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FTTH News
The Fiber Optic Association
Holds "Fiber To The Home Summit" in Los Angeles
The Fiber Optic Association,
Inc. (The FOA) hosted a "Fiber To The Home" Summit
Meeting on January 18, 2007 in Los Angeles at LA Trade Technical
College. Over 60 representatives of telephone companies, municipalities,
equipment suppliers, contractors and schools gathered to discuss
the critical need for trained workers if the ambitious plans
for FTTH deployment in Southern California were to be realized.
FTTx (the term used for all types of fiber to the home/premises/curb)
has become a big market for contractors and installers in Southern
California. New subdivisions are being fibered, towns are creating
municipal fiber networks and older established neighborhoods
are being rebuilt for FTTx. All this is creating an enormous
need for trained and certified workers.
The FOA, in its role as the professional society of fiber optics,
had been asked by telcos like Verizon and local contractors to
assist them in finding trained and certified personnel to make
these plans a reality. The FOA invited a diverse group of interested
people, including Verizon, Corning, OFS, town technology managers,
local schools and contractors to a FTTx Summit in LA. The summit
meeting focused on what knowledge and skills were needed by FTTx
installers and how the schools could train and certify students
for these jobs.
Folllowing the FTTx Summit, there were presentations on FTTx
Technology by Corning and OFS, a review of telco plans, job opportunities
and requirements by Verizon and presentations on training programs
and financial options for contractors. (Left: Jim Hayes, FOA
President, moderates a discussion on training installers. To
his right are 3 contractors, to his left, Verizon representatives.)
Some highlights of the presentations
at the sessions included:
- FTTx installation in new residential construction differs substantially
from overlay construction in older neighborhoods.
- Preterminated cabling is being used to simplify many installations,
but where traditional installation is required, new tools like
smaller, inexpensive splicers and dedicated test equipment has
been successfully deployed.
- Two types of technicians will be needed for FTTx installations.
Techs with traditional fiber optic skills (cable installation,
splicing, termination and testing) will be needed to install
the distribution network. Techs doing home installation will
need fiber optic skills plus knowledge of the installation and
testing of telephones, computers and TVs to install and test
the services delivered to the home over fiber.
- In the Western US, there are needs for over 1,250 fiber optic
technicians, working for both telcos and contractors on FTTx
projects.
- FTTx projects are creating a need for more education for consumers
and home builders on the needs for residential cabling infrastructure
to support the advanced services delivered by FTTx networks.
(RIght: Mark Turner of Corning talking about FTTx technology
and markets.)
Verizon (Keith Melanson, right)
shared their needs for training FTTx Installation Techs:
-Fiber optic certification (Splicing, cleaning, etc.)
-Home Networking skills/Routers (Wireless and Wired)
-Computer Literacy (Installing software and changing internet
settings)
-Experience working with all copper wiring. (CAT 5, Telephone,
Coax)
-Experience with Fiber test meters. (Light Readings and basic
OTDR skills)
-Testing meters for Telephone (Ohm meters, tone generators, etc.)
-Testing meters for T.V. (Ability to check for proper db levels
to provide a clear picture)
Corning and OFS Optics presented
their views of FTTx technology, with some highlights:
-The architecture of FTTx must allow for initial distribution
cabling installation but random installation to the user, to
allow for random nature of subscriber sign-ups.
- Passive optical networks (PONs) dominate, but coupler placement
in COs, pedestals or even in aerial closures are used according
to the distrbution of homes.
- While the distribution part of the network uses traditional
fiber technology (ribbon fiber and fusion splicing), short drops
to the home are often preterminated assemblies. In medium length
drops, the cable may be preterminated at the one end and spliced
on the other.
- Dry water-blocked cables are being used to reduce cable preparation
time during installation, a major time savings.
- Cable designs that allow tighter bends are needed for FTTx
drops.
- Management capabilities and self-testing at the home terminal
reduce installation and test time, as well as costs.
- More FTTx Summits Coming
- Boston in the Spring? - Instructor Training For Instructors
at FOA-Approved Schools
- The success of the first FOA
FTTx Summit has led to requests to hold similar meetings around
the US where FTTx is being implemented. In addition, instructors
at the FOA-Approved schools have requested a special instructor
training program to assist them in starting FTTx training programs
and offering the FOA CFxT FTTx Certification. Plans for these
meetings are being finalized by The FOA now.
FOA's CFxT FTTx Certification Program
Explained
- Read the Broadband Properties article
about the FOA FTTx certification program.
