SAN DIEGO, Jan. 23 -- Sempra Fiber Links, a unit of Sempra Energy, announced its technology for installing fiber optic cable within active natural gas pipelines has been approved for a US patent, which is expected to be issued next month. "Besides being faster, less expensive and less disruptive than standard fiber optic cable installation methods, the process is safe, because the conduit containing the cable is inserted into existing natural gas pipelines that businesses and residents already are using," said Scott Beals, lead inventor of the technology and vice president, Sempra Fiber Links. The FIG process has been demonstrated at a Gas Technology Institute-coordinated project in Ft. Worth, Texas, and in Frontier Energy's gas distribution pipelines in North Wilkesboro, N.C. Other US installations and demonstrations in both urban and residential areas will take place later this year. Utilities in South America, Asia and Europe also have expressed an interest in using the technology to expand their fiber optic networks, the company said. For more information, visit: www.semprafiberlinks.com