ANAHEIM -- E2O Communications, Inc., and 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a joint development agreement for E2O to produce low-cost, high-speed fiber optic transceivers based on 3M’s VF-45Ô connector technology. Under the agreement, E2O will produce low-cost, short-wavelength 1.25 Gbps fiber optic transceivers, as well as long-wavelength, LED-based 125 Mbps transceivers.By incorporating its unique short-wavelength, vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) packaging and circuit board design technology, E2O will produce VF-45-based transceivers that enable network suppliers to deliver Gigabit-speed, long-distance fiber optic backbones and short-distance, end-user fiber optic links at unprecedented low costs. Initial products from this agreement are scheduled for delivery in Q3, 2001.

“3M’s VF-45 connector technology is just what we have been waiting for because it makes it economical to deliver 1.25 Gbps connectivity directly to the end user,” said Mike Hartmann, Director of Marketing for E2O Communications. “VF-45 reduces the cost of delivering a high-bandwidth connection to less than a 30% premium over the cost of much less capable Category 5, copper UTP cable. The longer distances of fiber optic links reduce the need for additional switches and telecommunications closets, so the total installed cost of fiber optic cable is often less than copper. By combining this unique connector with our high-performance VCSEL technology and low-cost, high-volume manufacturing capabilities,” said Hartmann, “it is clear that the era of Gigabit connectivity for end users is at hand.”

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