-
- Want To Learn More About
FTTx?
- The FOA has created a special
FTTx links page with lots of
links to news, market reports, technical articles and vendor
technical and product information. Here
is a great place to start learning more about FTTx.
- Verizon Expanding FiOS, Hiring
Fiber Techs in Many California Towns
-
- Verizon is promoting FiOS aggressively
and expanding FiOS installations. The photo was shot in Santa
Monica, CA over Thanksgiving weekend.
-
- See Broadband
Properties for their report on Verizon expansion.
-
- Verizon is looking for fiber
techs in more than a dozen communities in Southern California.
Besides fiber skills, they also would like other networking and
PC skills, to complete installations. See
below for more details. And
you can apply online.
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- Finance Group Targets FTTx
Contractors, Helping Their Cash Flow
Riviera Finance has been helping
companies with their cash flow for more than 37 years. Now they
are helping FTTx contractors by providing financial assistance
with cash flow, invoice financing, and accounts receiveable management.
Riviera Finance will help you get cash for your accounts receivable
in as little as 24 hours. Call Drake: (800) 421-1327 www.rivierafinance-fiberoptics.com
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- Job
Openings
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- Verizon: Fiber Network Field
Technician (Outside Field Technician)
- Openings in the following California
areas:
US-CA-Malibu
US-CA-Camarillo
US-CA-Pomona
US-CA-Hemet
US-CA-Huntington Beach
US-CA-Indio
US-CA-Rancho Cucamonga
US-CA-Lakewood
US-CA-Menifee
US-CA-Redondo Beach
US-CA-Santa Monica
US-CA-Victorville
US-CA-San Bernadino
Take your career to new heights at a company that's a leader
in global communications: Verizon. We offer an unparalleled opportunity
to advance your career while contributing in an enthusiastic,
team-oriented environment.
- Primary duties include, but
are not limited to:
- Install, remove, rearrange,
program, test, troubleshoot and maintain fiber network services.
Install and configure routers, set top boxes. May assist
with installation of PC software as needed and ensure proper
configuration of the customer's PC. Interact with the Fiber
Solution Center as needed. May install appropriate inside
wire/cable.
Install, maintain and repair outside and inside fiber equipment/facilities
including inside wiring and fiber jumpers at the distribution
hub.
Interface with customer to negotiate the placement of equipment;
may assist with account registration, e-mail, and web access,
and training the customer on how to use the new equipment. Ensure
customer satisfaction. Respond to inquiries and provide
follow-up, as necessary.
Interpret schematic work order drawings to determine job specifications
and installation needs. Order and/or obtain required equipment.
Effect problem solving where appropriate.
Utilize various test equipment to analyze equipment trouble and
take appropriate maintenance action.
- Skills/Requirements:
- Requires high level of customer
contact to ensure customer satisfaction.
Climbing poles and ladders; lifting 75-100 pounds on a regular
basis; pushing, reaching, bending and stooping; manual dexterity;
good sense of balance; and good color vision.
Must have a current/valid California Drivers License and a clean
driving record.
Qualified candidates must pass all company required tests, a
pre-employment drug screen and a background check. In addition,
candidates will be required to successfully pass a legally required
DOJ Criminal Records Check/screening process (fingerprinting).
Candidates must be able to work any shift given, including days,
weekends, holidays and overtime as required.
- Verizon offers:
- Hourly rate for this position
is $12.87-28.55. Wage credit may be granted for related
work experience and/or college degree.
Benefits include medical, dental, life insurance, 401(k) with
Company match and paid vacation
- interested candidates should
go to https://www22.verizon.com/about/careers/fiberjobs.html
to apply AND schedule themselves for testing.
- Thank you for showing an
interest in Verizon!
Verizon is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer supporting
workforce diversity. m/f/d/v. Principals only!
-
- Get Into The Movie Biz!
Marshall Media in the LA Metro
area is building a fiber network to connect movie studios over
dark fiber. They need fiber optic experts preferably with video
knowledge. Contact Charlie Marshall, Marshall Media Inc, 818-299-4961,
"charlie marshall" <marshallmedia@charter.net>
FIBER OPTIC INSTRUCTOR OPPORTUNITIES!
UIT United Information
Technologies
United Information Technologies
(UIT) is a provider of Consulting, Staffing and Training Services
specializing in servicing the needs of the Telecommunications
Industry. We were established in 1987 and now hold major contracts
with most of the leading Telecom companies. We have open instructor
positions every month!
