Recently Australia's National Broadband Network (News - Alert) (NBN) gave 3M a multi-year contract to provide them with retro-fitted cable pathways as support. With this country-wide initiative, residents of Australia will now be able to use wholesale-only, open access high-speed broadband network. Over the next 5 years, NBN estimates say that the contract will be worth more than $20 million.

NBN Co. Limited was created and established by the Australian government to manage the NBN. They recently made an announcement that they have secured six contracts from companies that include 3M (News - Alert) Australia. These contracts are to make available, equipment for installation in homes as well as businesses. The One Pass Fiber Pathway and One Pass Mini Fiber Pathway from 3M will be utilized in providing fiber connectivity to multi-dwelling units (MDUs). This will be given when residents as well as business owners place an order for a service with their telecommunications providers.

In a release, Ms. Linnea Wilkes, Business Development Manager, 3M Communication Markets Division said, "The One Pass Fiber Pathway and One Pass Mini Fiber Pathway from 3M are horizontal cable pathway and drop cable solutions installed simultaneously on the surfaces of hallways and living units of older buildings where cable pathways are too congested or simply don't exist. They provide a quick and easy service installation that is minimally disruptive and aesthetically appealing to consumers. The One Pass products were selected because they can save service providers money and increase revenues while offering building owners a fast and easy way to provide their tenants upgraded services like high-speed broadband."

The One Pass Fiber Pathway hallway solution completely changed the way FTTP network installations were done for MDUs. Because of its totally flexible and seamless design as well as the utilization of 900 micron fiber within the pathway to make it small, it turned out to be more discrete when compared to traditional products. In fact its unique style of installation was the reason behind service providers clocking up to a 35 per cent savings in installation costs. This is with every one of the floors that a One Pass product was installed on. Right up to now, the One Pass Fiber Pathway is installed in over 12 countries.

Mr. Michael Weston, Marketing Operations Director, Verizon (News - Alert) Enhanced Communities said, "Today, 25 to 30 percent of FiOS homes passed are in MDUs or multitenant-unit buildings. The 3M One Pass Fiber Pathway Duct, which combines a drop cable with a paintable, adhesive-backed pathway, is a good hallway solution."

For more information on 3M, please go to www.3m.com