Abstract: A predetermined block system for use in outside underground utility distribution networks, such as networks for providing telephone service, includes factory installed cable stubs spliced into a main distribution cable and encapsulated at predetermined intervals along the length of the distribution cable. The free ends of each cable stub are attached to one side of a terminal block which is adapted to be mounted in an aboveground or flush to the ground closure. Service wires may then be attached to the other side of the block. The cable stub includes a pair of bond wires insulated from each other. At a splice opening formed in the distribution cable one bond wire is connected to a field side and the other bond wire is connected to the central office side of the cable shields of the distribution cable. The bond wires terminate at commonly grounded terminal posts in the terminal block. The common ground may be provided by a ground braid fastened to the closure.