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FTTH News
FOA's CFxT FTTx Certification Program
Explained
ONE MILLION HOMES CONNECTED!
Now that's a milestone!
 Graph from Broadband
Properties
- Also from Broadband Properties,
read about the FOA FTTx certification program.
- http://www.broadbandproperties.com/2006issues/sep06issues/hayes_sep.pdf
- Why FTTH? $ - what else?
- Most analyses of the financial
aspects of FTTx focus on the potential revenue from new services,
but FTTx also offers big cost savings. A number
of industry reports have noted that some phone companies with
aging cable plant can benefit from lower operational costs in
maintenance by converting to FTTx. Recently Verizon confirmed
this by telling financial analysts and an audience at the FTTH
Council Conference in Las Vegas that they would spend about $22.9
billion through 2010, but the capital expense would be offset
by about $4.9 billion in savings on maintenance on its aging
cable plant. Verizon, which has 33 million households in a 28
state area, includes some very old cabling (when we lived in
the Boston area, our phone connected to the street on 60 year
old wires!) so the benefits of FTTP will be very apparent. Verizon's
plans include passing 18 million households, over half their
served homes.
- Many reports of the Verizon
presentations only discuss the net investment - $18 billion -
but the enormous savings in maintenance costs could be a very
important factor in the decison of many other phone companies
with aging cable plants to go FTTx.
- Verizon Hiring Fiber Techs
in Many California Towns
- Verizon is looking for fiber
techs in more than a dozen communities in Southern California.
Besides fiber skills, they also would like other networking and
PC skills, to complete installations. See
below for more details. And
you can apply online.
- Want To Learn More About
FTTx?
- The FOA has created a special
FTTx links page with lots of
links to news, market reports, technical articles and vendor
technical and product information. Here
is a great place to start learning more about FTTx.
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- This NEFC meeting was
cancelled
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- NE Fiber Optic Council November
Meeting: Recent Developments In The Plastic Optical Fiber Field
- Over the past year, there have
been a number of developments in the Plastic Optical Fiber (POF)
field both in new technology and applications. These will be
reviewed and commented on. Of particular interest is a new development
presented at OFC last year where " 10G over 100 meters of
POF" was presented and demonstrated. This may turn out to
be the "Copper Killer"! For those wishing to read up
on the subject, there is a review article in the September Issue
of the IEEE Communications magazine.
- Dr. Paul Polishuk is President
and Chairman of the Board of the IGI Group of Companies, which
includes IGI Consulting Inc., Information Gatekeepers Inc., IGICom
and twelve overseas offices. Information Gatekeepers Inc., the
original company of the Group, was founded in 1977. All companies
are involved in providing information and analysis of fiber optics
and telecommunications markets and technology trends worldwide.
He is a world renowned expert on fiber optics technology and
markets. He received a B.S. degree from Massachusetts Institute
of Technology in 1956, and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from
Ohio State in 1962 and 1964. In 1971, he received and S.M. in
Management from MIT, after spending a year as a Sloan Fellow.
- NEFC DINNER MEETING
- NOVEMBER 9, 6:00 PM
- DOUBLETREE, WALTHAM
- (Exit 27B off Route 128)
- Please register by Nov. 7
Member: $40 Non-Member: $45
Choice of: Salmon with Mango Salsa or Roasted Sliced Sirloin
E-mail: <mailto:info@nefc.com>info@nefc.com
or call (617) 548-NEFC
Fiber Optics on a Plane by
Kate Greene
A new type of optical
switch could help aerospace engineers replace heavy copper wires
with fiber, making planes lighter. It could make a bigger difference
than you can imagine, as the typical plane today has over 100
miles of wire!
See http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=17533&ch=infotech
Real World Installation Puzzler:
Measured insertion loss of installed
multimode cable: @ 850: 1.5 dB, @1300: 13.0 dB
Cause: Instrument problems? Lots
of stress in the cable? Damage during installation?
Determined Problem: Severe bend radius violation as cable enters
building.
Stress always affects fiber loss
much more at longer wavelengths, so when test results like this
are seen, look for a stressed cable.
From FOA Board Member Eric R.
Pearson, CPC, CFOS
President, Pearson Technologies
Inc.
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- Fact Or Fiction?
- Are these comments from Australia
real or imaginary? Comments? Email to info@thefoa.org
- 1. A number of early railway
installations using the "loose tube" fibres experienced
problems due to the nature of the vibrations induced by passing
rail traffic. When laid adjacent to tracks used for separate
"up" and "down" lines, the vibration induced
by trains passing on only one direction forms a "travelling
wave" that tended to cause the fibre to creep along in the
tube, eventually leading to tensile loading and fracture.
- Maybe some of the newer gel-filled
cable types address this issue so that it is no longer a problem?
