Lake Oswego, Ore.- In a move that will help consumers and homeowners clarify their broadband access capabilities, the Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council has launched a network certification effort which will enable consumers to identify and confirm 100% fiber optic broadband connections to their homes.

"State-of-the-art broadband networks are having a quantifiable positive impact on the competitiveness and economic development of communities across America," stated Joe Savage, president of the FTTH Council. "Many networks claim to be fiber optic networks but only a fiber-to-the-home network delivers fiber performance to the consumer and the community," Savage said. "It is time to clear that up."

"Having an all-optical access path means that consumers have today's best capabilities for high speed data download, high-definition entertainment options such as video on demand, TV on demand and online gaming. Consumers are also future-proofed for next-generation super-definition movies and emerging mega applications," Savage said.

"FTTH networks also benefit local communities by enabling improved work-from-home, supporting telemedicine capabilities and providing a tool for job training and distance education."

As part of the Fiber-Connected Home certification program, service providers whose access installations meet the FTTH Council standard will be certified and licensed to deploy a Fiber-Connected Home badge to their subscribers, signifying a 100% fiber connection to the home. Verizon has signed on as the first to receive service provider network certification.

"Broadband access is complex and some network operators who have fiber somewhere in their networks claim that their access networks deliver the performance of all-optical-fiber access, but they don't. The Council's network certification program will help consumers to confirm that their optical fiber broadband access extends all the way to the side of the home," Savage added. "Bottom line: The benefits of fiber access end where the fiber ends."

According to Diane Kruse, Chairperson the FTTH Council Board of Directors, the FTTH Council Certification program is one aspect of the Council's efforts to educate consumers about the benefits of Fiber-to-the-Home. "The Council is working with a broad spectrum of telecommunications service providers, home builders and network operators involved in the delivery of fiber-to-the-home networks to bring the Fiber-Connected Home Badge program to communities across the United States," said Kruse.

To learn more, go to www.ftthcouncil.org/  and www.ftthconference.com.

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