AT&T construction and engineering exec wins 2014 FTTXcellence Award

Gary Kerr, assistant vice president of construction and engineering for AT&T’s Southwest region, received the 11th Annual FTTXcellence Award during the opening general session of the FTTH Council America’s FTTH Conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Kerr was cited for his role in AT&T’s decision to offer 1-Gbps services using fiber to the home (FTTH).

Co-sponsored by Corning Inc. (NYSE:GLW) and Lightwave, the FTTXcellence Award recognizes individuals who have significantly advanced the use of optical communications technology in access networks in the Americas.

AT&T recently announced its intention to deliver its 1-Gbps U-verse with GigaPower services in a number of markets, beginning with Austin and Dallas (see "AT&T to launch 1-Gbps FTTH in Austin" and "AT&T releases list of potential new 1-Gbps FTTH markets"). The carrier previously had deployed FTTH technology on a limited basis in greenfield applications. However, Kerr was credited in his nomination with recognizing the potential of FTTH in brownfield applications and helping to shape the business case for the 1-Gbps deployments.

“Technological advancements are making FTTH more cost competitive with copper deployments,” said Kerr. “That same technology also makes fiber faster and easier to install, resulting in faster turn-up and revenue generation.”

Robert Whitman, vice president of market Development for Corning’s Carrier Networks, presented Kerr with the award. Kerr received a decorative glass piece from the Corning Museum of Glass as a memento. A donation of $5000 in Kerr’s name was made to US Ignite as well. The non-profit US Ignite is a public-private partnership dedicated to making the U.S. the world leader in applications and services for ultra-fast, software-defined networks.

“As we witness a new wave of FTTH interest and deployment, it’s an exciting time to be part of this industry,” said Whitman. “We are proud to recognize Gary as an FTTH visionary who has championed FTTH deployment in brownfield communities for AT&T. Not only will these communities have access to gigabit speed broadband but the resulting socioeconomic benefits will provide long lasting returns. On behalf of everyone at Corning, I congratulate Gary on this honor.”

For more information on FTTx equipment and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.

Want to learn more about FTTx innovation? Attend the Lightwave Optical Innovation Summit
The Lightwave Optical Innovation Summit will feature panels and presentations that will illuminate where optical innovation is required in carrier and enterprise/data center networks, what it should look like, and when it might appear. A wide range of experts from the user, technology development, academic, and analyst communities will offer their views on innovation in a variety of areas, including FTTx. Find out more about the Summit, which will be held in Austin, TX, July 14-16, at the Lightwave Optical Innovation Summit website.