April 1, 2004 Northboro, MA -- Fiber Optic Network Solutions (FONS) Corp., provider of passive fiber connectivity products, today announced that its Central Office (CO) and Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) wall/rack mount enclosures have been accepted by Rural Utilities Services (RUS) for use on telecommunications systems of RUS borrowers. Through the RUS Broadband Loan Program--a program designed to increase the rate of deployment of broadband to rural communities--FONS will have the opportunity to contribute to the expansion of rural economic development by providing connectivity solutions in support of nationwide broadband and Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) build-outs.
During 2003, RUS made $1.4 billion in loans and loan guarantees to provide for the deployment of FTTP and broadband services in rural communities. According to the company, product solutions enable the delivery of advanced technologies over fiber-based networks that are essential to foster economic growth for these communities.
"FONS is fully committed to the RUS certification process," asserts Michael J. Noonan, president and CEO of FONS. "We are dedicated to bringing the best-in-class products to the RUS community through-out America, including the Independent Operating Companies (IOC), municipalities and rural telephone companies, in support of the ever-changing requirements and growing demands for advanced communication from the home."