Abstract: Composite cables operative to transmit information in optical transmission and/or electrical power modes. The composite cables include an optical fiber operative to transmit light comprising a silica-based core with a silica-based cladding having a lower index of refraction than the core, the core and cladding are surrounded by two layers of plastic that define a soft primary coating surrounding and in contact with the cladding, and a relatively rigid secondary coating that surrounds and is in contact with the primary coating. The optical fiber has an outside diameter of about 250 &mgr;m to about 500 &mgr;m or more, and an electrical conductor surrounds the secondary coating. The composite cable includes an outermost cable jacket layer having an outside diameter of about 3,500 &mgr;m or less.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable (10) having a slotted rod (12) with grooves (22) formed therein. At least one groove includes a buffer tube (13) having a ribbon stack (14) supported in a tensile window position within buffer tube (13) by a water blocking material (15). Fiber optic cable (10) has an ample tensile window, whereby macrobending and microbending of optical fibers in the ribbon stacks (14) is minimized.