Abstract

The first field trials for the use of optical fibers in the distribution area of the public telecommunication network started in the early Eighties in several countries, in particular, Europe.¹ At present, a few countries are implementing the first large commercial networks, while several others are planning a large scale introduction In the Nineties; the Commission of European Communities is studying the possibility of starting a cooperative R&D program to stimulate the community-wide introduction of “integrated broadband communication" (IBC).² International standardization bodies, In particular. CCITT, are actively engaged in the study of these applications.

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