Spartanburg, South Carolina - June 11, 2009
On June 11, AFL Telecommunications presented a $60,000 check for its annual United Way campaign to Kathy Dunleavy, President and CEO of United Way of the Piedmont. This year’s contribution is an increase of 45% over the 2008 campaign.
“With the downturn in the economy, we didn’t set high expectations and were hoping to maintain last year’s giving or give slightly higher,” said Corie Culp, community relations manager of AFL Telecommunications. “But at a time when our community needs us the most, our associates really stepped up to the plate to give back.” Employee giving increased 47% over the 2008 campaign.
AFL kicked off its campaign with a corporate contribution of $5,000 and two challenges – AFL matched, dollar for dollar, all monies donated over last year’s employee contributions; and teams were set up with various goals to attain, earning associates an additional vacation day. AFL ambassadors were recruited internally to answer questions and talk with other associates about United Way and their mission, as well as encourage associates to donate, making them aware of the different goals. AFL held an Agency Fair in early May where various agencies from both Spartanburg and Greenville where invited set up a display and talk with associates about what they do, what their needs are and how they can help. And lastly, AFL hosted a company carnival where associates competed for prizes and bragging rights with a Rock Star Wii competition, basketball hoops competition, putting green, horseshoes and adult trike races.
“When we plan our events, we want to accomplish two things – inform associates about United Way and community agencies and generate excitement about what they do that helps our community prosper,” said Sherise Brown, Human Resources Director. “We’re pleased to support United Way each year and we thank our employees for helping to make this year’s campaign a monumental success.”
About AFL Telecommunications
AFL Telecommunications, a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan, is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. AFL Telecommunications is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina and has additional operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Omni Hotels Selects AFL Network Services for Wireless Integration
Spartanburg, South Carolina - May 27, 2009
AFL Network Services, an industry leader in hospitality technology integration and wireless engineering, announces they were selected for the wireless integration of the Omni Hotels commencing in 2009. The integration began with the Omni Fort Worth, the city's newest and largest hotel, which celebrated its grand opening January 12, 2009, followed by the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale. BelAir Networks, a market leader in service provider WLAN, was selected for Wi-Fi deployments.
Omni Hotels was the first luxury hotel brand in the US to offer Wi-Fi system-wide with access in guest rooms and public spaces in 2003. Because Omni Hotels owns and manages the majority of their properties, technology support is centralized and standardized across the brand enabling rapid deployment and installation of new technology applications across the company. With a primary customer focus on upscale business and leisure travelers, Omni Hotels has experienced increased Internet use both in terms of the number of users as well as their bandwidth demands. This trend is driven by the growing number of Wi-Fi applications and mobile-enabled devices that guests use when they travel. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), in its study "2008 Current and Future Technology Use in the Hospitality Industry", identified Wi-Fi services as the "IT system that guests care about most." The importance of Wi-Fi to hotel guests in driving the hospitality industry's evolution to higher performance 802.11n based networks.
"With nearly 50 percent of our guests using Wi-Fi and their bandwidth demands continuing to accelerate, we sought a high-performance network partner which could ensure we continue to serve our customers' needs on a 'go-forward basis'," said Richard Tudgay, vice president of information technology for Omni Hotels. "BelAir Networks comprehensive portfolio of indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi networking products enables us to deliver high-capacity, ubiquitous coverage that is cost-effective and easy for us to manage centrally."
Installed and serviced by AFL Network Services, driven by the powerful, feature-rich BelAirOS operating system software, and managed by BelView, BelAir Networks offers the industry's most comprehensive product portfolio of indoor access points (AP) and outdoor wireless nodes supporting both Wi-Fi and WiMAX as well as public safety, defense and intelligent transportation system (ITS) frequency bands. At the Omni Fort Worth, AFL Network Services deployed 77 BelAir20 APs. These best-in-class, ultra-compact and easily powered dual-radio, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi indoor APs employ hosted software-based control enabling centralized management and lowering network CapEx by about 30%. Configurable as a wired AP, a mesh point or a bridge from outside, the BelAir20 AP supports both wireless and wired backhaul.