- 2. There is also plant in Western
Australia that likes to puncture optical fibre cables of a certain
size because it (mis-)identifies them as roots of other plants
and it wants to get at the water... This caused a number of failures
of telephone cables until a different type of cable sheath was
used that was "obviously" not a root.
-
 New
Hampshire College Holds First FOA FTTx Certification Class
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- Dave Miller, CFOS/I, Professor
at New Hampshire Community
Technical College at Pease (the ex Air Force Base) recently
held the first FOA FTTx certification class and his students
became the first FOA CFxT techs. Congratulations to all involved,
especially Dave, a dynamic instructor along the lines of "Mr.
Wizard" who amazed and amused all his fellow students while
attending the first FOA Instructor Certification Course in 2002
with his fabulous classroom demos.
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- The FOA is providing schools
with material for their FTTx curriculum, since the 3rd Edition
of The Fiber Optic Technicians Manual contains only a
brief mention of FTTx, as it has developed, no exploded, in the
last year. The CFxT exam has now been reveiwed by many instructors
and vendros and has been tested by Dave Miller's students. The
exam passed with flying colors, so we at the FOA consider our
CFxT program officially launched.
-
- Watch for more schools offering
this program this fall.
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Special Offers On Equipment,
FTTx Background Materials and T-Shirts From Mississauga Training
Consultants
FOA T-Shirts: Mediun, Large and
Extra Large only. And all are white and 9oz cotton.
400 X microscopes and at a discounted price of 140.00 US while
supplies last.
The FTTX text by Mississauga Training is complete and ready for
sale. It is about 100 pages with lots of pictures.
VISA and MCard accepted.
If you are looking for an odd item for your show and tel in your
class let me know. I probably have it and can help you.
We can give a quantity discount to FOA approved schools
William Graham, CFOS
Mississauga Training Consultants
6117 Clover Ridge Crescent
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, L5N 7B2
<http://www.fiberoptictraining.com>
e-mail: <mailto:mrfiber@canada.com>mrfiber@canada.com
Tel: 905-785-8012
-
 FOA Textbook published
in Spanish
- The FOA's textbook, The
Fiber Optic Technicians Manual, is used by our approved
schools around the world to teach fiber optics.
- Now we have our textbook in
Spanish, we have also translated our CFOT exams and will have
other FOA materials available in Spanish soon, greatly facilitating
the training of fiber optic technicians in Spanish-speaking countries.
- Contact us if you need more
information.
-
- Book Details: Manual Del
Technico De Fibra Optica, Published by Thomson Delmar Learning,
ISBN 1-4180-6121-2
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- If you are getting started
in fiber optics and Spanish is your native language, you can
download an introduction to fiber optics in Spanish here.
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- NEW-FOA Technical Bulletins
- How do you design and manufacture
fiber optic systems? Choose and install one to serve your communications
needs? Troubleshoot problems? The FOA Fiber Optic technical Bulletins
will provide step-by-step guidelines to help you. All are
PDF files you can print and use.
- Designing
and manufacturing fiber optic communications products for manufacturers.
- Choosing,
installing and using fiber optic producst for users.
- Troubleshooting
fiber optic cable plants and communcations systems.
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- Job
Openings
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- Verizon: Fiber Network Field
Technician (Outside Field Technician)
- Openings in the following California
areas:
US-CA-Malibu
US-CA-Camarillo
US-CA-Pomona
US-CA-Hemet
US-CA-Huntington Beach
US-CA-Indio
US-CA-Rancho Cucamonga
US-CA-Lakewood
US-CA-Menifee
US-CA-Redondo Beach
US-CA-Santa Monica
US-CA-Victorville
US-CA-San Bernadino
Take your career to new heights at a company that's a leader
in global communications: Verizon. We offer an unparalleled opportunity
to advance your career while contributing in an enthusiastic,
team-oriented environment.
- Primary duties include, but
are not limited to:
- Install, remove, rearrange,
program, test, troubleshoot and maintain fiber network services.
Install and configure routers, set top boxes. May assist
with installation of PC software as needed and ensure proper
configuration of the customer's PC. Interact with the Fiber
Solution Center as needed. May install appropriate inside
wire/cable.
Install, maintain and repair outside and inside fiber equipment/facilities
including inside wiring and fiber jumpers at the distribution
hub.
Interface with customer to negotiate the placement of equipment;
may assist with account registration, e-mail, and web access,
and training the customer on how to use the new equipment. Ensure
customer satisfaction. Respond to inquiries and provide
follow-up, as necessary.
Interpret schematic work order drawings to determine job specifications
and installation needs. Order and/or obtain required equipment.
Effect problem solving where appropriate.
Utilize various test equipment to analyze equipment trouble and
take appropriate maintenance action.
