Title: Optical-fibre communications: the formation of technological strategies in the UK and USA

Authors: John M. Senior, Tim E. Ray

Addresses: Head of Department and Head of Optical Fibre Communications and Sensing Research Group, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Manchester Polytechnic, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK. ' Research Associate, Programme of Policy Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (PREST), Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK

Abstract: Over the last twenty years, optical-fibre communications systems have been transformed from a theoretical possibility into a large-scale commercial reality. With the rapid nature of this transformation in mind, the authors consider aspects of the technological and economic developments that have led to the commercialization of these communications systems, with particular reference to two different national environments: those of the UK and the USA. The major component technologies embodied within optical-fibre communications are discussed in order to identify specific strategies for technological development which have emerged in the two countries. The nature of complete optical-fibre communications systems is then considered, and particular reference is made to the strategies adopted for application of the technology by three major telecommunications network operators.

Keywords: optical fibre communication systems; technological strategies; telecommunications; networks; fibre optics; UK; United Kingdom; USA; United States; technology management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1990.025835

International Journal of Technology Management, 1990 Vol.5 No.1, pp.71 - 88

Published online: 25 May 2009 *

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