JANUARY 29, 2008 -- Prysmian Cables & Systems (search for Prysmian) has secured a new contract to supply the first phase of a fiber-to-the-home (search for FTTH) network in the southwestern German town of Schwerte (Westhofen).
The project will initially link around 1,800 households. By 2012, the entire town of 50,000 inhabitants will be connected with ultra-high-speed broadband via optical fiber. The cable system is being installed by local contractor, Volker Schulte Elektrotechnik GmbH, and the end customer will be utility company Stadtwerke Schwerte GmbH.
Prysmian says the project--based on its Sirocco blown fiber technology, whereby optical fibers are blown into pre-installed tubes to create the fiber network--is typical of many such FTTH schemes in Western Europe where the majority of activity is undertaken by utility companies, local authorities, and independent operators ahead of the major incumbent telecom providers.
"The Prysmian Sirocco system is ideal for this type of project, allowing fast initial installation together with the ability to grow the network over time on a highly cost- effective basis," explains Jürgen Schäfer, project manager for Volker Schulte Elektrotechnik. "There is a very high fiber density in these last mile connections, and the Sirocco system is able to both manage this and provide the necessary flexibility for future updates."
At press time, the initial phase of the project is due to start before the end of January with the next phase scheduled for July 2008.
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