A cable reel/assembly is provided for storing, deploying, retrieving and transporting a cable assembly (having a cable and connectors). The cable reel includes a central hub and two side flanges constructed, in one embodiment, of composite plastic material having reinforcing material(s). An annular rim and spaced apart spoke sections in each side flange function to provide multiple carrying handles. A cable holding means is provided to restrain or hold portion(s) of a cable within an outer periphery of the cable reel. In one embodiment, a secondary hub (and third flange) adjacent the central hub is positioned and disposed within a side periphery defined by the annular rim of one of the side flanges enabling stacking together such that annular rims of respective cable reels may be in close or actual contact.