CommScope – An American company that enable faster, smarter, and more sustainable global network infrastructure solutions

In the present scenario, most organizations prefer a novel structure i.e. network infrastructure. Because it is less hierarchical, more dispersed, and most importantly, flexible than other structures. As well, both external and internal coordination and monitoring are easily possible with network infrastructure. Currently, the value of the global infrastructure market is over 32 billion US dollars. So, in such a situation, numerous global network infrastructure providers have emerged. However, CommScope Inc. is one such name that is doing excellent work in this sector.

It is a USA based firm, best known in America as well as all over the world. Presently operating in more than 130 countries with around 20,000 employees. To explore the business further, the firm has time to time acquired several businesses working in this field. One of such acquisition is announced two years back in 2018. That is the acquisition of Arris International. Let’s overlook the journey of CommScope and its founders which is inspirational for many emerging firms in the industry.

The backstory of CommScope

What the CommScope is today is totally different from the time it was getting started. Earlier, it was a renowned product line of Superior Continental Cable. However, in 1975, Jearld Leonhardt and Frank Drendel bought this product line and re-started it as a CommScope. Thereafter, it was renamed as Valtech. During this period, the firm links the C-SPAN studios to the U.S. House of Representatives using a fiber optics network. Thus, U.S. Congressional proceedings had broadcast live for the first time.

After that, the firm became part of the cable home group for M/A-COM and plunged into Network Cable division for the LAN. As well, entered into data communications, specialized wire markets, etc. Sooner or later, CommScope raised its name in the international market as a global network infrastructure provider. Presently, it headquartered in Hickory, North Carolina since 2000.

Acquisition strategy

The firm has gone through lots of evolution and always maintain the best strategy to explore its business. Apart from acquiring Avaya in 2004, it also acquired Andrew Corporation in 2007. The previous acquisition was of the Connectivity Solutions business. However, the second acquired firm was a manufacturer of telecommunications devices such as antenna, amplifiers, transceivers, etc. CommScope also purchased TE connectivity’s unit in 2015, following the acquisition of small cells and femtocells manufacturing firm Airvana. Finally, the most important acquisition in CommScope’s history was Arris International and RUCKUS, held in 2019.

Products and solutions of CommScope

The firm is best known for manufacturing unshielded twisted pair cables, fiber optics cables, connector panels, metals, and racking. As well, it manufactures, many other products useful in the telecom network. CommScope similarly manufactures DSL applications and cabinets for FTTN that are environmentally secure. It also offers solutions for macro cell sites, small cell densification, In-building cellular, fixed wireless access, and spectrum management solution. 

Masterminds at CommScope

Frank M. Drendel

He is one of the founding members of CommScope, served as a chairman of the board from 2011 to 2020. Prior to that, he was the long-time CEO of the firm since its establishment in 2011. In his tenure, CommScope has achieved much recognition on an international level. Frank’s policy leads the firm to unstoppable success. Apart from that, he is a director of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association. As well, served as one of the board directors at Tyco International, Ltd, and Sprint Nextel Corporation. Because of his service in the cable and telecom industry, Drendel was inducted into the Cable Television Hall of Fame (2002).

CEO- Marvin S. Edwards

Presently serving as the chief executive officer at CommScope, Marvin is a well-experienced business leader. He played several leading roles at Wireless Network Solutions. Like general Manger, Executive Vice President of Business Development, etc. Before the acquisition of Andrew by CommScope, he was Chairman of the Board of Directors of a wholly-owned subsidiary. Apart from that, he worked at OFS Fitel as a CEO and president. As well, served as a president at many leading firms such as Alcatel North America Cable Systems, Alcatel North America Cable Systems, etc.

Bottom Line

CommScope is based on values to provide greater solutions in a sustainable way. Today, it is the combination of many leading firms like RUCKUS and Arris International. So, it can offer excellent solutions and technology to the growing needs and changing world.