When contractors have a say in which products get specified, easy-to-use, fast-to-deploy fiber solutions win every time.

The demand for faster fiber network turn-up times keeps intensifying. Contractors work across a range of fiber optic products from multiple suppliers, and with experience, they develop a clear sense of what works: products that are easy to understand, highly reliable, quick to source, and fast to install. The faster they can turn up a network, the faster they get paid. That alignment of incentives makes contractor preference a powerful force in product selection.

That pressure has intensified in recent years. A persistent shortage of skilled fiber technicians means that fewer hands are available to do more work. When crews are stretched thin across multiple projects, the products that minimize complexity and reduce time on site aren’t just convenient — they’re essential. Every hour saved per install compounds quickly across a deployment, and the difference between a straightforward product and a complicated one can determine whether a project stays on schedule or slips.

What contractors say about Clearfield in the field

Contractor preference isn’t just a talking point. It shows up in conversations on job sites, in purchasing decisions, and sometimes in a customer’s stocking room. A few examples come to mind.

A customer at a rural telephone cooperative put it directly: “I have a warehouse full of products that contractors tell me they would rather use. If it helps them get an area ready faster, that means we can start getting revenue faster. We are all for it, and that is where Clearfield^® excels.”

In another case, a company running an FTTH project had already committed to a different manufacturer until their contractor stepped in. The contractor made the case that Clearfield cabinets were easier to use, easier to place, and faster to get on site. Lead time was a significant factor: 2–3 weeks for Clearfield versus 6–8 weeks from the competing supplier. The project specification changed.

A third example involved a leading integrated infrastructure solutions provider evaluating options for a project in Clearfield’s core strength: our plug-and-play FieldShield^® fiber pathway and protection system, paired with 1RU panels. Quick lead times, product simplicity, and ease of use made Clearfield the right choice — for both the company and its subcontractors.

When contractors have input on material selection, that input carries weight. Customers recognize that a contractor’s preference isn’t arbitrary. It’s informed by hands-on experience across dozens of projects. If a product improves contractor ROI, customers are more than willing to listen.

Simple by design: the pen and the pencil

Clearfield’s design philosophy comes down to a simple principle: we aim to keep things simple. We often describe it as the difference between the pen and the pencil. Designing a pen when all that’s needed is a pencil only increases cost without adding real benefit. We’ve sharpened our pencil for our customers and contractors, giving them the products they need at a price point that makes sense.

That philosophy shows up in lead times, in product construction, and in the support that follows every sale. With easy-to-use and dependable products, plus industry-leading applications engineering support, Clearfield helps contractors move efficiently from project to project — and helps customers get to revenue faster.

Ready to make your next fiber project faster and easier? Tell Clearfield how we can help.

Curtis Lancaster was born into the communications business; his grandparents owned Chesnee Telephone Company in South Carolina for 85 years. As a teenager, Curtis spent summers working at Chesnee Telephone: plowing cable, doing installs and troubleshooting. Former positions include OSP Technician, Field Engineer, and Manager of Operations & Engineering. A graduate of ITT Technical Institute, Curtis has over five years of experience at Clearfield and is currently on the Application Engineering team.