This Recommendation describes a single-mode optical fibre and cable@ which has the zero-dispersion wavelength around 1 300 nm@ which is loss-minimized and cut-off shifted at a wavelength around 1 550 nm and which is optimized for use in the 1 530?C1 625 nm region. This very low loss cut-off shifted fibre (CSF) can be used for long-distance digital transmission applications@ such as long-haul terrestrial line systems and submarine cable systems using optical amplifiers. The geometrical@ optical (attenuation@ cut-off wavelength@ chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion (PMD)@ etc.)@ transmission and mechanical characteristics of this CSF are described. Some provisions are made to support transmission at higher wavelengths up to 1 625 nm. The geometrical@ optical@ transmission and mechanical parameters are described in three categories of attributes: ? fibre attributes that are retained throughout cabling and installation; ? cable attributes that are recommended for cables as they are delivered; ? link attributes that are characteristics of concatenated cables@ describing estimation methods of system interface parameters based on measurements@ modelling or other considerations. Information for link attributes and system design are given in Appendix I. This Recommendation@ and the different performance categories found in Tables 1 to 5 in clause 8@ are intended to support the following related-system Recommendations: ? [b-ITU-T G.696.1]; ? [b-ITU-T G.957]. The meaning of the terms used in this Recommendation@ and the guidelines to be followed in the measurements to verify the various characteristics@ are given in [ITU-T G.650.1] and [ITU-T G.650.2]. The characteristics of this fibre@ including the definitions of the relevant parameters@ their test methods and relevant values@ will be refined as studies and experience progress.