- Skills/Requirements:
- Requires high level of customer
contact to ensure customer satisfaction.
Climbing poles and ladders; lifting 75-100 pounds on a regular
basis; pushing, reaching, bending and stooping; manual dexterity;
good sense of balance; and good color vision.
Must have a current/valid California Drivers License and a clean
driving record.
Qualified candidates must pass all company required tests, a
pre-employment drug screen and a background check. In addition,
candidates will be required to successfully pass a legally required
DOJ Criminal Records Check/screening process (fingerprinting).
Candidates must be able to work any shift given, including days,
weekends, holidays and overtime as required.
- Verizon offers:
- Hourly rate for this position
is $12.87-28.55. Wage credit may be granted for related
work experience and/or college degree.
Benefits include medical, dental, life insurance, 401(k) with
Company match and paid vacation
- interested candidates should
go to www.verizon.com/careers
to apply AND schedule themselves for testing.
- Thank you for showing an
interest in Verizon!
Verizon is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer supporting
workforce diversity. m/f/d/v. Principals only!
-
- Get Into The Movie Biz!
Marshall Media in the LA Metro
area is building a fiber network to connect movie studios over
dark fiber. They need fiber optic experts preferably with video
knowledge. Contact Charlie Marshall, Marshall Media Inc, 818-299-4961,
"charlie marshall" <marshallmedia@charter.net>
FIBER OPTIC INSTRUCTOR OPPORTUNITIES!
UIT United Information
Technologies
United Information Technologies
(UIT) is a provider of Consulting, Staffing and Training Services
specializing in servicing the needs of the Telecommunications
Industry. We were established in 1987 and now hold major contracts
with most of the leading Telecom companies. We have open instructor
positions every month!
We are looking for candidates
with industry experience and we understand and appreciate the
value you can bring to our company!
Our training services include
Instructing, Curriculum Development, Testing and Project Management
in the fast paced world of fiber optics and POTS. Instructors
are needed for all facets of FTTX deployment and maintenance.
Assignments vary from daily, weekly and monthly, travel may be
required.
Consultants are needed for the
following positions:
Training Instructors (Outside Plant, Central Office, Data Services
/ Broadband, Fiber Optics, Video, Help Desk, Call Center, Sales,
Management Education, Soft Skills)
Curriculum Developers (all areas of Development and Telecom
Expertise)
Web Designers
Network and Engineering Specialists
Service Center Personnel (Billing, Provisioning and Service
Bureau)
System and Application Testers
Quality Assurance Specialists
And more if you don't see your area of expertise, understand
we are still interested in you!
UIT offers competitive wages
and benefits.
ARE YOU READY TO JOIN THE
UIT TEAM?
Contact UIT today for your opportunity!
Resumes can be submitted via our company website: www.uitonline.com
or directly using the email address of: staffing.services@uitonline.com
Please reference Fiber
Optic Association on your application or correspondence
- Fiber Optic Sales Jobs
Have a need for 3
sales Directors with international experience and in-depth knowledge
of the Optical Fiber / Fiber Optic Cable Industry. This company
is looking for individuals to achieve a significant multiple
in terms of volume and profit growth. This is an urgent need
with lots of opportunity within this large international corporation.I
RESPOND DIRECTLY TO al@bratlandcareers.com
Al Bratland ð President
Bratland & Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 63 St. James MN. 56081
Phone: 507-375-4110 ð Email: al@bratlandcareers.com
Web:http://www.bratlandcareers.com
A Preferred Member of Top Echelon
Network of Recruiters
Photonics Sales
Axsun currently has an opening for a Senior Sales Executive in
our corporate headquarters, located in Billerica, Massachusetts.
Brief Company Overview
At Axsun, we've redefined light based technology with a bold
new approach to instrument and optical-component design. A leading
supplier of optical monitors to the telecommunications industry,
Axsun Technologies is applying its expertise in micro-optics
and precision manufacturing to pioneer completely new, miniaturized,
high performance analytical instruments.
Please visit our website at <<http://www.axsun.com>>
for more detail:
Julie Cincotti
Human Resources Generalist
Axsun Technologies
1 Fortune Drive
Billerica, MA 01821
978-439-3498
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- Instructor
- National Communications Training
Centers (NCTC) is currently looking to hire an evening instructor.
The candidate must have 2 plus years experience with HANDS ON
fiber installation and be FOA certified. The class hours are
6pm to 10 pm Monday through Thursday for 6 weeks.
- National Communications Training
Centers (NCTC) is now nationally accredited by ACCSCT as well
as graduates receive BICSI credits upon completion of the course.
- Please fax (only) a resume to
760-471-0291.
- Dan Postoskie
- Director of Training
- National Communications Training
Centers
- 1324 E. Mission Rd.
