Fiber Optic Communities of the United States launch in Washington, D.C

Fiber Optics Weekly Update, Oct 29, 2004

Fiber Optic Communities of the United States (FOCUS), a non-profit organization representing communities with the most advanced communications networks in the world, officially launched on October 25, 2004, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., with the goal of educating consumers on the life-enhancing benefits of optical access networks.

Joined by representatives of fiber communities from across the nation, FOCUS heard from industry leaders. FOCUS also unveiled an event agenda designed to build awareness of the more than 200 optical fiber communities in the United States. According to the latest analysis from market research firm Render Vanderslice & Associates, U.S. fiber to the premises (FTTP) deployment has increased by over 400 percent in the last six months, from 180,000 to 970,000 homes passed.

"FOCUS will help homeowners and businesses realize the benefits of living and working in a fiber community," said Max R. Kipfer, founder and president of FOCUS. "This organization will unite fiber optic communities from urban, rural, and suburban settings with the aim of propelling America into the next generation of communication."

For more information on FOCUS, visit www.communitiesinfocus.org