Two classes covering the basics of high-speed data communication applications that are of growing importance to local industry are offered this spring at Big Bend Community College, the school announced.

Electronic Communications I (IST-224) and Introduction to Fiber Optics (IST-226) are evening classes taught by BBCC instructor Steve Matern, who has held a Federal Communications Commission license since 1965 and has iNARTE industry certification.

Electronic communications co-vers the basics of radio frequency and other high-speed data applications now being applied in industry. The class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The fiber optics class is an introduction to fiber equipment and systems, with an emphasis on advantages of fiber compared to copper or radio-linked systems. This class meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Spring quarter classes begin March 30 and last 11 weeks. Spring registration started Feb. 23. Students need a prerequisite course in Industrial Systems Technology or instructor permission to enroll. Contact Matern at 793-2266 or James Ayers at 793-2265 for information.