Award Winners of FTTH Council Awards Announced.

WASHINGTON -- Today the Fiber-to-the-Home Council announced the 2005 recipients for its annual awards. For three years, the Council has celebrated the outstanding contributions of individuals in the industry who have promoted, educated or accelerated fiber to the home (FTTH) and its resulting quality of life enhancements. Award winners will be celebrated at the FTTH Conference and Expo taking place in Las Vegas from October 4 - 6, 2005.

The Fiber-to-the-Home Council is a non-profit organization established in 2001 to educate the public on the opportunities and benefits of fiber to the home solutions.

"This year's recipients are exceptional examples of vision and leadership in the promotion and advancement of fiber to the home," stated Leonard Ray, FTTH Council President. "We salute our colleagues for their accomplishment and support of the industry."

President's Award - Mayor-President, Joey Durel, Lafayette City-Parish, Louisiana

The President's Award is given at the sole discretion of the FTTH Council President and singles out an individual or company that has shown tremendous effort to promote, educate and accelerate fiber to the home.

Mayor Joey Durel was chosen for his unwavering effort to overcome legal issues in the deployment of fiber to his community in Lafayette, Louisiana. Faced with the challenge of battling a national incumbent carrier, Mayor Durel successfully fought major political and financial obstacles with determination and focus. His commitment resulted in a public campaign and subsequent referendum in which the citizens voted in support of the Lafayette Fiber to the Home Project. Mayor Durel is a keynote speaker at the 2005 FTTH Annual Conference & Expo.

Star Award - Mayor Graham Richard, Fort Wayne, Indiana 

Voted by the FTTH Board of Governors, the Star Award is given to a person, community or company that has gone above and beyond what it is expected in the promotion of deployment of fiber to the home.

When Mayor Graham Richard learned that Verizon was planning to introduce a fiber to the home deployment in his region, he did not want Fort Wayne to be left behind. Instead, he approached Verizon and convinced them of the mutual benefit of working together. Fort Wayne subsequently received a FTTP overbuild and Mayor Richard has recently unveiled an economic revitalization plan around the Verizon deployment. Additionally, the Mayor has been an outspoken advocate of the economic benefits of FTTH before key decision makers in Washington, DC.

Photon Award - Mr. Patrick Sims, Senior System Project Engineer, ADC 

The Photon Award is given to a FTTH Council member who, through their volunteer contribution, has demonstrated a high level of dedication to the organization and to the industry through their activities.

Patrick Sims, an industry consultant to both equipment manufacturers and service providers alike, was instrumental in the initial formation of the FTTH Council in 2001. Since that time he has volunteered in many capacities and was chosen this year for his work as Chair of the 2005 conference planning committee. As conference chair, Sims has displayed extraordinary dedication, time and commitment to ensure the success of this year's conference. The FTTH Council thanks Patrick Sims for the excellent example of volunteerism that he sets for colleagues and others involved in the FTTH effort.

About the Fiber-to-the-Home Council

The Fiber-to-the-Home Council is a non-profit organization established in 2001 to educate the public on the opportunities and benefits of the fiber to the home solutions. FTTH Council members represent all areas of broadband industries including telecommunications, computing, networking, system integration, engineering and content-provider companies, as well as traditional telecommunications service providers, utilities and municipalities. Communities and organizations interested in exploring FTTH options can find information on the FTTH Council web site at http://www.ftthcouncil.org or by emailing [e-mail].

About FTTH Conference & Expo 2005

The FTTH Conference & Expo 2005 is the only gathering of its kind dedicated to the advancement and deployment of fiber to the home and will offer 55 conference sessions covering international and business issues, Fiber 101, plant engineering and technology. Panel discussions and case studies are an important feature of the program. The exhibition will showcase a full range of technologies and services from 145 exhibitors. A pre-conference training program offering accredited continuing education courses will take place prior to the conference on October 2nd. Visit www.ftthconference.com for more information.