Chew on this Cable and Wireless tidbit.. NN should reap some more contracts from C&W's expansion into the US. This is certainly a forward looking press release.
Monday September 14, 6:27 pm Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Cable & Wireless
Cable & Wireless Dramatically Expands Global Internet Business With Acquisition of Internet MCI
- Implementing Strategy to Lead Telecommunications Industry as Premier Internet Provider -
VIENNA, Va., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Cable & Wireless (NYSE: CWP - news) today announced the completion of its acquisition of MCI's Internet business for $1.75 billion. With today's acquisition, Cable & Wireless now owns and operates one of the premier Internet networks in the world, with the ability to provide state-of-the-art integrated voice, data and Internet services to consumers and businesses around the world.
''This acquisition drives Cable & Wireless forward to launch its aggressive growth strategy to be one of the largest, premier providers of Internet service. We are now -- today -- able to deliver top-of-the-line products and services to our existing and new customers, '' said Cable & Wireless USA Chief Executive, Rich Yalen. ''Cable & Wireless is immediately positioned to grow the business via strategic affiliations and valuable partnerships. We are on track and ready to grow,'' added Yalen.
''Our teams and products are on the leading edge of the industry, and we are prepared to become the world's largest provider of Internet services -- operating one of the fastest and most reliable Internet backbones in the world. We will ensure customers have a comprehensive product suite and integrated solutions, while remaining committed to superior customer service,'' added Yalen. ''We will outperform the competition.''
About the Network
Cable & Wireless' Internet business now has the power to connect customers virtually everywhere to the World Wide Web. This means businesses and consumers can send, from New York to California, the entire two hours and 25 minutes of full motion picture video and audio -- at DVD quality -- of the movie Independence Day in 17.1 seconds. Customers can send the entire Encyclopedia Britannica coast-to-coast in approximately three seconds. In the time it takes for a pitcher to throw an average fast ball (90 mph) to world record home-run kings, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, a customer can send an email from New York to Los Angeles and back six times over.
This powerful network carries more traffic than any other network in the world. And, delivers customers the bandwidth required for today's multimedia and mission critical applications, using the latest IP technology.
''Previously, we looked upon Cable & Wireless USA as a provider of resale services and therefore only worked together on small limited projects,'' said Bob Woog, senior vice president of IXnet. ''With the Gemini transatlantic cable and the pending bold move to become a major player in the Internet arena, we now view Cable & Wireless as an aggressive facilities based full service provider, who can assist us in the rapid growth of our network and our emerging line of services.''
Commitment to Customer Service and Support
In the long tradition of Cable & Wireless' superior customer service, this dynamic network provides superior connectivity and service for customers ranging from major business and financial centers, to college dorm rooms and living rooms throughout the U.S., Europe and the Asia Pacific region. Continuing on that tradition, Cable & Wireless also acquired premier customer care facilities and personnel across the country, including facilities located in: Sacramento, CA; Houston and Dallas, TX; Phoenix, AZ; and Cary, NC. These centers will provide customer care and network management for customers around the corner and around the world.
''Cable & Wireless is the wave we're riding into the next millennium,'' said Ken Napier, Vice President for Business Development, Klein Technologies Inc. (KTI). ''Our relationship with Cable & Wireless is more than a vendor service -- it's a partnership. They have taken the time to learn our business, work hand in hand on difficult technical issues and offer truly competitive superior solutions. These attributes are vital for success in today's business environment.''
Finally, to expand their leadership role in the Internet industry, and provide truly excellent customer service solutions, Cable & Wireless USA created two new business divisions: Commercial Internet Services and Consumer Internet. Each of these divisions will have individual profit and loss responsibilities.
''Cable & Wireless has a strong tradition and reputation as an extremely customer-focused organization. With this immediate expansion of our Internet capabilities, our existing customers will have immediate access to an expanded portfolio of communications services and still enjoy our exceptional level of service,'' added Yalen. ''We welcome our new customers and look forward to providing them with our premier suite of communications services.''
New Internet Products and Services
Cable & Wireless' sales and marketing professionals are equipped with a robust offering of Internet products and services, prepared to fulfill customers' needs. This, combined with a multi-million dollar marketing campaign will propel Cable & Wireless to the forefront of the industry.
Cable & Wireless' initial product offering will include a complete
portfolio of top-of-the-line products, such as:
* Domestic and international dedicated access to the Internet;
* Consumer and business dial access to the Internet;
* Web hosting;
* Managed Firewall services; and
* Customized Internet Solutions.
''This is only beginning -- new products are already under development,'' stated Yalen.
Global Outreach
Cable & Wireless companies worldwide are pre-eminent players in the rapidly growing Internet market -- Hongkong Telecom is the largest ISP in the Asia Pacific region with 235,000 customers and Optus is a major carrier of Australia's wholesale Internet traffic. Cable & Wireless Communications is the largest provider of integrated telecommunications and cable TV services in the UK, and offers innovative products and services to over 1.2 million homes and businesses across the UK, covering voice, data and internet, multi-channel TV and mobile phone services. Cable & Wireless Omnes provides security, Intranet and extranet services, and IP solutions to the corporate and ISP market around the world. The addition of this leading edge Internet backbone enables Cable & Wireless to provide their customers with a strong USA position, and a major presence around the world.
''The Internet is the fastest growing communications medium in history, and in keeping with this dynamic industry, Cable & Wireless has targeted the Internet as the vital element of our worldwide growth engine,'' said Carl J. Grivner, chief executive, Cable & Wireless, Western Hemisphere (including the USA). ''It is clear Cable & Wireless is making the right investments at the right time,'' added Grivner.
Cable & Wireless is one of the world's leading providers of integrated communications and a major global carrier of communications traffic: Internet, data, voice and video. Its businesses around the world offer a range of services spanning interactive entertainment and information, broadband data, Internet access and broadcast television, as well as fixed and mobile voice. With 17 million customers in 70 countries, Cable & Wireless is one of the world's largest carriers of international traffic, provides mobile communications in more than 30 countries and operates the world's largest, most advanced cableship fleet.
SOURCE: Cable & Wireless
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