Loose tube riser cables are ideal for campus environments, private networks and local area networks. These dual purpose cables save money and installation time by allowing a direct transition from indoor to outdoor applications with a single cable. Because these cables are fully water blocked with dry elements, stripping and termination is faster. These cables comply with the standards for both Outside Plant (OSP) and indoor riser applications. The loose tube design offers reliable transmission performance over a broad temperature range. The rugged loose tube design features optical fibers placed inside PFM gel-filled buffer tubes. The core is constructed by stranding the buffer tubes around a central member using a reverse oscillating lay (ROL). It is wrapped with flexible strength members, covered with a heat resistant, water-blocking tape and then encased with a black, flame and sunlight resistant jacket. A rip cord is included under the jacket for ease of entry.