June 7, 2006 Hickory, NC, and Rolling Meadows, IL -- Corning Cable Systems and Charles Industries have established a strategic relationship to provide Telcordia and RDUP-accepted (formerly RUS) fiber pedestal solutions. As a result of this collaboration, Charles will provide its pedestal products, while Corning will continue to offer its fiber connectivity solutions within the unit.

Charles fiber pedestals are optimized for use with Corning Cable Systems fiber management, including OptiSheath Advantage Terminals. The two companies also will work together on current and future pedestal designs to ensure the fiber management is optimized to support Corning fiber terminals. Customers will be able to purchase the pedestals through both Corning Cable Systems and Charles.

"With Charles' industry-leading pedestal design capabilities and Corning's industry-leading fiber management knowledge, this relationship is a win-win for carriers using fiber pedestals in their networks," contends Dr. Bernhard Deutsch, director of marketing and market development for Corning Cable Systems public networks.

"Charles' and Corning's complementary roles in this strategic relationship provide the industry the best combination of product performance, range of application, customer service and overall value for OSP fiber pedestal solutions," adds Dick Hood, vice president of Charles Industries' outside plant business unit.