3G zł. 177 million fiber optic development project

Lublin-based Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS), announced plans to form a joint-venture with an American firm to produce a third generation fiber optic network. The value of the investment is estimated at zł. 177 million. The deal, planned to be part of the F16 offset project, envisages construction of three separate plants. One for constructing special glass, another for glass fiber, and the third for manufacturing fiber-optic cables. UMCS is in talks with potential investors. "One of the companies interested in the project is Royl System Group, which specializes in this field. We have also begun negotiations with another company, whose name we cannot yet reveal," said Jan Pomorski of UMCS. The new company would be controlled up to 49% by the University, while the majority stake is to be held by the American counterpart. (Puls Biznesu, p. 9) A.K.