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From: ms6b+@andrew.cmu.edu (Marvin Sirbu)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Re: Fiber Optics and ESS??
Message-ID: <2109@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 12 Dec 89 07:41:15 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 9, Issue 570, message 4 of 8

You are right that most of the gee whiz services BellSouth talks about
are a function of the switch, not of the type of wire to the home.

On the other hand, there are about 20 fiber to the home trials
underway in various parts of the U.S.  Several combine voice and video
delivery, some voice only.  Bellsouth has been a leader in undertaking
such trials, but every RHC has one underway.  Don't hold your breath
waiting for generalized availability.  The majority of trials involve
new subdivisions where they had to go install new wiring anyway.
Replacement of existing copper to the home with fiber is a decade (at
least) away.

Marvin Sirbu
Carnegie Mellon University