GTS to Expand Fiber Network Linking London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Dusseldorf

As part of an overall US$500 million capital-investment plan for backbone network enhancements in 2000, Global TeleSystems (GTS, Washington D.C.), plans to broaden the capacity of its trans-European network. This new initiative calls for the development of a multi-fiber cable duct providing additional redundant connectivity to London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf. The duct will accommodate up to 144 fibers, allowing GTS to stay ahead of the high demand for bandwidth, the company reports.

Other major elements of the overall network capital-spending plan include completing the network's reach to at least 50 European cities; installing additional dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) equipment throughout the company's trans-European network; and lighting a second, currently installed fiber pair on a number of existing routes.

GTS expects to sign commercial, long-term contracts for fiber and ducts, supplementing those purchases by building new fiber and connecting ductwork where necessary. The new capacity will be integrated with the company's network, which currently exceeds 16,000 km, delivering broadband services to 28 cities in 11 European countries. GTS plans to expand the network to more than 25,000 km by the end of 2000.

Edited by Meredith Lockard