MINNEAPOLIS -- APA Cables & Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of APA Optics, Inc., announced today acceptance of its Americable fiber distribution system by the Technical Standards Committee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its Rural Utilities Service (RUS) list of materials.

Cheri Podzimek, president of APA Cables & Networks, made the announcement and said the RUS acceptance listing opens a large and new market for the company's products. "It makes the APACN complete line of Americable fiber distribution panels a recognized product in the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) initiative to bring broad band connectivity to rural and underserved markets," she stated.

The Rural Broadband Loan Program, authorized by the 2002 U.S. Farm Bill, assists communities and families toward greater economic independence and expanded access to technologies for rural homes, businesses and schools. In its first year, the program makes available $1.455 billion in loans and loan guarantees for rural broadband systems. Rural telephone providers, seeking to use RUS loans and loan guarantees, are required to specify and purchase products listed with the RUS initiative.

According to Podzimek, Americable fiber distribution products are well suited for the needs of the RUS initiative. They include smart, high density, easy access fiber distribution panels and cable management systems that are designed to reduce installation time, guarantee bend radius protection and improve traceability.

APA Cables and Networks is a newly formed subsidiary of APA Optics, Inc. (Nasdaq: APAT) resulting from the acquisition of Americable, Inc. in June, 2003.

APA Cables and Networks APA Optics Inc.