Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing optical fiber ribbons featuring an optical fiber payout arrangement for directing a plurality of optical fibers into parallel paths in a predetermined plane of travel; a vacuum assisted fiber guide for accurately positioning the fibers into a precise, coplanar parallel array; means for bringing together the arrayed fibers and a ribbon-like supporting medium to form an optical fiber ribbon with outer segments of the supporting medium extending beyond the outermost fibers; cutting means for separating the outer segments of the supporting medium for the optical fiber ribbon; and means for advancing the outer segments to thereby advance both the ribbon-like supporting medium and optical fibers in unison through the manufacturing apparatus.