Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), the global wireless and broadcast infrastructure specialist, announced double-digit growth for several of its key North American product lines in 2013. This follows a record-breaking year in 2012, further strengthening RFS’ position as a leading provider of end-to-end solutions for indoor and outdoor wireless applications.
Sales of RFS’ HYBRIFLEX cable grew 50% year over year. A large portion of HYBRIFLEX’s 2013 sales growth was due to its use in substantial nationwide LTE rollouts by two of North America’s largest Tier 1 operators. HYBRIFLEX is now deployed in more than 10 different wireless networks in North America. HYBRIFLEX combines optical fiber and DC power in a single corrugated cable. Its compact and durable design makes it faster, easier and more cost-effective to install than bringing both traditional optical fiber and DC power to the antenna. HYBRIFLEX is ideal for connecting power-saving Remote Radio Heads (RRHs), especially where space is constrained. It can be also used for in-building Distributed Antenna Systems (DASs), for microwave backhaul networks and as bundled cables in harsh environments.
Additionally, RFS booked 45% growth in 2013 for its in-building broadband wireless communications products, and has made significant investment in product development that will continue to fuel growth well into 2014. New products announced this year include the LTE-Ready I-ATO2-698/2700JPL PIM-certified omnidirectional antenna, which rounds out RFS’ portfolio of products for indoor applications that includes plenum-rated cables, connectors, tools and jumpers – enabling RFS to provide all components required to support indoor passive DAS installations. RFS also recently introduced ICA LITE (ICA12-50JPLLW), a ½” aluminum plenum-rated wideband coaxial cable designed to deliver outstanding electrical performance and support for in-building broadband wireless applications.
Another rapidly-growing segment for RFS in 2013 was the in-tunnel market, which included large deployments of RFS technology into major projects such as Phase 2 of Transit Wireless’extensive Distributed Antenna System for theNew York City subway (RFS announced its successful deployment during Phase 1 in 2012) and Phase 1 of BAI Canada’s project to build a shared wireless Wi-Fi and cellular infrastructure for Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) underground subway stations.
To support this growth, RFS has doubled its distribution centers nationwide with a new distribution center in Ontario, California and expanded distribution via its partnership with KGP Logistics in Warsaw, Indiana. Furthermore, RFS has expanded its installation services to support increasing deployments of HYBRIFLEX, and recently hired industry veteran Eldon Prax as national director of installation services and business development to support the venture.Prax has over 30 years of experience in the electronics and telecom industry and a proven track record in customized technology system design, implementation, and high-end operations.
“We were very successful in 2013 in strengthening RFS’ business in several critical areas including our leadership position in LTE and providing a complete end-to-end solution offer,” said David Kiesling, RFS customer solutions & sales operations director. “There will also be many exciting things to come in 2014, such as new additions to our rapidly-growing antenna line including products specifically designed for TD-LTE, innovative new small cell backhaul products, and more.”