ADC will supply Powercor Australia with fiber equipment in each of 33 sites along its fiber-optic ring to Ballarat and Bendigo.

Powercor Australia, a power supplier serving the Western regions of Victoria, is constructing a fiber-optic network that will connect Powercor's electricity substations and offices in western Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and Shepparton with its head office in central Melbourne. With the new network in place, the company intends to offer voice and data services in addition to serving as the region's power supplier. ADC's fiber cable management equipment will serve as the foundation of this new carrier-grade network.

ADC will provide Powercor with fiber cable management equipment including its OMX600 optical distribution frames and its FiberGuide fiber raceway system. These solutions will enable Powercor to link up its SDH network while saving floor space and providing flexibility within the network, claim ADC representatives.

ADC's OMX600 is a high density, modular, front access optical distribution frame. It terminates and splices up to 576 fibers in a compact 600mm x 300mm footprint. Patented angled adapter/retainers and cable management design protect cables and connectors while ensuring correct bend radii. The modular frame can be configured to include enhanced signal management functions such as splitters, couplers, and wavelength division multiplexers.

ADC's FiberGuide fiber raceway system provides routing paths and optimal cable management to organize and protect vital fiber cables. The system is designed to assure that the correct bend radius is maintained regardless of which components and sections are assembled. Its ultra-strong straight sections are self-supporting over a span of up to two meters. Various width sizes are available.

Powercor Australia owns and operates the biggest electrical distribution network in Victoria, covering more than half of the State of Victoria, including major industrial areas and growth areas in western Melbourne and seven of Victoria's eight largest provincial centers. Fore more information, visit the company's Web site at www.powercor.com.au.

ADC, the Broadband Company, (Minneapolis, MN) provides network equipment, fiber optics, software, and systems integration services that enable communications service providers to deliver high-speed Internet, data, video, and voice services to consumers and businesses worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.adc.com.