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Fitel Technologies Invests in Advanced MicroSensors to Expand Focus in MEMS Development

For Immediate Release

Fitel Technologies, Inc., in pursuit of establishing an increased presence in the MEMS market place, has made an equity investment in Advanced MicroSensors (AMS) of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. AMS will be responsible for the co-development, manufacturing and fabrication of Fitel's micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) related products.

"This investment will allow Fitel to leverage AMS' advanced proficiencies in the field of MEMS development and manufacturing to better serve our customers in this market," said John Pilitsis, CEO of Fitel Technologies.

AMS will provide chip fabrication for Fitel Technologies. Furukawa Electric Company, Inc., Fitel's parent company, will use their automation expertise to package the modules. This association will allow Fitel to develop a unique MEMS technology platform based on electromagnetic rather than electrostatic activation.

Fitel Technologies' MEMS development center in Marlboro, Massachusetts will work in conjunction with AMS in the research, design, development and production of MEMS related products. This collaboration will enable tune-ability, monolithic integration and micro miniaturization of devices for amplification subsystems.

AMS' experience in thin film deposition stems from their background in manufacturing thin film magnetic recording heads for hard disk drives and mass storage devices.

Micro-electromechanical systems combine electronics with microscale mechanical devices, resulting in microscopic machinery that can be used to route or vary an optical signal. MEMS has become an enabling technology for the rapid growth of Optical Network Systems.

"We are extremely excited to establish a relationship with a proven technology leader such as AMS," stated Dr. Hiro Tamura, Vice President of MEMS Technology for Fitel, "Their extensive knowledge of MEMS technology adds another dimension to our technology portfolio and facilitates our ability to service the market in all aspects of optical communication products."

Tim Stucchi, President of AMS, said, "We are very pleased to have established a strong partnership with Fitel Technologies and see great market potential for the products we are developing together. Our collaboration, with combined, focused resources, will facilitate rapid product development and commercialization of our MEMS technologies."

Formed in April 1999, Advanced MicroSensors is a growing U.S. manufacturer of MEMS and other thin film components for the telecommunications, industrial and peripheral markets. Advanced MicroSensors presently operates in 19,000 square feet of class 100 cleanroom space. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.advancedmicrosensors.com.

FITEL Technologies, Inc., is a wholly owned company that develops and markets a wide variety of fiber optic and optoelectronics solutions by The Furukawa Electric Company, Ltd., of Japan. FITEL is headquartered in Clinton, NJ. For more information on FITEL Technologies, Inc., visit the company's website at www.fiteltech.com.