A separator for an optical-fiber tape, the optical-fiber tape including a group of optical-fibers extending in parallel with each other, the separator including a supporting member configured to support a length of the optical-fiber tape along a first lateral edge thereof, a positioner configured to apply a resilient force to the length of the optical fiber tape along a second lateral edge thereof, wherein the first lateral edge and second lateral edge are on opposite sides of the optical fiber tape; and a separation member configured to separate a first portion of the length of the optical-fiber tape by shearing the optical-fiber tape along the direction of extension of the group of optical fibers.