    Text of Press Release for "Fiber Deployment Update -- End of
    Year 1990" -- released March 27, 1991 -- FCC mimeo # 12349



                   FCC RELEASES FIBER DEPLOYMENT ANALYSIS

    The FCC has released a  report entitled "Fiber Deployment Update
    - End of Year 1990."

    This  report  presents  fiber  deployment  data  and  associated
    information  on  interexchange  carriers,  regional Bell holding
    companies,  urban fiber  systems, and  non-Bell local  operating
    companies. The report includes limited  data and a discussion of
    deployment of fiber by electric  power companies and CATV firms.
    In addition,  the report reviews  the technology and  innovative
    approaches  for fiber  deployment in  the local  loop and in the
    long haul environment.

    Current estimates indicate that interexchange carriers increased
    their deployed fiber by about  12.5% during 1990. The local Bell
    operating companies'  deployed fiber grew by  about 31.7% during
    1990 and stood  at approximately 2.7 million fiber  miles at the
    end the year. This compares with a growth rate of about 28.3% in
    1989.  Total fiber  reported  by  all local  operating companies
    exceeded  3 million  fiber miles  in 1990.  Fifteen urban  fiber
    carriers  included in  the study  this year  have deployed about
    55,000 fiber miles of fiber as of the end of 1990. This compares
    with a total  of somewhat over 33,000 fiber  miles documented as
    of the end of 1989.

    Included in the study are data on fiber rings, fiber-to-the-curb
    systems,  fiber trials  and investment,  as well  as a reference
    list  for  individuals  wishing   to  pursue  aspects  of  fiber
    deployment or technology in further depth.

    This  report is  available for  reference in  room 537, Industry
    Analysis Division,  Common Carrier Bureau, 1919  M Street, N. W.
    Copies may be purchased by calling Downtown Copy Center at (202)
    452-1422.

    For  further information,  contact Jonathan  Kraushaar at  (202)
    632-0745.


                                                         