"AFL Network Services' job is really to complement Omni Hotel's in-house IT team by providing design, installation and technical support on both the wireless network and the structured cabling so we have a huge stake in the success of their network," said Kent Brown, vice president of AFL Network Services' Enterprise Division. "We've worked with BelAir Networks on many hospitality and campus deployments, and the feedback from customers and end users is always extremely positive."
AFL Network Services' mission is to provide advanced hospitality technology and network management services using high-performance and very reliable Wi-Fi equipment. Partnering with BelAir, AFL is able to provide outstanding quality to drive guest satisfaction and quality.
"Omni Hotels has been a real innovator in providing Wi-Fi services so we're very proud to support the evolution of their Wi-Fi networks," said Bernard Herscovich, President and CEO, BelAir Networks. "Our experience with hospitality, telecom and cable operators has enabled us to craft a product portfolio that delivers high-performance, cost-effective Wi-Fi coverage that's easy to manage."
About AFL Network Services
AFL Network Services is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With 35 field offices in the U.S. and over 1300 employees, AFL provides telecommunications installation, maintenance and system integration services in the enterprise, wireline and wireless markets. For additional information on products and services offered by AFL Network Services and its affiliates visit www.AFLNetworkServices.com.
About BelAir Networks
BelAir Networks is the technology and market leader delivering the industry's highest performance mobile broadband networking solutions for video, voice and data applications. Supporting the latest industry standards in the Wi-Fi, WiMAX, 4.9 GHz, 5.9 GHz and 4.4 GHz spectrum bands, BelAir Networks solutions are built on a patented modular architecture enabling multiple frequencies on a single network. BelAir Networks indoor and outdoor broadband wireless solutions deploy quickly, blending into the physical environment and integrating easily with existing infrastructure. Founded in 2001, BelAir Networks is a privately held company backed by investment from leading venture capital firms including Comcast Interactive Capital, T-Mobile Venture Fund and Trilogy Equity Partners. For more information about BelAir Networks products and customers, visit www.belairnetworks.com.
About Omni Hotels
Omni Hotels creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at 43 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company's "Power of One" associate empowerment program. To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1.800.THE.OMNI.
AFL Network Services, an industry leader in hospitality technology integration and wireless engineering, announces they were selected for the wireless integration of the Omni Hotels commencing in 2009. The integration began with the Omni Fort Worth, the city's newest and largest hotel, which celebrated its grand opening January 12, 2009, followed by the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale. BelAir Networks, a market leader in service provider WLAN, was selected for Wi-Fi deployments.
Omni Hotels was the first luxury hotel brand in the US to offer Wi-Fi system-wide with access in guest rooms and public spaces in 2003. Because Omni Hotels owns and manages the majority of their properties, technology support is centralized and standardized across the brand enabling rapid deployment and installation of new technology applications across the company. With a primary customer focus on upscale business and leisure travelers, Omni Hotels has experienced increased Internet use both in terms of the number of users as well as their bandwidth demands. This trend is driven by the growing number of Wi-Fi applications and mobile-enabled devices that guests use when they travel. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), in its study "2008 Current and Future Technology Use in the Hospitality Industry", identified Wi-Fi services as the "IT system that guests care about most." The importance of Wi-Fi to hotel guests in driving the hospitality industry's evolution to higher performance 802.11n based networks.
"With nearly 50 percent of our guests using Wi-Fi and their bandwidth demands continuing to accelerate, we sought a high-performance network partner which could ensure we continue to serve our customers' needs on a 'go-forward basis'," said Richard Tudgay, vice president of information technology for Omni Hotels. "BelAir Networks comprehensive portfolio of indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi networking products enables us to deliver high-capacity, ubiquitous coverage that is cost-effective and easy for us to manage centrally."
