Williams Communications increases global presence with new European network offerings
Tulsa, Oklahoma (ots-PRNewswire) -
As part of its global expansion strategy, Williams Communications (NYSE: WCG), a leading provider of broadband services for bandwidth-centric customers, announced today 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 fibre-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 fibre in Europe with prospective telecommunications partners. In March of last year, Williams Communications acquired dark fibre from Swedish network operator Telia, which opened up telecom markets across Europe.
"Williams Communications will be able to provide bandwidth-centric customers end-to-end connectivity in Europe," said Miller Williams, senior vice president and general manager, Williams Communications' international unit. "We are well positioned to provide low-cost services and a faster time to market for our customers."
Reinforcing its European presence, Williams Communications also announced two new executives who will be supporting the company's international efforts.
Peter Gardener has joined Williams Communications as managing director, Europe, a new position responsible for identifying and developing long-range business development objectives and strategies to expand the company's services to the region. Additional responsibilities include creating alliances and service agreements to terminate traffic throughout Europe from our U.S. customers and to obtain reciprocal traffic back to the United States.
Prior to joining Williams Communications, Gardener was general manager for Energis, Inc., where he was responsible for establishing a U.S. operation for the European company, as part of its strategy to become a major player in the global communications market.
Gardener's telecommunications experience encompasses international business development, general management and information systems as well as network operations, planning and sales.
Tony Elandary will assume the role of executive director of network development, Europe. Elandary will be responsible for developing the company's European facilities and joint ventures or alliances with other carriers. Prior to assuming this position, Elandary was responsible for international network planning for Williams Communications.
"Williams Communications is pleased to welcome Peter Gardener and Tony Elandary to our executive management team," said Williams. "Together Peter and Tony have more than 50 years of technical and business development experience. Their knowledge of the European communications market is critical during our global expansion."
About Williams Communications Group, Inc. (NYSE: WCG)
Williams Communications Group, Inc., through its subsidiary Williams Communications, LLC, is North America's only exclusively carrier-focused fibre-optic network. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Williams Communications is located primarily in North America, with offices in Europe and Asia and investments in South America and Australia. Approximately 86 percent of WCG stock is held by Williams (NYSE: WMB) which, in 1985, became the first energy company to harness its core competency as a builder of networks to enable competition in the communications industry. Additional information is available at http://www.williams.com and http://www.williamscommunications.com .
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Portions of this document, including guidance about 2001 results, 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 harbour" 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.
ots Original Text Service: Williams Communications Group Internet: www.newsaktuell.ch
Contact:
Wendy Lea Williams Communications (media) +1 (918) 573-7602
wendy.lea@williams.com
Patricia Kraft Williams Communications
(investors) +1 (918) 573-0649 patricia.kraft@williams.com
Web site: http://www.williamscommunications.com
Wendy Lea, media, +1 918-573-7602 or wendy.lea@williams.com, or
Patricia Kraft, investors,
+1 918-573-0649 or patricia.kraft@williams.com, both of Williams
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