Belgacom Selects Fujikura Fusion Splicer For Transition To Next Generation Network

Major deal extends Fujikura's European market leadership

17th September, 2007 - Fujikura Europe today announced a major contract extension with Belgian incumbent operator, Belgacom, for its fusion splicing products.  Through Belgium-based distributor, Crosswise, Fujikura will supply to Belgacom its market leading 50S fusion splicer and newly upgraded CT-30A cleaver.

Belgacom is continuing its transition from a copper network to an upgraded fibre optic network.  In order to reduce the number of optical connectors in the network, Belgacom is using fusion splicing in all distribution frames where connectors are not vital for fibre management.

"Fujikura is the market leader for fusion splicer sales in Europe and we believe we have the best product and the best service; this contract extension with Belgacom exemplifies that," said Fernando Terceiro, splicer business team leader at Fujikura Europe.  "For any operator looking to upgrade from copper to a fibre network, there is a need to guarantee quality, reliability and lifetimes.  It is for this reason that fusion splicing is rapidly becoming the most popular splicing method.
 
"In 2006, we sold 25% more fusion splicers than at the peak of the telecoms market, in 2000, and are now seeing a massive need for high-quality, usable splicers and splicing accessories as operators around Europe look to fibre as the means of delivering advanced services on their networks."

Today's deal is the latest in a series of significant fusion splicer contract wins for Fujikura across the region: the company boasts almost all of Europe's incumbent operators as customers and has, in the last year, signed similar deals with Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom Group.

Fujikura's fusion splicers range from the world's smallest and most portable fusion splicer - the SpliceMate - to heavy duty splicers designed for factory environments.  The splicers are compatible with all types of fibre, including polarization maintained, singlemode, multimode and ribbon fibre.  Fujikura has established a Europe-wide network of 30 distributors who are fully trained and able to provide customers with local support. 

The company's complete splicer portfolio is on display at the European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC) 2007 until 19 September at the Internationales Congress Centrum, Berlin.  Demonstrations will take place on the company's stand (#12015), and Fujikura products will be on show at the Opternus stand, (#12018), at the Light Brigade display, and the CTTS fusion splicing training area.

To arrange an interview with representatives of Fujikura Europe at ECOC 2007, please contact Howard Jones on howard@bcspr.co.uk, or call +44(0)7980 772 285.

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About Fujikura Europe Ltd
Fujikura is one of the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers of fibre optic technology and electronic components.  Established in 1885, and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company employs over 33,000 people worldwide.
 
The company specialises in the manufacture of fibre, cables, connectors, test and measurement equipment and splicing machines for a range of markets and applications, including telecommunications, datacoms, electronics, power transmission, medical, industrial and automotive.

With facilities in Japan, the USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Vietnam and Russia, the company has a global presence.  From its European headquarters in south west London, Fujikura provides sales, technical, training and after-sales servicing functions.  The company has a presence in 30 European countries and supplies many of the continent's major telecommunications vendors.

For further information, please visit www.fujikura.co.uk