We are looking for candidates
with industry experience and we understand and appreciate the
value you can bring to our company!
Our training services include
Instructing, Curriculum Development, Testing and Project Management
in the fast paced world of fiber optics and POTS. Instructors
are needed for all facets of FTTX deployment and maintenance.
Assignments vary from daily, weekly and monthly, travel may be
required.
Consultants are needed for the
following positions:
Training Instructors (Outside Plant, Central Office, Data Services
/ Broadband, Fiber Optics, Video, Help Desk, Call Center, Sales,
Management Education, Soft Skills)
Curriculum Developers (all areas of Development and Telecom Expertise)
Web Designers
Network and Engineering Specialists
Service Center Personnel (Billing, Provisioning and Service Bureau)
System and Application Testers
Quality Assurance Specialists
And more if you don't see your area of expertise, understand
we are still interested in you!
UIT offers competitive wages
and benefits.
ARE YOU READY TO JOIN THE
UIT TEAM?
Contact UIT today for your opportunity!
Resumes can be submitted via our company website: www.uitonline.com
or directly using the email address of: staffing.services@uitonline.com
Please reference Fiber
Optic Association on your application or correspondence
Fiber Optic Technician
- This is a direct hire position
in Irvine CA
To perform this job successfully, an individual must have knowledge
of
G.O. 128, OSHA rules and company safety regulations.
1 year fiber optic experience.
1-2 years maintenance technician experience.
Good verbal and communication skills.
Good mathematical skills and attention to detail.
Must possess thorough knowledge of the following; fiber optic
and CATV
test equipment: fusion splicer, OTDR, optical power meter, fiber
identifier, signal meter, fiber phones and VOM. Must possess
a valid
California driver's license and have a good driving record.
Ability to work under hazardous conditions, such as working at
heights
on telephone poles and bucket trucks.
Must have good visual acuity and good manual dexterity due to
the nature
of the work.
Ability to tolerate exposure to outside weather conditions. Ability
to
engineer fiber optic telephony and cable television design.
Ability to effectively under stressful deadline situations.
Ability to work flexible schedules and shifts on a regular basis.
Ability to perform standby duty on a regular rotational basis.
Ability to effectively interact with people in all phases of
projects.
- Thank you once again
- Zarine Omran
Sr. Technical Recruiter
WEST-TEK
949-727-9133
111 Pacifica Ste 220
Irvine, CA 92618
SENIOR PROCESS ENGINEER
Product: Specialty Optical Fiber
This is an excellent and solid
company with a twenty-plus year history that is a leader in the
design and implementation of specialty fiber optic fiber and
assemblies.They have a global reach and a reputation for quality
that is unmatched in the industry... They are looking for a dynamic
Sr. Process Engineer to assist in designing, developing, and
improving the implementation of manufacturing procedures and
facilities. There is tremendous growth opportunity with this
company.
Responsibilities:
- Develop written S.O.P.s used in the manufacturing and testing
of specialty optical fibers, including metalized fibers.
- Design and implement improvements to all production processes
and assume responsibility for the technical guidance on all production
operations.
- Recommend fixture design and/or equipment purchases.
- Formulate and implement Statistical Process control (SPC) capability.
- Formulate training procedures and maintain written records
for operator status and progress, Train personnel in S.O.P.s,
use of related production equipment and in fiber manufacturing
techniques.
- Maintain and repair equipment. Establish and maintain preventative
maintenance and calibration schedules.
- Provide liaison and support, as necessary, to production in
the research and development of new fibers and fiber products.
- Prepare for full scale production capabilities, based on new/revised
production specs.
- Operate fiber drawing towers, assist in testing, as necessary.
*** THIS IS A HIGHLY SPECIALIZED
INDUSTRY AND WE STRONGLY PREFER APPLICANTS WITH PROVEN EXPERTISE
IN THE MANUFACTURE OF OPTICAL FIBER.***
However, the company is willing
to look at a more junior process engineer who would have the
opportunity to grow into an advanced position with them.
