OptiGlobe Communications and Global Crossing Ltd. announced the commencement of a unique high- capacity fiber optic connection between OptiGlobe's fifth-generation Internet Data Centers (IDCs) in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and multiple U.S. peering points. This represents the first fiber optic connection between major Latin American IDCs and multiple Tier-1 Internet backbone peering points in the United States.
The connection is part of a multi-year capacity and facilities agreement under which Global Crossing is providing OptiGlobe with telecommunications services and seamless connectivity between South America and the United States. The service enables businesses in Brazil and Argentina to reach users in the U.S. and Europe with performance levels comparable to those experienced when accessing local sites. The resulting efficiencies create a level playing field for companies in Latin America, many of which would otherwise need to search outside the region for affordable and reliable connectivity.
Over the next thirty months, Global Crossing intends to deploy a network that links our thirteen planned data centers to each other, to the U.S. and to Europe at speeds ranging from STM-1 (155 megabits) to STM-64 (10 gigabits).
In Latin America, Global Crossing is now fully operational in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Panama. The company expects to commence services in Peru and Venezuela by the second quarter of 2001 and has applied for a license to operate in Colombia. Global Crossing's network assets are the most extensive in the world, seamlessly connecting more than 200 major cities in Europe, the Americas and Asia.
About OptiGlobe:
OptiGlobe is building an extensive network of fifth-generation Internet Data Centers to provide businesses with Web hosting, managed services and Internet connection needs. For more information, visit www.OptiGlobe.com.
About Global Crossing:
Global Crossing Ltd. (NYSE: GX) provides telecommunications solutions over a global IP-based network. Global Crossing provides managed data and voice products and services. For more information, visit www.globalcrossing.com or www.asiaglobalcrossing.com.