 63.5 millimeters (2.5 
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