MINNEAPOLIS -- Optical Solutions Inc., the market leader in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) communications systems, today announced it has been awarded a FTTH contract from Baldwin Telecom Inc. (BTI) of western Wisconsin. The independent telco, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, will deliver fiber optic-powered voice, video and data services to homes in new housing developments located within Baldwin Telecom's sprawling 135-square mile service area. BTI is the first independent telephone company in the state of Wisconsin to deploy FTTH technology. This is also the first FTTH deployment in Wisconsin to be funded by USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS). "Our proximity to the Twin Cities and a major freeway has made Baldwin an ideal commuter town," said Larry Knegendorf, general manager of Baldwin Telecom Inc. "Now, with the incredible bandwidth that fiber will give us, our newest neighborhoods will be an ideal location for telecommuters and home-based businesses. Our Board of Directors feels that this is a great opportunity to bring advanced services to our customers." Baldwin Telecom is installing Optical Solutions' FiberPath 400 system, which delivers multiple phone lines, high-speed data, and hundreds of analog or digital entertainment television options to each subscriber's home. Optical Solutions Inc.