Tata Communications launches worldwide
The Economic Times — February 13, 2008

Tata Communications was launched as a leading provider of the new world of communications, integrating the former VSNL and Teleglobe brands.

Tata Communications will leverage its Tata Global Network (TGN) and unique experience of operating in emerging markets in Asia and Africa to deliver a new world of globally managed communications solutions.

The launch represents the culmination of recent major international investments that expanded the company's global reach and ability to deliver IP-leveraged communications solutions to businesses and consumers worldwide.

Increasing broadband penetration, the popularity of rich media digital content and expansion into emerging markets has contributed to the surging demand for bandwidth globally.

With a specific focus on the new world of IP, MPLS, Ethernet, and managed services, Tata Communications will leverage the Tata Global Network, which is one of the most recent and advanced submarine cable and IP networks, to meet the demand for converged IP solutions.

The company is in the process of completing additional submarine cable systems connecting emerging markets in Asia, the Middle East and Africa to Europe to meet the demands of consumer broadband and enterprise customers over the next five to eight years.

Tata Communications plans to invest more than two billion dollars over the next three years to further fuel its global expansion plans.

"Tata Communications reflects the 130-year strong heritage of trust and leadership that the Tata Group brings to its customers," said Subodh Bhargava, Chairman of Tata Communications.

"The new identity is a major step in our commitment in building long-lasting relationships with our customers, partners and stakeholders," Subodh added.

The Tata Communications brand integrates the former VSNL, VSNL International, Teleglobe, Tata Indicom Enterprise Business Unit (TIEBU), and CIPRIS brands worldwide.

"We are tremendously pleased with the launch of the new brand," said N. Srinath, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Communications.

"The Tata Group has a long and highly respected history of achievement and contribution to the many markets, industries and communities it serves. Tata Communications will continue to build on our track record of successes, strong global investment strategy and India and emerging markets strengths to grow globally in its targeted segments," added Srinath.

"In the past few years, it is with great anticipation that we have sought to bear the Tata name as it is a mark of our commitment to quality and ethics for our enterprise customers worldwide," said Vinod Kumar, President, Global Data & Mobility Services, Tata Communications.

"We are extremely excited to have a more direct affiliation through our brand across all of the different industries in which the Tata Group leads, and to bring that expertise to each and all of our enterprise customers," Vinod added.

"The next trillion dollars to be made in global communications will depend heavily on emerging markets where Tata Communications is already a leading player," said Camille Mendler, Vice President of research at Yankee Group.

"There is grand ambition, but also integrity in how the company executes; ultimately, customers worldwide can only benefit from its unified global presence," added Camille.

During the last year, Tata Communications has announced significant investments in enhancing network and services capabilities in India, intra-Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The TGN-Intra Asia and TGN-Eurasia cables, complementing the company's existing multi-terabit capacities across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, will ensure diverse and reliable intercontinental connectivity.

Data center expansion and rollout of managed services will offer value-added, hosted and customized solutions.

Tata Communications also continues to expand its global MPLS and Ethernet networks to enable scalable and secure connectivity and advanced services.

Tata Communications' Wimax network rollout in India will provide customers with high-speed and reliable connectivity to over 100 cities and towns.

Additionally, Tata Communications' strategic investment in South African operator Neotel provides a strong anchor to build an African footprint.