Fiber Optic Cabling Spreading Fast: [20th Sep 2009]

>>> Organizations in Alaska have asked for $1.3bn of broadband stimulus money from the U.S Government in a total of 26 applications. The money is part of a huge stimulus package passed by congress earlier this year. The largest application has come from Kodiak-Kenai Cable which wants to build a submarine fiber optic cable to bring broadband to 140 communities in western Alaska. Alaska has a population of around 690,000 and the plan would create 5,800 jobs and allow telemedicine, long distance education and economic development to areas not covered by other services.


>>> Emcore Corporation - a producer of components, subsystems and systems for the fiber optic and solar power markets - has entered into a supply agreement with Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems Sector. With a value of more than $17m, the agreement is for supply from 2009 until 2012. The contract will be for the supply of solar cells for space missions.


>>> The Southern Ohio Health Care Network (SOHCN) project has been launched and will be able to connect 120 health care facilities via a fiber optic network supplied by Corning Cable Systems. Use of the network will improve the usefulness of rural practices and support the use of communications, particularly in emergency situations. Corning have said that the use of fiber optic cabling will future proof these communities, many of whom have no broadband access at present.