Michel Parent of Bell Canada receives 2012 FTTXcellence Award

Lauded in his nomination as “the ‘fiber guru’ and resident expert on any fiber related inquires and issues” within Bell Canada’s Outside Plant Technology Research (OTR) group, Michel Parent received the 2012 FTTXcellence Award at the FTTH Conference in Dallas, TX, September 26. The award, co-sponsored by Corning and Lightwave, recognizes an individual who has significantly assisted in the expanded use of optical communications in North American access networks.

Kim Hartwell, senior vice president, carrier networks and customer experience for Corning Cable Systems, and Lightwave Editorial Director and Associate Publisher Stephen Hardy announced Parent as winner of the ninth annual FTTXcellence Award during the closing session of the FTTH Conference, presented by the FTTH Council Americas. In addition to awarding Parent a plaque and a custom, hand-blown glass vase designed by Corning, NY, artist G. Brian, a check for $5,000 in Parent’s name was presented to One Economy Corp. One Economy is a non-profit organization dedicated to using technology to connect underserved communities around the world.

In presenting Parent with this year’s award, Blackwell praised his work at Bell Canada. “While those of us here today agree that FTTH is the future, we must continue to grow the deployment of tomorrow’s broadband today. The future is indeed now,” she said. “This growth can only be completed with the help of innovative pioneers who have a vision to champion new technologies. Our 2012 recipient is such a champion.”

Parent has worked at the Bell Canada’s technology lab for 26 years. He has been instrumental in Bell Canada’s deployment of FTTH technology as a driver in standardizing new products for each phase of Bell’s FTTH roll out. He also has been actively involved in field trials, evaluation of new products, and the creation of network design and installation practices.

Bell Canada operates a GPON-based FTTH network using equipment from Alcatel-Lucent. The network supports the carrier’s popular Bell Fibe TV and Fibe Internet services. Bell Canada has invested more than CAN$225 to roll out FTTH in Quebec City, the centerpiece of its FTTH efforts in Quebec. The network supports downstream rates of 175 Mbps.

Parent was selected from among a slate of nominees offered by members of the North American FTTH community. Representatives from Corning Cable Systems and Lightwave worked alongside FTTH Council Americas President Heather Burnett Gold in evaluating the nominees and determining the 2012 FTTXcellence Award recipient.