RESPOND DIRECTLY TO al@bratlandcareers.com
Al Bratland ð President
Bratland & Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 63 St. James MN. 56081
Phone: 507-375-4110 ð Email: al@bratlandcareers.com
Web:http://www.bratlandcareers.com
A Preferred Member of Top Echelon
Network of Recruiters
Optical Fiber UV Coating Consultant
/ Scientist
MinoTech Engineering has an immediate need for a recognized expert
in the field of UV curable coatings for high speed application
to optical fibers. The preferred candidate must meet the
following requirements:
o
Optical Fiber Coating Formulation expert, able to develop new
primary and secondary coatings or reformulate existing coatings
to address technical needs.
o
Experienced in the formulation of fiber optic coatings suitable
for high speed application (1,500m/min 1,800 m/min line
speed).
o
Familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of commercial
fiber optic coatings available from the major suppliers and able
to relate coating performance to formulation.
o
Experienced in all aspects of primary and secondary coating specification
and testing including: Density, Refractive Index, Gel Flow Time,
Surface Tension, Thermal Conductivity, Modulus, Tensile Strength,
Elongation, Tgel (Cure speed), Tg, Glass Peel, coefficient of
friction, Soxhlet Extractables, Water Absorption, Water Extractables,
Cure Shrinkage and others.
o
Has understanding of high speed fiber optics draw and the relationship
between draw conditions, coating specifications, coating die
design and technical problems relating coating specification
to draw speed, draw tension, attenuation and optical performance
including attenuation.
o
Familiar with all practical issues relating to coating handling
in the optical fiber manufacturing environment, including coating
storage and on-tower delivery systems to the coating die.
o
Knowledge and familiarity with common coating die designs.
o
Knowledge of coating handling and safety considerations.
o
Prospective candidates must exhibit excellent writing skills
and be able to communicate complex chemical concepts in easy
to understand language. Consultant must be highly motivated and
able to work independently.
o
An advanced technical degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Chemistry,
or Material Science, and with at least three years experience
in a development environment is required.
MinoTech Engineering™ Inc. provides Science and Engineering
consulting services to technology based firms in Medical &
Life Sciences, Fiber Optics & Photonics and Advanced Materials.
Our consultants assist companies to improve their competitiveness
by providing Product Development & Commercialization Consulting
Services addressing all facets of the 'Commercialization Cycle'.
MinoTech Engineering consultants work 'hands on' at clients facilities,
supporting company personnel to develop new products, improve
their manufacturing processes or address long term strategic
issues. More information is available at <http://www.minotechengineering.com/>www.minotechengineering.com
.
Apply:
Individuals interested in this consulting assignment should reply
by e-mail to <mailto:mjminot@minotecheng.com>mjminot@minotecheng.com
and send an electronic copy of their resume to my attention.
MinoTech Engineering consultants undergo our stringent quality
evaluation and must meet our high standards for demonstrated
expertise, work quality and ethics. Our consultants are bound
by confidentiality, non-disclosure, and non-compete contracts
which assure clients that their proprietary information will
be handled appropriately. When a client engages MinoTech Engineering,
they can be confident that project management and quality control
are always maintained at the highest levels.
Successful candidates will be assigned to projects based on their
experience, technical requirements and client needs. Candidates
should be able to dedicate a minimum of 15 20 hours per
week, working independently at client sites. Interested candidates
should reply to this posting no later than December 31, 2006.
This posting will close on December 31, 2006.
Dr. Michael J. Minot
MinoTech Engineering Inc.
%JRD Technology Center
242 Sturbridge Road
Charlton, MA 01507
NEW WEB: <http://minotecheng.com>http://minotecheng.com
NEW E-MAIL: <mailto:mjminot@minotecheng.com>mjminot@minotecheng.com
978-474-8034 (office)
978-475-4047 (fax)
978-852-4942 (cell)
-
- Instructor
- National Communications Training
Centers (NCTC) is currently looking to hire an evening instructor.
The candidate must have 2 plus years experience with HANDS ON
fiber installation and be FOA certified. The class hours are
6pm to 10 pm Monday through Thursday for 6 weeks.
- National Communications Training
Centers (NCTC) is now nationally accredited by ACCSCT as well
as graduates receive BICSI credits upon completion of the course.
- Please fax (only) a resume to
760-471-0291.
- Dan Postoskie
- Director of Training
- National Communications Training
Centers
- 1324 E. Mission Rd.
- San Marcos, CA, 92069
-
-
-
- Also Check Recent Job Openings
In Previous Issues of The FOA Newsletter
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- Tech Puzzler
- What connector is this? We're
going to run a few months of having you try to identify fiber
optic connectors, some common, some obscure. Recognize this one?
It's a duplex connector designed for the first fiber-specific
LAN.
