WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y., Oct. 8 -- Fiber Optek has received a master contract from a New England-based inter-exchange carrier to design, obtain permits for and construct a fiber-optic infrastructure along critical rights-of-way from Hartford, Conn. to Springfield, Mass. Michael Pascazi, president of Fiber Optek, estimates the three-phase contract will add approximately $4 million to the company's backlog of orders.Fiber Optek plans to design and engineer a cable pathway between the two cities before identifying and applying for the various public and private licenses and permits that may be required prior to construction. Pascazi reported that Fiber Optek is currently negotiating with three additional inter-exchange and competitive local exchange carriers regarding similar projects in the New York Metropolitan area; the company anticipates early contract announcements related to these discussions.