11.   But telecommunications experts have said that extending fiber the last bit of distance to each home could greatly add to the cost of a fiber network.

12.   But the timing could prove fortunate because the explosion of e-commerce and corporate networking are creating a booming demand for high-performance fiber optic networks.

13.   Cable and Wireless PLC outlined its plans Monday to build a nationwide fiber optic network in Japan and roll out high-speed Internet and data services to corporate clients.

14.   Ciena, of Linthicum, Md., makes advanced gear that allows phone companies to transmit much more information over their fiber optic networks.

15.   Colt is building metropolitan-based fiber networks rather than a long-distance network.

16.   Companies link their networks together by using their own fiber optic networks or leasing capacity from other networks.

17.   E.biscom would build fiber optic networks in major Italian cities that would be independent of the telephone network and run directly into individual buildings.

18.   Each of the companies is building a new fiber optic long-distance network, some in the United States and some globally.

19.   Earlier this month, JDS Uniphase, the maker of components for fiber optic networks, struck a deal to acquire SDL, which is in the same business.

20.   Enron plans to act as a wholesaler of the fiber network to companies that in turn would provide Internet, data and video services.