FTTH Industry Awards, Policy Discussion Close Out "FTTH Week 2011"

(ORLANDO, FL) - The 2011 Fiber to the Home Conference & Expo concluded today with an award ceremony recognizing FTTH industry achievers and a broadband policy discussion highlighting the importance of all-fiber networks to economic recovery and growth.

Attendance at North America's largest FTTH trade show was strong despite the lagging recovery, while traffic was brisk in the sold-out exhibit hall over the three days it was open.  Many of the learning sessions were standing room only, and attendance was also high at co-located events that preceded the conference on Monday and Tuesday, including the Certified FTTH Professional (CFHP) training course and the Digital Home Summit.

 "All the activity and interest at this year's show was a clear indication that our communities are looking to the fiber to the home industry - and specifically to the applications and services that all-fiber networks make possible - to help them and their citizens compete in the 21st century global economy," said Kyle Hollifiled of BVU Authority, the conference chairman.

The FTTH Council announced that the 2012 FTTH Conference & Expo will be held in Dallas, Texas from September 23 to 27 at the Hilton Anatole.

At the closing general session today, he conference heard an "armchair discussion" led by the FTTH Council's Washington Counsel, Tom Cohen of Kelley, Drye & Warren LLP.  Participants included Blair Levin of the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program, who led the FCC's effort to develop the National Broadband Plan and is currently leading Gig U., an initiative to bring superfast broadband connectivity to communities where America's leading research universities are located.  Also participating in the discussion were Rick Whitt, Director of Telecom and Media Policy at Google, and Michael Romano, Senior Vice President of Policy at NTCA.

The FTTH Council also presented its industry awards: 

The Chairman's Award - Google

The Chairman's award, given at the discretion of the Chairman of the FTTH Council Board of Directors, singles out an individual or company that has shown tremendous effort to promote, educate or accelerate fiber.  This year, Google was the one company that has done more than any other organization in pointing out the critical importance of all-fiber networks to community leaders and citizens across the country, and to get them active in promoting the value of fiber for their future.  More than 1,100 communities applied to participate in Google's gigabit FTTH pilot project.  And today, people in the Kansas City area are anticipating the rollout of a next-generation, superfast network that is holding great promise for economic development.  Rick Whitt, Google's Director of Telecom and Media Policy, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

The Photon Award - John George, Director, Systems and Applications Engineering, OFS

The Photon Award recognizes an FTTH Council member or members who, through their volunteer contribution, have demonstrated a high level of dedication to the organization and contribution to the industry.  Given the enormous importance of member volunteerism to the smooth operation of the FTTH Council and the success of the industry's annual conference, there are some volunteers who stand head and shoulders above the rest with regard to the contributions of time and energy that they make.  For several years, John George has headed up the organization of the learning program at the annual FTTH Conference & Expo - all the track sessions, industry panels and white papers.  It is an enormous amount of work.  It takes a lot of skill and commitment of time.  And John George has been there for the industry, every year, making the commitment, doing the work, and leading the conference to great success.

The Star Award - Legend Conference Planning

The Star Award recognizes a person, community or company that has gone above and beyond what is expected in the advancement of fiber to the home.  This year's award recognizes the important contributions of Legend Conference Planning - which for seven years has operated the FTTH Council secretariat and has organized the annual FTTH Conference & Expo - to the success of the FTTH Council's industry promotion efforts.  Indeed, the Council relies heavily, day after day, on Legend's ongoing contributions of knowledge, ideas, strategic direction and leadership.  When the final chapter is written on the enormous success and advancement of fiber to the home in the 21st century, it will include the important role played by Legend Conference Planning.  Accepting the award was the company's President and CEO, Laura Chajkowski, CMP CMM.

About the Fiber-to-the-Home Council 

Now in its tenth year, the Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council is a non-profit association consisting of companies and organizations that deliver video, Internet and/or voice services over high-bandwidth, next-generation, direct fiber optic connections - as well as those involved in planning and building FTTH networks.  The Council works to create a cohesive group to share knowledge and build industry consensus on key issues surrounding fiber to the home. Its mission is to educate the public and government officials about FTTH solutions and to promote and accelerate deployment of fiber to the home and the resulting quality of life enhancements such networks make possible.  The Council organizes North America's largest annual FTTH event, the FTTH Conference & Expo, which will be held September 23 - 27, 2012 in Dallas, Texas.   More information about the Council can be found at www.ftthcouncil.org.

Media Contact:

David St. John

Media Relations

FTTH Council

315.849.3800

media@ftthcouncil.org