How to Choose the Right RF Cable Supplier: A Buyer’s Checklist

Posted by STI-CO® Antenna Solutions on 8th Apr 2025

Selecting the right RF cable supplier is critical to ensuring high performance, reliability, and longevity of your RF systems. Whether you are sourcing cables for telecommunications, defense, broadcasting, or industrial applications, a reliable supplier can make a significant difference. Below is a comprehensive buyer’s checklist to guide you in choosing the best RF cable supplier for your needs.

1. Industry Reputation and Experience

  • How long has the supplier been in the RF cable industry?
  • Do they have positive reviews and testimonials from past clients?
  • Are they known for providing high-quality products?

STI-CO® has been in business for 58 years, with extensive RF knowledge and a strong history of serving government, rail, military, and public safety sectors. Our long-standing reputation and experience make us a trusted leader in RF cable solutions.

2. Product Quality and Compliance

  • Do their cables meet industry standards (e.g., MIL-Spec, ISO, RoHS, UL, or CE compliance)?
  • Are the cables tested for performance, durability, and environmental factors?
  • Do they provide documentation or certifications for their products?

STI-CO® adheres to the highest quality standards, holding ISO 9001:2015 certification and AS9100D. We are also ITAR-compliant and follow IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards, ensuring our products meet the most rigorous testing and compliance requirements.

Learn more about STI-CO®'s high-performance cable assemblies here.

3. Customization Options

  • Can the supplier provide custom RF cable assemblies tailored to specific applications?
  • Do they offer a variety of connectors, shielding, and cable types?
  • How flexible are they in modifying products to meet unique project requirements?

We specialize in build-to-print manufacturing and custom-engineered assemblies designed for harsh environments. Our over-mold solutions ensure durability, and we offer custom labeling and serialized lot control for traceability.

Explore our custom RF cable solutions.

4. Material and Manufacturing Standards

  • What type of materials do they use for conductors, insulation, and shielding?
  • Are their manufacturing processes certified for quality assurance?
  • Do they adhere to strict quality control protocols to minimize defects?

Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with CNC capabilities for rapid prototyping and secure supply chain solutions, ensuring we deliver high-quality, reliable products.

5. Performance and Reliability

  • What is the insertion loss, impedance, and attenuation performance of their cables?
  • Do they offer environmental resistance features such as UV, moisture, and temperature resistance?
  • Have their cables been tested in real-world applications for durability and signal integrity?

STI-CO® cable solutions are designed for mission-critical applications, ensuring top-tier performance across RF, over-mold, data, power, and signal transmission. Our cables are built to withstand harsh environments, making them the preferred choice for defense, aerospace, public safety, and transportation industries.

See our full range of RF cable assemblies.

6. Stock Availability and Lead Times

  • Do they have an adequate inventory of standard cables for quick shipment?
  • What are their typical lead times for both stock and custom orders?
  • Can they handle bulk orders efficiently?

With an expanded, state-of-the-art facility, STI-CO® ensures fast lead times and efficient handling of both standard and custom orders. Our secure supply chain and logistics capabilities allow us to meet urgent project deadlines.

7. Technical Support and Customer Service

  • Do they provide technical support for product selection and installation?
  • Is their customer service responsive and knowledgeable?
  • Can they offer troubleshooting assistance and guidance on best practices?

STI-CO® provides expert engineering consultation and technical support for customized RF cable solutions. Our team works closely with clients to meet specific needs and optimize system performance.

8. Pricing and Cost-effectiveness

  • Are their prices competitive without compromising quality?
  • Do they offer volume discounts for bulk orders?
  • Are there hidden costs such as shipping, handling, or minimum order requirements?

We offer cost-effective, high-performance solutions while maintaining the highest quality standards. Our transparent pricing ensures customers receive maximum value for their investment.

9. Logistics and Global Reach

  • Do they ship internationally and have a reliable logistics network?
  • What shipping methods do they use, and how do they ensure timely delivery?
  • Do they have distribution centers or partners in key regions?

We have a secure and reliable supply chain, ensuring timely and efficient global deliveries. Our advanced logistics solutions support mission-critical applications worldwide.

10. Warranty and Return Policy

  • Do they provide a warranty on their RF cables?
  • What is their return and replacement policy if a product is defective?
  • Are they transparent about their policies and easy to work with in case of issues?

We stand by the quality of our products and offer an industry-leading 5-year warranty to ensure customer satisfaction and long-term performance.

Conclusion

Choosing the right RF cable supplier is a crucial decision that impacts your system’s performance and reliability. STI-CO® is a trusted industry leader offering 58 years of expertise, cutting-edge manufacturing, and custom-engineered solutions for mission-critical applications.

? Need expert advice? Contact STI-CO® today to discuss your RF cable needs and find the perfect solution for your project.

Discover our full range of RF cable assemblies here.