SELLERSVILLE, Pa. -- FiberOptic.com, a leading provider of fiber optic equipment, supplies, rentals and training solutions, announced today that the company received a contract from Bechtel to train Iraqi telecommunication workers in Baghdad. FiberOptic.com’s staff will conduct the training onsite in November 2005. This is the third time this year that FiberOptic.com has conducted training in Iraq for Bechtel.

According to FiberOptic.com president Christopher I. LaBonge, the Bechtel contract solidifies the company’s reputation as a leader in telecommunications training. “In the past year, we have trained technicians and engineers throughout the United States, Latin America and African countries including Nigeria. The Iraq opportunity is just one example of FiberOptic.com’s expertise in training and commitment to fiber optic infrastructure development throughout the world, especially in developing countries.

Bechtel is under contract with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), for the emergency repair, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of critical elements of Iraq’s infrastructure. This initial effort included assessing and repairing selected power, municipal water, and sewage systems; dredging, repairing, and upgrading the Port of Umm Qasr; rehabilitating selected schools, clinics, and fire stations; reconstructing three key bridges; constructing a key rail line; restoring telephone service to more than 200,000 Baghdad subscribers; and restoring Iraq's main 2,000-kilometer, north-south fiber optic communications backbone. FiberOptic.com will work with Iraqi technicians in the areas of fiber optic theory, fiber splicing and testing.

FiberOptic.com offers monthly courses with ETA (Electronics Technicians Association) certification at its location outside Philadelphia, PA. Additionally, the company offers customized training. “FiberOptic.com’s training is ideal for electricians, network providers and anyone looking to break into this booming industry,” says LaBonge.

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