April 25, 2006 Corning, NY -- Corning and Lightwave magazine announced that they will present the third annual FTTXcellence Award on October 4 at the 2006 FTTH Conference in Las Vegas. The award honors an individual for his or her contributions to the deployment of optical access networks in North America.
"The FTTXcellence Award has recognized two outstanding and deserving winners in the past two years, and we expect the same quality of nominations for the third annual award," comments Larry Aiello, president and CEO of Corning Cable Systems. "As the leader in passive solutions for FTTX, it is fitting that Corning recognizes those individuals contributing to the success of FTTX."
"Optical technology clearly is the way to go when it comes to providing broadband services to the home," adds Stephen Hardy, editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave. "We're pleased to be working with Corning to recognize the individuals who have grasped this fact and are putting it into practice."
To be eligible to win the award, candidates must be nominated by a peer. Nominees may include individuals at carriers, home developers, utilities, municipalities, or other organizations that have launched a FTTX project; individuals at vendors or research organizations whose work has benefited FTTX technology development; politicians or other policymakers who have made a significant impact in the regulatory or legal arena; and other deserving individuals.
George Bell of Verizon was the winner of the 2004 FTTXcellence Award. In his nomination form, Bell was praised for his leadership and spirit to deploy innovative solutions that make FTTX a reality. James Hettrick with the City of Loma Linda, California, received last year's award. As director of information systems for the city, Hettrick led Loma Linda to become the first city in America to pass an ordinance requiring FTTH and structured-wiring infrastructure in all new home and business developments.
Nominations are accepted online at www.lightwaveonline.com and must be received by August 15, 2006. A panel of judges from Corning and Lightwave will select the winner from the submitted nominations. In addition to an awards ceremony at the FTTH Conference, the winner will be honored with a donation in his or her name to a charitable organization. The winner will also receive an award of Steuben glass, crafted by the world-renowned glass artists of the Steuben Glass studios in Corning, New York, and will be profiled in an issue of Lightwave magazine.
Questions about the award or the nomination process may be addressed to [email protected]<.a>.