MOSES LAKE - Registration is open for two Big Bend Community College classes that cover the basics of high-speed data communication.

The classes will be offered in the evenings during spring quarter, which begins March 31, Doug Sly, the college's public information officer, said. Students enrolling in either class must meet qualifying prerequisites, or have permission from instructor Steve Matern, Sly said.

Matern has held a Federal Communication Commission license since 1965, and has iNARTE (International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics) industry certification, Sly said.

The electronic communications class starts with radio and its applications, progresses to cellular and wireless applications, then to fiber optics systems, James Ayers, a program instructor, said, in an earlier interview.

The class (IST-224) is from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

An introductory fiber optics class also will be offered, Sly said. Students will learn about fiber equipment and systems and the differences between fiber and copper-linked or radio-linked systems, Sly said.

In both classes students will learn the scientific and technological concepts behind the systems and their applications in industry, Ayers said. Students learn how the systems are built and how they're used, he said.

The fiber optics class (IST-226) is from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday.

The technology might be different, from two-way radio to cellphones to fiber connection, but they're all part of the bigger communications picture, Ayers said. "Each one enhances the other," he said.

People who want more information can contact Matern, S09-793-2266, or Ayers, S09-793-226S. General registration information is available through the registrar's office.