Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a base member with first and second base portions that are angled relative to each other for aligning a longitudinal axis of the base member in a parallel relationship with a longitudinal axis of a pole. Preferably, first and second side walls extend outwardly from the base member for engaging mounting ribs of the splice closure. Preferably, the mounting ribs of the splice closure engage the bracket in a straddled configuration.

Abstract: An underwater optical fiber cable is constructed from a terrestrial optical fiber cable by hermetically enclosing the terrestrial optical fiber cable with a hydrogen barrier such as a copper tube or by using a terrestrial optical fiber cable having a hydrogen barrier therein, and by wrapping at least one layer of galvanized armor wires outside of the hydrogen barrier. As so reinforced, the terrestrial optical fiber cable has the strength needed for an underwater optical fiber cable by using relatively inexpensive galvanized armor wires. Although the galvanized armor wires generate hydrogen by contact with water, this hydrogen is prevented from adversely affecting optical fibers in the terrestrial optical fiber cable by the presence of the hydrogen barrier. Advantageously, a standard terrestrial optical fiber cable can be chosen from the many types available including high fiber count designs.