Maryland Broadband Cooperative Expands Fiber Maintenance Safety Services

Salisbury, Maryland, September 14th, 2026 — Maryland Broadband Cooperative (MdBC) announces an expansion of its field service capabilities with the addition of a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) to its fleet of maintenance and traffic control vehicles.

The new TMA enhances safety during fiber optic construction, maintenance, and repair activities by providing a mobile protective barrier for crews working alongside roadways. In addition to supporting MdBC’s own field operations, the TMA is also available for MdBC Members to use on their own maintenance and service projects when traffic control protection is needed.

What is a Truck Mounted Attenuator?

A TMA is a device designed to absorb impact from vehicle collisions, protecting both the driver and the maintenance team. In many situations a TMA is a line of defense in preventing a tragedy.

Workers shouldn’t have to question their safety in the work zone. The addition of a Truck Mounted Attenuator is one more way Maryland Broadband is investing in safe maintenance operations while expanding the services available to members.

How does TMA work?

A TMA uses intricate engineering principles to turn the impact energy into a controlled crush. When impact is made, the weight of the TMA and the truck it is attached to compress in a predetermined sequence designed to slow the vehicle consistently and quickly. Some systems also employ hydraulics to assist in the compression.

Why do work zones need a TMA?

A TMA is a mobile crash buffer system that can move with the work zone, eliminating the time and resources needed to construct more typical barriers. Being able to reposition the TMA means teams can focus on the tasks at hand all while remaining protected. Not only does the TMA protect the work teams, but it can also prevent damage to other equipment, vehicles or infrastructure. The investment in a TMA can prevent possible millions in damage from a single collision.