VSNL International named 'best wholesale carrier' at the 2006 World Communication Awards
November 13, 2006

VSNL Singapore ("VSNL International"), the international arm of Videsh Sanchar Nigam (NYSE: VSL) was named the 'Best Wholesale Carrier' at the 2006 World Communication Awards (WCA), which honours companies responsible for the innovations, achievements and impressive new services that are helping to build the future of the telecommunications industry. This year's honours were the most competitive in WCA's eight-year history with 254 companies submitting their services for consideration.

VSNL International and Teleglobe, the flagship wholesale brands were chosen as 'Best Wholesale Carrier' by a panel of respected, independent judges based on outstanding performance and true differentiation in the areas of quality of service, scope of service portfolio, technological innovation, revenue growth, customer service and evidence of a strong strategic vision and future growth potential. Judges included Kenneth Cukier, technology and public policy editor, The Economist; Michael Bartholomew, director, The European Telecommunications Network Operators' Association; Sean Collins, KPMG Global Communications and Media Practice; Frederick Knops, vice president and partner, Booz Allen Hamilton; and Manoj Menon, Analyst, Frost & Sullivan, Singapore, among others.

N Srinath, executive director, VSNL comments, "It is a genuine honour to receive this prestigious award and be recognised as the 'Best Wholesale Carrier' in the industry among such an impressive group of competitors. This award demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative, technologically advanced solutions and unparalleled customer service, while continuing to execute on our vision to become one of the world's leading global telecommunications providers."

David Molony, editor in chief of Total Telecom Magazine and one of the judges on the global panel of experts for WCA says, "VSNL International claims the number one position in the international wholesale voice market with more than 17 billion minutes carried in the last year. The company is already in an impressive position internationally, and is working hard to continue to get more multinationals on board. VSNL International's customers are impressed with its range of high-quality competitively priced selective termination and broad code coverage. What was the Teleglobe, Tyco and ITXC businesses, now represents a formidable force in the global telecommunications industry."

The 'Best Wholesale Carrier' award was accepted by Michel Guyot, president, Global Voice Services, at a gala dinner in the presence of more than 200 senior executives from leading telecommunications companies. The award category was open to wholesale telecom providers in wireline, fixed wireless, mobile or converged markets, and finalists included AT&T Wholesale Group, Belgacom International Carrier Services, Cogent Communications NetCentric, iBasis International Wholesale Voice Service, and TeliaSonera International Carrier. The World Communication Awards is widely acknowledged as the most trusted event of its kind in the global communications industry.