Installed and serviced by AFL Network Services, driven by the powerful, feature-rich BelAirOS operating system software, and managed by BelView, BelAir Networks offers the industry's most comprehensive product portfolio of indoor access points (AP) and outdoor wireless nodes supporting both Wi-Fi and WiMAX as well as public safety, defense and intelligent transportation system (ITS) frequency bands. At the Omni Fort Worth, AFL Network Services deployed 77 BelAir20 APs. These best-in-class, ultra-compact and easily powered dual-radio, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi indoor APs employ hosted software-based control enabling centralized management and lowering network CapEx by about 30%. Configurable as a wired AP, a mesh point or a bridge from outside, the BelAir20 AP supports both wireless and wired backhaul.
"AFL Network Services' job is really to complement Omni Hotel's in-house IT team by providing design, installation and technical support on both the wireless network and the structured cabling so we have a huge stake in the success of their network," said Kent Brown, vice president of AFL Network Services' Enterprise Division. "We've worked with BelAir Networks on many hospitality and campus deployments, and the feedback from customers and end users is always extremely positive."
AFL Network Services' mission is to provide advanced hospitality technology and network management services using high-performance and very reliable Wi-Fi equipment. Partnering with BelAir, AFL is able to provide outstanding quality to drive guest satisfaction and quality.
"Omni Hotels has been a real innovator in providing Wi-Fi services so we're very proud to support the evolution of their Wi-Fi networks," said Bernard Herscovich, President and CEO, BelAir Networks. "Our experience with hospitality, telecom and cable operators has enabled us to craft a product portfolio that delivers high-performance, cost-effective Wi-Fi coverage that's easy to manage."
About AFL Network Services
AFL Network Services is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With 35 field offices in the U.S. and over 1300 employees, AFL provides telecommunications installation, maintenance and system integration services in the enterprise, wireline and wireless markets. For additional information on products and services offered by AFL Network Services and its affiliates visit www.AFLNetworkServices.com.
About BelAir Networks
BelAir Networks is the technology and market leader delivering the industry's highest performance mobile broadband networking solutions for video, voice and data applications. Supporting the latest industry standards in the Wi-Fi, WiMAX, 4.9 GHz, 5.9 GHz and 4.4 GHz spectrum bands, BelAir Networks solutions are built on a patented modular architecture enabling multiple frequencies on a single network. BelAir Networks indoor and outdoor broadband wireless solutions deploy quickly, blending into the physical environment and integrating easily with existing infrastructure. Founded in 2001, BelAir Networks is a privately held company backed by investment from leading venture capital firms including Comcast Interactive Capital, T-Mobile Venture Fund and Trilogy Equity Partners. For more information about BelAir Networks products and customers, visit www.belairnetworks.com.
About Omni Hotels
Omni Hotels creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at 43 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company's "Power of One" associate empowerment program. To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1.800.THE.OMNI.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
AFL Expands FuseConnect™ Line to Include LC Connector
Spartanburg, South Carolina - May 20, 2009
Uniquely designed and featuring just four components, AFL's FuseConnect fusion-splice field terminated connectors are now available in LC for 900µm and 2mm cable. With a factory pre-polished end-face, the connector's innovative field-termination process eliminates the need for polishing, adhesives and crimping in the field. The FuseConnect utilizes a fusion splicer to terminate the connector, addressing return loss concerns present in analog optical networks. Designed to work with a 10mm cleave length and splicers utilizing a fiber holder system, FuseConnect is compatible not only with Fujikura's fusion splicers, but also with other industry-available, fiber holder-based fusion splicing platforms.
Formerly available in SC only, the FuseConnect LC product is now available in single-mode and multimode fiber: 62.55µm, 50µm, and 50µm 10 GIG (OM3). The 900µm FuseConnect LC is designed to work with the standard heater embedded in a Fujikura fusion splicer or an external heater, similar to the FuseConnect SC. The FuseConnect LC is designed to meet or exceed TIA/EIA 568C.3 and TIA/EIA-604-10A (FOCIS 10) requirements.
For additional information, visit www.AFLtele.com.
About AFL Telecommunications
AFL Telecommunications, a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan, is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. AFL Telecommunications is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina and has additional operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K.
