[Tyco Submarine Systems Ltd. Selected as Supplier for Global Crossing $700 Million Dollar Supply Contract for the South American Crossing Cable System]
MORRISTOWN, N.J., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Tyco Submarine Systems Ltd. (TSSL) and Global Crossing Ltd. announced today that Global Crossing has signed a contract, valued initially at over $700M, with TSSL to provide their South American Crossing (SAC) cable system. The SAC system will directly connect Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Panama, and St. Croix (US Virgin Islands). This undersea system will be designed, manufactured and installed by TSSL and will utilize the most advanced Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) fiber optic technology available. Options for Global Crossing to purchase future upgrades to the initial base system, in order to substantially increase the capacity of the base system, are provided for in the contract.
The two companies also announced that Lucent Technologies, Inc. will supply fiber and equipment to TSSL for the SAC system, as well as financing to Global Crossing under terms of a previous agreement between Lucent and Global Crossing.
SAC is an 18,000 kilometer cable system, which will be installed in three phases. Initial service will be offered in late 2000, with the full ring network targeted for completion by the second quarter 2001. The system comprised of numerous undersea segments as well as a Trans-Andean terrestrial link, combine to form a robust, self-healing, SDH ring network. The undersea segments utilize a 4-fiber pair repeatered system architecture.
With the addition of SAC, and upon the closing of the pending merger of Global Crossing and Frontier Corporation, the Global Crossing-announced network will connect 159 of the world's top cities through the world's most advanced IP-based global fiber-optic network.
"TSSL is pleased to offer Global Crossing a leading edge technology subsea cable system solution," stated Neil Garvey, President of TSSL. "This cable network is an application of TSSL's TeraWaveO product line and will provide both large scale intra-regional and North-South connectivity which will better serve the rapidly growing telecommunications needs throughout the Americas. As an independent and fully integrated provider of undersea fiber optic networks, TSSL is uniquely positioned to install, maintain and supply the latest in technology for system upgrades in the future."
"SAC is a huge leap forward for South America in terms of higher speed and increased capacity," stated Global Crossing Chief Executive Officer Bob Annunziata. "Capacity will be increased by more than a factor of 10 between North and South America. As the global economy continues to expand, communications infrastructures must evolve to ensure the high-capacity and high-quality service their customers demand. The new communications technologies and connectivity offered by SAC will benefit all of Global Crossing's customers."
Tyco Submarine Systems Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Tyco International Ltd. (NYSE:TYC), is an independent supplier of undersea communications systems and services. TSSL owns and operates a fleet of world class cable ships for the installation and maintenance of undersea communication network systems. Leading edge fiber optic technology is provided by the internationally distinguished TSSL Labs located in Eatontown, New Jersey. The completely integrated manufacturing capabilities of TSSL are highlighted by cable, repeater and transmission equipment manufacturing facilities located in New Hampshire, New Jersey and Virginia. TSSL has combined these capabilities to successfully complete 85 undersea fiber optic networks, in excess of 350,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable connecting over 100 countries. For more information on TSSL or Tyco International please visit the websites listed below.
Tyco International Ltd.: tycoint.com
Tyco Submarine Systems Ltd.: submarinesystems.com |
