h are deciphered at the receiving end. Because they are not subject to electrical interference and have the capability of transmitting huge amounts of data, fiber optic technology is far superior to traditional systems of information transfer using copper cables. Old cable-based systems are rapidly being replaced with fiber optics by communications and entertainment industries. The pace of installation of fiber optic cable has been near-frantic over the last few years with each company seemingly trying to outpace the other. Over the last decade communications and entertainment companies have laid tens of thousands of miles of fiber optic cable in the U.S. In the past year alone, U.S. Signal has spent $9 million installing fiber lines (Hunter PG). Utilizing the recent improvements in the communication lines makes it possible for us to have unbelievable amounts of information at our fingertips. Great advancement has been made in specialized medical equipment and environmental inspection equipment through the utilization of fiber optics as well (Pietrucha PG). Future possibilities in the field of medicine are particularly promising. Fiberscopes and endoscopes continue to play an increasingly important role in diagnosing illnesses. In addition, fiber optics is now being used to actually treat certain disorders by guiding carefully metered beams of light to affected portions of the body (Cone PG). An even more fascinating application of fiber optics in the field of medicine, however, is the use of fiber optics in performing remote physical exams or diagnoses for patients who otherwise might not be able to travel to see a physician in person.The Transformation of Old SystemsHome entertainment and communication is another area being heavily impacted by fiber optics. Movies can be piped into our homes at will at any specific time the customer desires. Previously limited to sound only, telephones can now be linked with live video images...
