Corning

Saudi Telecom Company (STC) has chosen Corning’s optical solutions for the expansion of its national network for high-speed connectivity and fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) applications.

The agreement builds on the existing relationship between the two parties, which has seen more than 1.5 million kilometres of optical fibre supplied across the provider’s network. The companies are additionally collaborating to develop a program of advanced technical training to STC fibre engineers and technicians.

Corning has agreed to buy substantially all of 3M’s Communication Markets Division to for $900 million in cash. The deal is part of the company’s strategy to spend $1 billion to $3 billion in acquisitions, Corning said.

3M’s communications business, which has annual global sales of about $400 million, consists of optical fibre and copper passive connectivity products for the telecom industry – including xDSL, FTTx and structured cabling systems – and, in certain countries, telecom system integration services.