Posted: 07/2000

News Briefs

FTV Communications LLC network partners Touch America Inc. (www.in-tch.com) and Williams Communications Group Inc.
(www.williamscommunications.com) have entered into an $80 million agreement to exchange dark fiber on long-haul, fiber optic routes connecting key cities in the central United States. Each company will provide the other with fiber maintenance and collocation services.

Also, Touch America receives an indefeasible right of use (IRU) for fibers on Williams’ 1,053-mile route that runs from Denver to Topeka, Kan.; Topeka to Kansas City, Mo.; Kansas City to Des Moines, Iowa; and from Des Moines to Minneapolis.

* Gateway Networks, the wholesale division of Gateway Telecom Canada
(www.gatewaynetworkscanada.com), has purchased capacity from Broadwing Inc.
(www.broadwing.com) for $25 million. This deal allows Gateway Networks to continue its rollout across North America as a “carrier’s carrier,” with Broadwing’s wavelength technology providing data, voice and IP services over its coast-to-coast network spanning more than 16,888 fiber miles. In addition, Broadwing will provide Gateway Networks with collocation services at all of its
PoPs.

* The Carrier Services Division of Global Crossing Ltd. (www.globalcrossing.com) has signed a $50 million agreement to provide network transport, dedicated Internet access, ATM network services and leased fiber capacity to TriVergent Communications Inc.
(www.trivergent.com). TriVergent is a broadband telecommunications company offering automated web design and web hosting, and high-speed data and voice services to small and medium-sized businesses in the southeastern United States.

* Operating under a resale agreement with Capsule Communications Inc.
(www.capsulecom.com), TalkVISUAL Corp.
(www.talkvisual.com) has announced it is selling long-distance services through a new website,
www.talkvisual-ld.com. TalkVISUAL operates
"videocalling" shops servicing businesses and expatriate ethnic populations. It also sells wireless services via a separate website at
www.beeperforabuck.com, and plans to sell prepaid calling services on
www.prepaidtelephones.com.