PSINet Inc. (Herndon, VA) announced the activation--ahead of schedule--of the first of four basic segments of OC-12 fiber-optic cable acquired under a February 1998 agreement with IXC Communications Inc. (Austin, TX). Once completed, the 10,000 equivalent route-mi OC-48 fiber network will offer nearly 50 times PSINet`s previously existing capacity to transport Internet data. Under this first segment, PSINet has completed activation of a fiber link between New York City; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; and Los Angeles, CA.