Fiber Optic Sensing Association

The Fiber Optic Sensing Association (FOSA) is a nonprofit industry association that promotes fiber-optic sensing technology. It was founded in April 2017 in Washington, D.C. and has a membership of 21 companies and universities.

Fiber Optic Sensing Association
AbbreviationFOSA
EstablishedApril 24, 2017; 7 years ago (2017-04-24)[1]
Founded atWashington, D.C.
TypeNonprofit industry association
PurposePromoting fiber-optic sensing technology
Membership
21[2]
Paul Dickinson (chairman)[3]
AffiliationsFiber Broadband Association[4]
Websitewww.fiberopticsensing.org/about-fosa

Background and structure

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The Fiber Optic Sensing Association was founded on April 24, 2017. It had nearly a dozen founding member companies representing an "eclectic" group, including Corning Inc. and OFS, across the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.[5] The agenda for the first meeting of FOSA focused on promoting fiber-optic sensing technology through infrastructure priorities including smart highways and implementation into larger construction projects.[5]

FOSA is affiliated with the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA), which promotes fiber-optic networking technology.[4] Its current Chairman is Paul Dickinson of Dura-Line.[3] Previous Chairmen include Dave Cunningham of Network Integrity Solutions,[6] Mike Hines of OFS, and Kent Wardley of Fotech Solutions.[7]

Research

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A December 2017 study from FOSA found that China had the most distributed fiber-optic sensing installations in the world, followed by Germany, the United States, and South Korea.[8] In August 2018, the organization launched a report advocating the use of fiber-optic sensing technology in railways to improve security.[9] It has also supported implementation of fiber-optic sensing technology in the pipeline industry to monitor leaks, tampering, and hazardous conditions.[10]

FOSA supported the Smart Cities and Communities Act, introduced by Representatives Suzan DelBene and Yvette Clarke. The bill would provide $1.1 billion to expand the use of smart city technology.[11] It also supported Federal Highway Administration "dig once" policies.[12] Along with other industry associations, FOSA supported the Community Broadband Act, which would eliminate state laws that restrict the ability of local government to create broadband networks, introduced by Representative Anna Eshoo and Senator Cory Booker.[13]

Members

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As of March 2024, FOSA claims 21 members:[2]

References

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  1. ^ Association, Fiber Optic Sensing (April 24, 2017). "Industry Leaders Launch Fiber Optic Sensing Association". PR Newswire. Archived from the original on June 14, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "FOSA Member Directory". Fiber Optic Sensing Association. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  3. ^ a b Aburahma, Serena (January 11, 2024). "Fiber Optic Sensing Association Announces Its Annual Project Award Winners". Cabling Installation & Maintenance. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Peach, Matthew (May 2, 2017). "Industry leaders launch Fibre Optic Sensing Association". Optical Connections News. Archived from the original on July 26, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  5. ^ a b Wills, Stewart (May 1, 2017). "Fiber Optic Sensing Business Gets a Voice". Optics and Photonics News. Archived from the original on June 14, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  6. ^ Simper, Sara (March 4, 2022). "FOSA praises new Federal Highway Administration 'Dig Once' regulations". World Pipelines. Archived from the original on March 5, 2022. Retrieved May 2, 2022.
  7. ^ "Fibre Optic Sensing Association elects 2021 officers and board members". World Pipelines. January 7, 2021. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  8. ^ McLaughlin, Patrick (December 28, 2017). "StackPath". Cabling Installation and Maintenance. Archived from the original on June 14, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  9. ^ "US promotes fiber-optic sensing to boost railroad safety". Optics.org. August 8, 2018. Archived from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  10. ^ Overton, Gail (June 28, 2018). "Fiber Optic Sensing Association urges U.S. government action on pipeline safety". Laser Focus World. Archived from the original on June 14, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
  11. ^ Wray, Sarah (May 27, 2021). "Third time lucky? Smart Cities and Communities Act reintroduced". Cities Today. Archived from the original on August 4, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  12. ^ Simper, Sara (January 7, 2021). "Fibre Optic Sensing Association elects 2021 officers and board members". World Pipelines. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  13. ^ "Rep. Eshoo, Sen. Booker Introduce Bill to Expand Internet Access and Protect Local Communities' Broadband Networks | Congresswoman Anna Eshoo". eshoo.house.gov. April 19, 2023. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
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