Abstract: A communications cable is provided having a support strand and at least one coaxial cable helically wound around the support strand. The coaxial cable includes an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, an outer tubular metallic sheath surrounding the dielectric, and optionally a protective jacket surrounding the metallic sheath. The communications cable is manufactured such that the ratio of the length of coaxial cable to the length of support strand is between about 1.005 and 1.015. The communications cable is also preferably wound around the support strand using a varying lay length thereby minimizing signal loss due to cable damage. The communications cable of the invention is especially suitable for aerial installation and may be installed in one pass, without the need to form expansion loops in the coaxial cable.