Uniquely designed and featuring just four components, AFL's FuseConnect fusion-splice field terminated connectors are now available in LC for 900µm and 2mm cable. With a factory pre-polished end-face, the connector's innovative field-termination process eliminates the need for polishing, adhesives and crimping in the field. The FuseConnect utilizes a fusion splicer to terminate the connector, addressing return loss concerns present in analog optical networks. Designed to work with a 10mm cleave length and splicers utilizing a fiber holder system, FuseConnect is compatible not only with Fujikura's fusion splicers, but also with other industry-available, fiber holder-based fusion splicing platforms.
Formerly available in SC only, the FuseConnect LC product is now available in single-mode and multimode fiber: 62.55µm, 50µm, and 50µm 10 GIG (OM3). The 900µm FuseConnect LC is designed to work with the standard heater embedded in a Fujikura fusion splicer or an external heater, similar to the FuseConnect SC. The FuseConnect LC is designed to meet or exceed TIA/EIA 568C.3 and TIA/EIA-604-10A (FOCIS 10) requirements.
For additional information, visit www.AFLtele.com.
About AFL Telecommunications
AFL Telecommunications, a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan, is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. AFL Telecommunications is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina and has additional operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Carolina First Center for Excellence Receives Fujikura Foundation Grant
$5,250 Grant Supports Program ExpansionSpartanburg, South Carolina - May 6, 2009
AFL Telecommunications announces that the Carolina First Center for Excellence, operating under the Greenville Chamber Foundation, is the recipient of a $5,250 Fujikura Foundation grant in support of growth and expansion efforts. The grant spans a one-year time frame.
"Dedication to the future of our workforce is evident in with the Carolina First Center for Excellence," said Corie Culp, Community Relations Manager for AFL Telecommunications. "They have taken on a large endeavor to work through our education system to benefit the future of our community, helping to produce a highly qualified workforce essential to the success of the Upstate. We’re pleased to have the opportunity to support their mission and know that what the Center for Excellence provides will have a lasting impact on our future leaders."
The Fujikura Foundation grant is supporting expansion and growth of the program. CFCE’s goal is to grow into more schools every year, and their goal for the 2009 – 2010 school year is to grow into four to six new partner schools, a program growth of 11% to 14%.
"The recent 'Salute to Quality' event held at the Greenville Chamber demonstrated the results and excitement about the difference that quality practices has made in our schools – both for students and teachers," said Michele Brinn, Vice President of Workforce Development and Education. "More than 20 schools showcased their work. Positive changes are occurring within our schools thanks to the continued support of the Fujikura Foundation."
The mission of the Carolina First Center for Excellence is to serve as the provider of exemplary training, coaching and related services in continuous quality improvement, including Baldrige principles and practices to schools, district and other educations organization. The Center presently serves thirty schools affecting more than 15,000 students. For additional information, visit http://www.greenvillechamber.org/.
For additional information on AFL Telecommunications and the Fujikura Foundation, visit http://www.afltele.com/.
About AFL Telecommunications
AFL Telecommunications, a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan, is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. AFL Telecommunications is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina and has additional operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K.
About Fujikura Foundation
With a commitment to being an exemplary corporate citizen for the communities in which we operate, America Fujikura Ltd., parent company to AFL Telecommunications and AFL Network Services, has established a Foundation that focuses on four Areas of Opportunity supporting families, education, the environment and community partnerships. In keeping with both our current corporate strategies and principles, Fujikura Foundation is providing monetary contributions and volunteer opportunities so that we can give back to the communities who have made our existence possible. For additional information about the Fujikura Foundation, click here.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
AFL Telecommunications Acquires Draka’s OPGW Business
AFL Now #1 OPGW Manufacturer WorldwideSpartanburg, South Carolina - April 30, 2009
AFL Telecommunications has signed an agreement to purchase Draka’s Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) business based in Monchengladbach, Germany. This acquisition positions AFL Telecommunications as the leading OPGW manufacturer worldwide, increasing its reach in additional countries of Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
"The combined business synergies will enhance our technologies, increase manufacturing efficiencies and leverage the value of what we offer our customers," said Jody Gallagher, AFL Telecommunications' President and CEO. "Not only will our capacity increase, but it will enable us to enhance our capability and flexibility along with our ability to meet the increasing demands of our customers." AFL Telecommunications currently manufactures OPGW cables in the United States and United Kingdom.
