A fiber optic distribution cable assembly having at least one
factory-prepared mid-span access location for accessing and terminating
optical fibers of the distribution cable includes a tether containing at
least one optical fiber optically connected to an optical fiber
terminated from the distribution cable and an overmolded body
encapsulating the distribution cable and a portion of the tether to form
the mid-span access location. The mid-span access location is provided
with a preferential bend along an axis that is common to the distribution
cable and the tether by a strength member positioned within the
overmolded body and/or the overmolded body having a geometrical
configuration that promotes bending along the common axis. The
preferential bend reduces any path length differences between terminated
optical fibers routed substantially on the common axis and optical fibers
remaining within the distribution cable induced by bending, thereby
preventing breakage of the terminated optical fibers.