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- Answer below
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- Understanding FOA Certifications
- To answer questions on FOA certifications,
we've created several new web pages:
- Overview
of FOA certifications
- CFOT
- CFxT
- AFOT
- CFOS
- Training
Requirements - What Schools Are Teaching
-
- Reading these will help you
understand what each FOA certification covers and how to prepare
for them.
-
- New Professional Society
for Structured Cabling Recognizes Importance of Fiber Optics
(and Wireless)
- The new Structured Cabling Association,
Inc. (http://www.scausa.org/)
is a professional society aimed at installers of "structured
cabling" or premises cabling. Structured cabling has been
focused on so-called "Cat 5" or UTP cabling for years,
while network speeds have left UTP behind. Now most backbones
for LANs are fiber optics and every network seems to have wireless.
The SCA, founded in part by FOA activists Tom Collins and Jim
Hayes, intends to make structured cabling training and certification
more relevant to today's world.
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 New: FOA Logo Merchandise
- FOA has arranged with EmbroidMe
to provide FOA logo merchandies. Identify yourself as a FOA-certified
tech or instructor. The lab coats are super impressive for either
cabling techs and instructors. Check
out the selection.
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- FOA CFOT Renewals Get Free
Copy of NECA/FOA Installation Standard
- Every CFOT renewal will now
receive a free copy of NECA 301-2004,
Installing And Testing Fiber Optic Cables, produced by
The FOA in cooperation with NECA (The National Electrical Contractors
Association). This is an important reference document for defining
the installation and testing of fiber optic cable plants in a
"neat and workmanlike manner."
- The FOA feels this is such an
important document that we are giving a free copy (normally priced
at $15) to every active CFOT when they renew their active status.
- The FOA has also sent free copies
to all FOA-Approved schools. The new FOA CFOT exam to be used
after August, 2005, will include questions from the standard.
Schools should be including information from the standard in
their classes already.
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New Tech
Topics
- FOA Tech Bulletins - for those designing FO communications
products or installing cable plants.
- How do you design and manufacture
fiber optic systems? Choose and install one to serve your communications
needs? Troubleshoot problems? The FOA Fiber Optic Technical
Bulletins will provide step-by-step guidelines to help you.
All are PDF files you can print and use.
- Designing
and manufacturing fiber optic communications products for manufacturers.
- Choosing,
installing and using fiber optic products for users.
- Troubleshooting
fiber optic cable plants and communcations systems.
Does
Glass "Flow"? Is it really a liquid?
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
on General Topics and Testing
Fiber Or Copper? Making decisions,
overview and LANs
What
Happens When You Mate Mismatched MM Fibers?
-
- New PowerPoint Presentation
Introduces Fiber Optics - in English or Spanish!
- The FOA has created a short
PowerPoint presentation that introduces you to fiber optics and
talks about job opportunities in the field. It was intended for
instructors to introdcue studnets to the field, but it's a good
introduction for anyone. It's about 3 meg file so it takes a
while to download and you need PowerPoint to view it. See http://www.thefoa.org/ppt/
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- FOA Certification Top Choice
The FOA CFOT and CFOS programs continue to gain momentum in fiber
optics. Over 20,000 CFOTs have been certified by over 160 schools
as the FOA enters its 12th year. Since our founding in July,
1995, we have dedicated ourselves to promoting fiber optics and
professionalism in fiber optics personnel, focusing on education
and certification. We are continuing to add new schools and more
CFOTs as users of fiber optics learn that a CFOT is the indication
of a professional, well-trained fiber optic technician. Now with
FTTH (fiber to the home) finally taking off, demand for CFOTs
is rising and schools are responding by expanding programs rapidly.
- The FOA now has approved programs
at 160+ organizations, welcoming new additions like the Joint
Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the International Brotherhood
of Electrical Workers, Corning
Cable Systems and AFL
for their installation training programs and NASA's Goldstone
Tracking Station. The complete list of FOA-Approved schools is
at http://www.thefoa.org/foa_aprv.htm.
Your Name, CFOT - It pays
to advertise!
The FOA encourages CFOTs to use
the logo on their business cards, letterhead, truck or van, etc.
and provides logo
files on this site for that purpose. But we are also asked
about how to use the CFOT or CFOS certifications. Easy, you can
refer to yourself as "Your Name, CFOT" or "Your
Name, CFOS/T" for example.
Feel free to use the logo and
designations to promote your achievements and professionalism!
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FOA Textbooks published
in Spanish