Optical Ground Wire is a dual functioning cable that serves as ground wire for power lines, while providing a path for the transmission of voice, video or data signals by incorporating optical fibers into the design of the cable. OPGW is placed at the highest point on power utility structures, allowing for fast, cost-effective installations with exceptional reliability.
With over 20 years of experience in the aerial cable market, AFL supplies a full range of OPGW products, hardware accessories, engineering and installation services.
Terms of the acquisition are undisclosed, and are subject to customary closing conditions and standard procedures due to local legislation. For additional information on AFL Telecommunications, visit www.AFLtele.com.
About AFL Telecommunications
AFL Telecommunications, a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan, is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. AFL Telecommunications is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina and has additional operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Measurement QUADrupled!
AFL Announces the Noyes C-Series QUAD Testing Solution
Spartanburg, South Carolina - April 14, 2009
Spartanburg, South Carolina - April 14, 2009
AFL Telecommunications is launching the Noyes C-Series QUAD test solution, including a compact QUAD OTDR and QUAD Certification Test Kit with the capability to mix and match to suit your network testing needs.
The C850 QUAD OTDR is a compact, full-featured QUAD OTDR with integrated single-mode and multimode Optical Light Sources, Optical Power Meter, Visual Fault Locator, and a large transflective touch screen display suitable for both indoor and outdoor operation. The C850 offers built-in Certification Auto Test functionality which can be used with another C850 or the C840 QUAD Certifications tester.
The C840 QUAD Certification Tester includes both single-mode and multimode Optical Light Sources, an Optical Power Meter and Visual Fault Locator. This unit is designed to perform Auto Test Certification in pairs such as in the C880 and C860 kits below. Or use the tester alone as a traditional power meter or light source to measure fiber loss, or as a Visual Fault Locator to find fiber breaks.
The C880 QUAD Certification Test Kit combines two C840 Certification Testers designed for Tier 1 testing and troubleshooting both multimode and single-mode fiber links.
Each tester includes a single-mode and multimode Optical Light Source, an Optical Power Meter and an integrated Visual Light Source, which can be used independently or combine two C840’s to perform two fiber Certification Auto Tests.
For the ultimate Tier 1 and Tier 2 test solutions, AFL created the C860 QUAD OTDR and Certification Test Kit which includes a C840 and a C850. This kit allows the user to perform Tier 1 dual wavelength multimode or single-mode Certification Auto Tests of two fibers in both directions, measure both loss and length of the fibers, and compare the results to industry standards, applications and user-defined threshold values to certify the fibers. With single-mode and multimode capabilities, the C860 supports simultaneous dual or single wavelength OTDR testing, fault finding and Auto Test Certification. The C860 kit includes cleaning and test accessories making it a comprehensive solution for testing premise networks.
For additional information on the new C-Series and our entire line of test equipment, visit www.AFLtele.com.
About AFL Telecommunications
AFL Telecommunications, a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan, is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. AFL Telecommunications is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina and has additional operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
AFL Introduces the Noyes Pro Installer Kit
Clean, Inspect and Test – all with one kit!Spartanburg, South Carolina - April 9, 2009
AFL Telecommunications announces the Noyes Pro Installer Kit, an installation test kit complete with a wide selection of fiber optic testing, cleaning and inspection equipment, enabling technicians to verify the integrity of installed fiber networks. The kit consists of an OTDR with an integrated Visual Fault Locator, Optical Power Meter, Optical Light Source and fiber connector inspection scope as well as cleaning supplies and test accessories, all within a convenient, tough injection-molded ABS carrying case.
Single-mode or multimode ready, the installer kit is ideal for Tier 1 and Tier 2 testing of premises (building and campus) networks or certification and troubleshooting of FTTx PON networks. It also provides fast fault location, splice verification, and network documentation.
For additional information, visit CLICK HERE.
About AFL Telecommunications
AFL Telecommunications, a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan, is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. AFL Telecommunications is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina and has additional operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K.
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