February 26, 2007 - Utilizing environmentally friendly, fluorine-free manufacturing process, CasaLight(TM) Optical Fiber is designed in accordance with ITU-T Recommendation G.657 and maintains performance at bend radius as low as 10 mm. It offers extended lifetime in environments where variations in temperature and moisture level together with tight bends are likely.

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Prysmian Cables & Systems
700 Industrial Dr.
Lexington, SC, 29072, USA

Milan, February 6th, 2007 - Prysmian Cables & Systems announces CasaLight(TM), its new 'Bend Insensitive' optical fibre in accordance with ITU-T Recommendation G.657.

With the current rapid growth in Broadband services and the corresponding need to upgrade 'last mile' telecoms infrastructures, there is a growing trend to take the optical fibre in these networks closer and closer to the end user. This transition towards the ultimate goal of FTTH (Fibre to the home) means that the optical fibres are likely to encounter greater levels of handling and will be subjected to more extreme degrees of bending than previously experienced.

The recently issued ITU-T Recommendation G.657 entitled "Characteristics of a Bending Loss Insensitive Single Mode optical Fibre and Cable for the Access Network" defines the new and tougher performance requirements now demanded by these applications. CasaLight(TM) meets all of these requirements and in particular:

- maintains its performance at bend radius as low as 10mm thus exceeding the limits of G.657A

- maintains compatibility with standard equipment, connectors and fibre in accordance with ITU-T Recommendation G.652

- demonstrates improved mechanical reliability, increasing lifetime in environments where variations in temperature and moisture level together with tight bends are likely

- demonstrates best-in-class performance towards 'high power' effects which can result in coating burns and glass fusion in certain amplified systems under severe bend conditions.

- utilizes an environmentally friendly, fluorine-free manufacturing process as in all Prysmian fibres

Prysmian continues to maintain its position as a world leader in optical fibre technology. The addition of CasaLight(TM) to its portfolio will further strengthen that position.

PRYSMIAN

The Prysmian group is one of the world's leaders in the energy and telecommunication cables industry with a strong market position in higher added value market segments.
Organised in two business units - Energy Cables & Systems (submarine and terrestrial cables for electricity transmission and distribution) and Telecom Cables & Systems (optical fibres and cables and copper telecom cables for video, data and voice transmission) the Prysmian Group has a global presence with 54 plants and more than 12,000 employees located in 20 countries.

Specialising in the development of products and systems designed on the basis of the client's specific requirements, Prysmian's main competitive strengths include its focus on research and development, ability to innovate its products and production processes and the use of its own advanced proprietary technologies.

For further information:

Marketing Department

Richard Thomas

tel +39 02 6449 7939

email: richard.thomas@prysmian.com

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