ÅF Group and Bredbandsbolaget sign cooperation agreement

ÅF Group and Bredbandsbolaget sign cooperation agreement The ÅF Group and Bredbandsbolaget have reached agreement on cooperation for the supply of design services, project planning and control system planning for installations, networks and equipment in properties connected to the Bredbandbolaget company's broadband network. The aim is to use broadband installations to create an inherent added value in connected properties in addition to offering the provision of primarily consumer- oriented services such as pay-to-view video services and IP telephone links. As an independent advisor, the ÅF Group will provide Bredbandsbolaget with access to expertise in areas such as technical property services, communications networks and telecommunications in private homes, offices, hotels, shopping centres and industrial premises. Bredbandsbolaget and the ÅF Group will also work together to improve the competitiveness of both companies by developing new products and services in areas such as property management, safety and security solutions with integrated alarm functions, environmental management and energy efficiency. One area of specific focus is the development of energy-efficient solutions: "The ÅF Group's initial contribution in this sphere will be in the form of independent analyses for both property owners and residents," says Arne Kjellberg, Managing Director for one of the ÅF Group's subsidiaries involved in the project. "These analyses will identify areas where there is a potential for making savings. Subsequently, with the help of Bredbandsbolaget's infrastructure, we will then propose, implement and follow up appropriate energy-saving measures." "Broadband technology will create a raft of new opportunities for property owners and tenants alike," says Jan Nilsson, Deputy Managing Director at Bredbandsbolaget with the responsibility for business development. "Cooperation between Bredbandsbolaget and the ÅF Group enables us to offer services that save money and increase comfort and convenience for those who own and live in the properties served by the broadband network." ********** The ÅF Group combines cutting-edge expertise in IT and engineering, innovative thinking and state-of-the-art technology with a century of close contact with Swedish industry. Few consulting companies can match the breadth and resources that the ÅF Group and its 2,300 employees can offer. Annual turnover is SEK 1.6 billion, one third of which derives from consulting in the area of administrative and technical IT services. The Group includes around twenty subsidiaries and has offices in around 50 locations in Sweden and ten other European countries. Foreign operations account for approximately one quarter of the Group's turnover. Bredbandsbolaget (B2) is the market leader in broadband communication and offers broadband services to households and small companies. The company, which was formed in the summer of 1998, is owned by Framfab, the Carlyle Group, Intel, Investor, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, NTL, Novestra and others. .8 ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/04/05/20000405BIT00920/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/04/05/20000405BIT00920/bit0002.pdf