Alcatel today announced an OEM agreement with fSONA Communications, provider of next-generation Free Space Optics (FSO) solutions, to introduce FSO subsystems into Alcatel's high capacity wireless systems.
Alcatel's high-capacity urban wireless systems are being integrated with FSO technology to transmit large amounts of data through the air at high speeds. Thanks to its compact size and low-power consumption, the Alcatel FSO high capacity product reduces operational costs, as well as enables a rapid and license-free installation with fast investment payback, claim company representatives. Furthermore, its ability to interwork with Alcatel's microwave radio systems and fiber-based SDH/SONET products allows operators to protect their previous investments and to take advantage of both microwave and FSO technologies in their networks.
"This OEM agreement with a major telecommunications player like Alcatel is very exciting for fSONA and confirms our commitment to design simple free space optics products that can be incorporated into many different types of networks with ease," explains Theresa Carbonneau, president and chief executive officer of fSONA.
fSONA also announced today an additional $9.5 million in financing, bringing the company's total raised in 2002 to $19.5 million. A private group of current and new investors provided the most recent funding, which followed on the heels of a $10-million investment from the Government of Canada's Technology Partnerships Canada Program. Prior to the 2002 funding, fSONA had received $32 Million in venture capital.