A socket connector assembly for a communication system includes a socket connector having a socket housing holding socket contacts having deflectable spring beams. The socket connector assembly includes a cable assembly coupled to the socket connector having an outer housing holding a paddle card with paddle card contacts interfacing with the separable mating interfaces of the socket contacts. The cable assembly includes cables terminated to the paddle card coupled to corresponding paddle card contacts. The socket connector assembly includes a spring plate coupled to the outer housing secured to the host circuit board to press the cable assembly downward toward the host circuit board to compress the deflectable spring beams of the socket contacts.