STOCKHOLM, Sweden, June 26, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Telia International Carrier (Telia IC) and Belgacom are strengthening their ties. Due to the current instability in the telecom market Belgacom has reserved DWDM capacity on Telia IC's Viking Network for an initial period of six-months in order to secure its current pan-European network if the need arises.
Telia IC will deliver 36 wavelengths, making up a total of 8 European rings connecting Brussels, London, Paris, Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Amsterdam, and securing network continuity for Belgacom customers.
Telia and Belgacom already have ongoing voice contracts and last week Belgacom ordered STM-1 connections to replace capacity on KPNQwest's network. The contingency solution is another step in the current cooperation between the two companies.
"Not only was Telia IC's offer competitive but the financial stability of the company, combined with an extensive footprint, helped to close the deal," commented Bridget Cosgrave, President of the Carrier and Wholesale Business Unit at Belgacom.
Erik Heilborn, CEO of Telia International Carrier, added: "In the current telecom market, it is crucial for an operator to select the right carrier. The operators business is reliant on the stability of that network. Telia IC is becoming the partner of choice due to our financial stability."
Telia has already established a rescue program to help serve those customers who are affected by defaulting telecommunications operators. Under the program Telia commits to deliver, within 48 hours, a proposed network solution for those affected. Telia will ensure rapid provisioning with a network availability of 99,99%.
For further information journalists can contact: Mark Vadasz Public Relations Director Telia International Carrier Phone: +46 8 713 58 30 e-mail: mark.vadasz@teliacarrier.com
Telia is the Nordic leader in telecommunications. Over the past year, we have streamlined the Group, focusing our core businesses making the company more flexible. Our four core businesses are: Mobile communications, Internet services, International carrier operations and Fixed network operations. Telia is listed on Stockholmsborsen. Sales Jan- Mar 2002 totaled MSEK 13,900 (13,592) and the number of employees was 16,804 (29,936). Sales 2001 totaled MSEK 57,196 and the number of employees was 17,149.
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