November 2, 2000
360NETWORKS DEPLOYS NEXT GENERATION
FIBER OPTIC INFRASTRUCTURE FROM NKF KABEL
Exclusive agreement enables continuous installation of leading edge fibers
Vancouver – 360networks today announced an agreement with NKF Kabel B.V. to purchase and deploy the world’s most advanced and capital-efficient fiber optic cabling system.
This new system uses compressed air to jet multiple mini-ducts into new or previously installed conduit. Each mini-duct can contain up to 60 strands of fiber. The compressed air is used to install the mini-ducts quickly and efficiently over long distances.
NKF, a subsidiary of Draka Holding N.V., a Netherlands-based international provider of fiber optic cables, is providing 360networks exclusive use of its unique JETnet® technology in North America for at least 18 months.
“This innovative system gives us a real competitive advantage. We can save up to 50 per cent on our initial installation costs,” said Ron Stevenson, vice-chairman of 360networks. “Instead of initially installing a cable with several hundred fiber strands, we have the flexibility to install up to 10 micro-cables over time, each with up to 60 fiber strands.”
Stevenson added: “We can install or replace fiber faster to take full advantage of the latest advances in fiber technology. This is a much more cost-effective and advanced strategy than initially installing either a large number of conduits or large quantities of fiber.”
“You only invest when needed,” said S.J. van Kesteren, chief executive officer of NKF Kabel. “It is ideal for telecommunications companies that must handle a fixed cable network in a constantly changing environment.”
S.J. van Kesteren added: “We have been developing the JETnet® technology since 1995, working with KPN Telecom and Plumettaz from Switzerland. Our NKF subsidiary modified this technology for use throughout an entire long-haul network.”
360networks completed testing of this technology last summer and is deploying the system, beginning in Ontario and California.
The contract can be extended, subject to mutual agreement.
About 360networks
360networks offers broadband network and co-location services to telecommunications and data-centric organizations. 360networks is developing one of the largest and most technologically advanced fiber optic mesh networks in the world. By mid-2002, the planned network will span 136,500 kilometers (85,000 miles) and link more than 100 major cities with terrestrial routes and submarine cables joining North America, South America, Asia and Europe. 360networks is also developing nearly 3.7 million square feet of network co-location space. More information is available at www.360.net.
For more information contact:
Investor Relations
Nancy Bacchieri
ir@360.net
Media
Michelle Gagné
michelle.gagne@360.net |
