C&W eyes Mediterranean in expansion deal


17 Jun 2008

Cable & Wireless and Telecom Italia Sparkle have entered into an enhanced partnership agreement that will see the two telecommunications companies support each other to expand their services globally.

The partnership enables Cable & Wireless to deliver network access into the Mediterranean Basin and gives Telecom Italia Sparkle the scope to further improve its network capability into Asia.

 

Under the agreement, Cable & Wireless will provide network infrastructure and services to Telecom Italia Sparkle as it meets the needs of its international customers, moving business, manufacturing and operations to Asia. Cable & Wireless enjoys a strong market reputation across Asia and recently established a presence in the Indian market.

 

Reciprocally, Telecom Italia Sparkle’s regional fibre optic network enables Cable & Wireless enterprise customers to access enhanced data, voice and managed services such as IP-VPN for operations in the Middle East and Africa. Telecom Italia Sparkle’s strong geographical positioning in the Mediterranean Basin has enabled it to build an extensive network throughout the region.

 

“This partnership allows us both to benefit from each other’s infrastructure investment and extend our global reach without further capital expenditure,” commented Jim Marsh, CEO, Cable & Wireless Europe, Asia and US. “We have significantly expanded our presence in Asia through our licences in India and will be able to fully support Telecom Italia Sparkle as its customers enter this new market.

 

“In turn we’re looking forward to working closely with Telecom Italia Sparkle to fulfill our own ambitions in the Mediterranean and Africa.”

 

“We enjoy a successful relationship with Cable & Wireless and this joint new initiative demonstrates the focus we have in increasing reciprocal competitiveness in areas that are key for the expansion of our customers,” added Stefano Mazzitelli, CEO, Telecom Italia Sparkle.

 

By Niall Byrne