- San Marcos, CA, 92069
-
-
-
- Also Check Recent Job Openings
In Previous Issues of The FOA Newsletter
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- Tech Puzzler
- What connector is this? We're
going to run a few months of having you try to identify fiber
optic connectors, some common, some obscure. Recognize this one?
It's still used in some process control and military applications.
Why are there two versions?
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- Answer below
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- Understanding FOA Certifications
- To answer questions on FOA certifications,
we've created several new web pages:
- Overview
of FOA certifications
- CFOT
- CFxT
- AFOT
- CFOS
- Training
Requirements - What Schools Are Teaching
-
- Reading these will help you
understand what each FOA certification covers and how to prepare
for them.
-
- New Professional Society
for Structured Cabling Recognizes Importance of Fiber Optics
(and Wireless)
- The new Structured Cabling Association,
Inc. (http://www.scausa.org/)
is a professional society aimed at installers of "structured
cabling" or premises cabling. Structured cabling has been
focused on so-called "Cat 5" or UTP cabling for years,
while network speeds have left UTP behind. Now most backbones
for LANs are fiber optics and every network seems to have wireless.
The SCA, founded in part by FOA activists Tom Collins and Jim
Hayes, intends to make structured cabling training and certification
more relevant to today's world.
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 New: FOA Logo Merchandise
- FOA has arranged with EmbroidMe
to provide FOA logo merchandies. Identify yourself as a FOA-certified
tech or instructor. The lab coats are super impressive for either
cabling techs and instructors. Check
out the selection.
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- FOA CFOT Renewals Get Free
Copy of NECA/FOA Installation Standard
- Every CFOT renewal will now
receive a free copy of NECA 301-2004,
Installing And Testing Fiber Optic Cables, produced by
The FOA in cooperation with NECA (The National Electrical Contractors
Association). This is an important reference document for defining
the installation and testing of fiber optic cable plants in a
"neat and workmanlike manner."
- The FOA feels this is such an
important document that we are giving a free copy (normally priced
at $15) to every active CFOT when they renew their active status.
- The FOA has also sent free copies
to all FOA-Approved schools. The new FOA CFOT exam to be used
after August, 2005, will include questions from the standard.
Schools should be including information from the standard in
their classes already.
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New Tech
Topics
- FOA Tech Bulletins - for those designing FO communications
products or installing cable plants.
- How do you design and manufacture
fiber optic systems? Choose and install one to serve your communications
needs? Troubleshoot problems? The FOA Fiber Optic Technical
Bulletins will provide step-by-step guidelines to help you.
All are PDF files you can print and use.
- Designing
and manufacturing fiber optic communications products for manufacturers.
- Choosing,
installing and using fiber optic products for users.
- Troubleshooting
fiber optic cable plants and communcations systems.
Does
Glass "Flow"? Is it really a liquid?
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
on General Topics and Testing
Fiber Or Copper? Making decisions,
overview and LANs
What
Happens When You Mate Mismatched MM Fibers?
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- New PowerPoint Presentation
Introduces Fiber Optics - in English or Spanish!
- The FOA has created a short
PowerPoint presentation that introduces you to fiber optics and
talks about job opportunities in the field. It was intended for
instructors to introdcue studnets to the field, but it's a good
introduction for anyone. It's about 3 meg file so it takes a
while to download and you need PowerPoint to view it. See http://www.thefoa.org/ppt/
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- FOA Certification Top Choice
The FOA CFOT and CFOS programs continue to gain momentum in fiber
optics. Over 18,000 CFOTs have been certified by over 160 schools
as the FOA completed its 10th year. Since our founding in July,
1995, we have dedicated ourselves to promoting fiber optics and
professionalism in fiber optics personnel, focusing on education
and certification. We are continuing to add new schools and more
CFOTs as users of fiber optics learn that a CFOT is the indication
of a professional, well-trained fiber optic technician. Now with
FTTH (fiber to the home) finally taking off, demand for CFOTs
is rising and schools are responding by expanding programs rapidly.
- The FOA now has approved programs
at 160+ organizations, welcoming new additions like the Joint
Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the International Brotherhood
of Electrical Workers, Corning
Cable Systems and AFL
for their installation training programs and NASA's Goldstone
Tracking Station. The complete list of FOA-Approved schools is
at http://www.thefoa.org/foa_aprv.htm.
Your Name, CFOT - It pays
to advertise!
The FOA encourages CFOTs to use
the logo on their business cards, letterhead, truck or van, etc.
and provides logo
files on this site for that purpose. But we are also asked
about how to use the CFOT or CFOS certifications. Easy, you can
refer to yourself as "Your Name, CFOT" or "Your
Name, CFOS/T" for example.
Feel free to use the logo and
designations to promote your achievements and professionalism!
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