A tubeless fiber optic cable is disclosed, including at least one optical fiber extending in a longitudinal direction, and an outer jacket extending in the longitudinal direction so as to surround the optical fiber. The outer jacket has a cross-section defining an inner surface and an outer surface. At least one strength member extends in the longitudinal direction along the outer jacket and is disposed so that a portion thereof protrudes from the inner surface of the outer jacket, so that when a ripcord is pulled from the outer jacket separation of the outer jacket occurs, thereby allowing access to a cavity containing the optical fiber. In another embodiment, the ripcord protrudes from the inner surface of the outer jacket.