Williams Communications (NYSE:WCG), a provider of broadband services for bandwidth-centric customers, announced it will begin offering network services to Europe by the end of second-quarter 2001.

Williams Communications will have its capacity on the TAT-14 trans-Atlantic cable system ready for service by mid year. The undersea fiber-optic cable will allow Williams Communications to transport traffic from Europe to its U.S. backbone network. Williams Communications connects to this international gateway at landing points in Manasquan and Tuckerton, N.J. Williams Communications' next generation network has more than 33,000 miles in operation, making it the largest in the United States.

In addition to its undersea cable capacity, Williams Communications is evaluating plans to light dark fiber in Europe. In March of last year, Williams Communications acquired dark fiber from Swedish network operator Telia, which opened up telecom markets across Europe.

About Williams Communications Group, Inc.:

Williams Communications Group, Inc., through its subsidiary Williams Communications, LLC, is a North American carrier-focused fiber-optic network. For more information, visit www.williamscommunications.com.