Crowthorne – 20 November 2008:Fibre Technologies Ltd, a fibre optic communications specialist, has announced it will sponsor James Ketchell, a man told he’d never row again after a motorbike accident, as he crosses the Atlantic Ocean in aid of charity. James will be taking part in the 2,931-mile Atlantic Rowing Race in December 2009, where he will raise money for the NSPCC.

The race is one of the toughest nautical challenges, which tests both the physical, mental strength and endurance of rowers, starting from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and finishing in Antigua, West Indies. James, will be aiming to complete the race in 70 days in a 21ft long, self-righting boat.

The race may seem impossible to most, but James says the prospect of raising money for the NSPCC Full Stop Campaign is motivation enough to complete it. He explains, “Last year I was involved in a serious motorcycle accident and told that I would never row again. This gave me the motivation to push myself to prove the doctors wrong and competing in the Atlantic Rowing Race is a challenge I have always wanted to pursue.”

Ian Hunt, managing director at Fibre Technologies adds, “We are happy to be supporting James in his bid to race across the Atlantic and are proud to sponsor him as he raises money for such a worthwhile cause.”

James will also be attending the Sail Power & Water Show in Earls Court with his boat from 25-30 November 2008 and anyone looking to sponsor him should visit http://www.atlanticadventurer.com

-ENDS –

About Fibre Technologies

Fibre Technologies Ltd (FTL) enables companies to cope with the increasing demand for greater network bandwidth. Its fibre optic communication products and services allow telecommunications carriers, ISPs, universities and IT infrastructure providers to alleviate congestion in existing networks by providing innovative solutions that overcome capacity limitations.

Founded in 1990, FTL works with its customers to understand their needs and anticipate market trends. The company’s technical expertise and market understanding, coupled with a focus on customer service has resulted in a customer base that includes BT, ntl:Telewest Business (Virgin Media), Logica, StorageTek, Subsea 7, IPC Media, Sun Microsystems and a number of top Universities and research facilities such as those at Bristol, Lancaster, Imperial College, Warwick and many others.

The Challenge

To row the 2931 miles across the Atlantic ocean alone and unaided. This will involve 60 – 70 days in my boat with only myself and the deep blue ocean for company as I endeavour to cross from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua. Christopher Colombus followed a similar route when he discovered America back in 1492. He took just under 3 months to do it. With the help of the Trade Winds I hope to complete the crossing in a similar time when I set off in December 2009.

Incredible as it might seem we have sent more people into space and back than we have across the Atlantic Ocean in a rowing boat,

Ocean rowing crossings are few and far between, indeed, more people have reached the summit of Mount Everest and have been into space than have rowed across one of the Earths Oceans. From 279 recorded port departures, just 174 crossings have been completed.

Further detail on how you could help please contacty James at;

james@atlanticadventurer.com

http://www.atlanticadventurer.com

About the NSPCC

The NSPCC aim is:

• To mobilise everyone to take action to end child cruelty
• To give children the help, support and environment they need to stay safe from cruelty.
• To find ways of working with communities to keep children safe from cruelty.
• To be, and be seen as, someone to turn to for children and young people.

The London Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was established in 1884 by the Reverend Benjamin Waugh, a congregational minister who had worked in the slums of East London. In 1889 it changed its name to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Children.

Since its formation in 1884 the NSPCC has helped over 10m children.

Her Majesty the Queen is NSPCC Royal Patron. Queen Victoria was the first royal patron in 1889.

http://www.nspcc.org.uk/

This announcement comes after Fibre Technologies was awarded exclusive rights to distribute all arcutronix products in the UK earlier this year.

The EDX1000lite, a low cost copper Ethernet to 1000B-X media converter; and the EDX1002, a fibre Ethernet to 1000B-X mode converter; transport Ethernet data traffic over fibre optic fibre links, extending the reach that could not be achieved by copper alone. The FCX10G, a fibre-to-fibre mode converter, allows data traffic to be transported over fibre optic fibre links at two ports, allowing data to cascade over two or more converter units.

Juergen Schroeder, CEO of arcutronix states, “As bandwidth demand continues to grow, Ethernet infrastructures must evolve to satisfy customer needs, by ensuring more data can be transported over further distances. These three products allow businesses to do just that and we are pleased to have found a strong partner in Fibre Technologies, who can position our solutions perfectly in the UK market.”

Ian Hunt, managing director of Fibre Technologies, adds, “arcutronix offers expert solutions that provide businesses with the innovative technology they need to cope with the current demands in data usage. We are excited to be working with such a pioneering company and adding their products to our portfolio”.

The arcutronix product range is available now in the UK from Fibre Technologies. For more information, please contact the Fibre Technologies sales team at sales@fibretechnologies.co.uk

About arcutronix

arcutronix is an access specialist from Hanover, Germany. Juergen Schroeder, CEO, and Andreas Zimmermann, technical manager, founded the company in 2007 together with their strategic partner keytronix from Austria. German engineers with over 20 years of experience develop safe, reliable and customer-specific solutions, thus providing high quality standards and quick availability. Technical expertise, fast adaption and anticipation of new market trends and flexible support make the company a reliable and competent partner for their customers in the area of Carrier Ethernet, Transmission, Connectivity, and Alarm + Telemetry.

About Fibre Technologies

Fibre Technologies Ltd (FTL) enables companies to cope with the increasing demand for greater network bandwidth. Its fibre optic communication products and services allow telecommunications carriers, ISPs, universities and IT infrastructure providers to alleviate congestion in existing networks by providing innovative solutions that overcome capacity limitations.

FTL operates a ‘partnership’ approach with customers and has a good understanding of their needs, responding quickly to requirements and changing market trends. The company’s technical expertise and market understanding coupled with great customer service has resulted in a strong customer base which includes BT, NTL/Telewest Business (Virgin Media), Logica, Subsea 7, IPC Media, Sun Microsystems, many systems integrators and solutions providers, MSP’s & ISP’s, local & central government inc MOD & emergency services as well as a number of top Universities and research facilities such as those at Bristol, Lancaster, Imperial College, Warwick and many others.

With plans to grow revenues to ?12m by 2012, Hunt assumes the role of managing director from Philip Coombes.

Hunt acquired 24.9 per cent of the company in late 2005 and has spent the past two and a half years growing the new business pipeline, as well as founding and strengthening partner relationships. In a bid to meet the ?12m turnover target, Hunt plans to double the workforce over the next four years to 24 staff, which will include the development of a specialist sales team focusing on high volume, low touch consumable sales.

Commenting on his new role, Hunt said: “Over the eight years I have worked at Fibre Technologies, I have seen the company become a leading player in the communications market with a strong customer and partner base. The MBO is a sign of my commitment to the company and my belief that we can further strengthen and extend our offering.

“We will continue to work with best of breed suppliers and grow organically through the hiring of experienced and talented people. We are delighted to have a strong management team to take us to the next level,” he added.