a method and apparatus for manufacturing optical fiber ribbons featuring an optical fiber payout arrangement for directing a plurality of optical fibers into parallel paths in a predetermined plane of travel ; a vacuum assisted fiber guide for accurately positioning the fibers into a precise , coplanar parallel array ; means for bringing together the arrayed fibers and a ribbon - like supporting medium to form an optical fiber ribbon with outer segments of the supporting medium extending beyond the outermost fibers ; cutting means for separating the outer segments of the supporting medium for the optical fiber ribbon ; and means for advancing the outer segments to thereby advance both the ribbon - like supporting medium and optical fibers in unison through the manufacturing apparatus .