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Technology Stocks : Global Crossing - GX (formerly GBLX) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: trainleaving who wrote (12048)	6/19/2001 5:13:58 PM
From: J Gunn	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 15615

You are fast! Too bad Dick Grasso seems to be the only one who thinks GX is a world-class telecommunications company.gg

To: trainleaving who wrote (12048)	6/19/2001 6:57:55 PM
From: SecularBull	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 15615

Williams Communications CEO Refutes Bandwidth Glut and Offers Vision of Future Telecom Landscape NEW YORK, June 19 -- Howard Janzen, Chairman and CEO of Williams Communications (NYSE: WCG - news), today refuted a number of telecom industry myths, including recent bandwidth glut reports that failed to recognize differences between lit and dark fiber, during a keynote speech at The Goldman Sachs Emerging Telco and Internet Infrastructure Conference. Janzen also offered his perspective on telecom's direction, noting the emergence of a few survivors and increased opportunities for companies with focused, consistent strategies. ``It's simply not accurate to add up dark fiber in the ground and then say there is too much capacity,'' noted Janzen. ``Dark fiber in the ground does not equal usable broadband capacity. When we built our 33,000 mile next- generation network we strategically added more fiber than we needed immediately to prepare for the inevitable future growth in demand.'' Janzen added, ``It takes a great deal of time and capital to 'light' dark fiber. With a fully lit and operational network, Williams Communications provides end-to- end network services today, and is well positioned to turn up additional capacity as more applications drive traffic onto the network.'' According to industry analysts who cover the sector, broadband applications such as wireless web, video-on-demand and eCinema will spur demand in the near future, while demand for traditional telecom services continues to grow. ``You won't find many industries that can match the growth we're seeing as new broadband applications drive demand,'' noted Janzen. ``I believe we'll find marketplace fears about bandwidth glut are unfounded. There is strong and continued growth in the Internet and data traffic market and recent studies by industry analysts cite Internet growth rates approaching 100 percent per year.'' During his keynote, Janzen also discussed the changing telecom landscape and acknowledged that the market shakeout will continue. According to Janzen, the market will see continued vaporization of weaker players. However, as demand continues to accelerate and local access bottlenecks continue to be eliminated, companies such as Williams Communications, with compelling value propositions that address the changing marketplace, will thrive. Janzen noted that Williams Communications, with a stable customer base which includes high quality bandwidth-centric companies and a next-generation network completed last December has a significant advantage in surviving the telecom shake-out. ``It is ironic that the market meltdown has actually created a bigger opportunity for us,'' Janzen said. ``Even the largest players in telecom don't want to spend capital in this environment, and yet they need network capacity to meet the surging growth in voice, data, and Internet traffic. We are perfectly positioned to meet that need by providing a network outsourcing solution today, and with funding that carries us into 2003 when we expect to be free cash flow positive.'' About Williams Communications Group, Inc. Based in Tulsa, Okla., Williams Communications Group, Inc., is the leading broadband network services provider focused on the needs of bandwidth-centric customers. Williams Communications operates the largest, most efficient, next-generation network in North America, spanning more than 33,000 lit and 40,000 planned route miles. Connecting 125 U.S. cities and reaching five continents, Williams Communications provides customers with unparalleled local-to-global connectivity. By leveraging its infrastructure, best-in-breed technology, connectivity and network and broadband media expertise, Williams Communications supports the bandwidth demands of leading communications companies around the globe. For more information, visit www.williamscommunications.com. All trademarks are the property of their owner. Portions of this document may constitute ``forward-looking statements'' as defined by federal law. Although the company believes any such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that actual outcomes will not be materially different. Any such statements are made in reliance on the ``safe harbor'' protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Additional information about issues that could lead to material changes in performance is contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. SOURCE: Williams Communications Group, Inc.