Scholars get Nobel for Fiber Optic Work - Schools to get Fiber Optics: [11th Oct 2009]

>>> Charles K. Kao along with Willard Boyle and George Smith have won the Nobel Prize for their work in discovering how to transmit light through fiber optics. Kao calculated how it would be possible to transmit light over longer distances by removing impurities from the glass. Boyle and Smith, working in New Jersey built the first Charge Coupled Device which led to the invention of digital photography. Together they have paved the way for high speed communication to be available across the world.


>>> The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has met with FCC broadband coordinator, Blair Levin to discuss the cost implications of running fiber optic cables to every public institution in the U.S. This includes all schools, libraries, hospitals and colleges. The FCC has estimated the cost at being between $5 and $10 billion. These costs do not include the long term cost of running the network, however many of the 123,000 institutions identified will already have fiber optics installed. Public comment has been invited on the idea.


>>> Finisar Corporation, a leader in fiber optic solutions has announced an agreement with Wells Fargo to provide a revolving credit facility to finance working capital. The agreement provides for $70m in credit at an interest rate of 5.75% to 6.25%. The facility has a covenant which requires Finisar to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio.