Skanska and Bredbandsbolaget in cooperative venture for broadband installation
Skanska and Bredbandsbolaget in cooperative venture for broadband installation Skanska and Bredbandsbolaget have signed a Letter of Intent to jointly develop and install broadband networks. An agreement is expected to be concluded during the first quarter of 2000. Consequently, Skanska is taking another step into the growing market for broadband installation. Skanska recently formed a broadband alliance with MasTec in the North American market. The Skanska and Bredbandsbolaget cooperation comprises urban networks, area networks and property networks. In addition to faster Internet connections, the customers are offered access to such broadband services as IP telephony and such TV services as video on demand. "Combined, Skanska and Bredbandsbolaget will be a strong supplier of broadband services. Accordingly, we are broadening service to our customers. We have very high and broad expertise in the entire chain to carry out installation of broadband networks, from start to finish. This places us in a favorable position of becoming leaders in the construction of the infrastructure of the future," says Per-Ingemar Persson, president of Skanska Sverige. "Cooperation with Skanska means that we reach even more households with our broadband technology, not just in urban areas but, in fact, throughout most of Sweden. Skanska is the leader in its operations and with our in- depth knowledge about broadband services and technology we create a unique alliance," comments Peter Ekelund, CEO, Bredbandsbolaget Group. The two companies have previously announced their first joint project involving installation of the broadband network in Sundbyberg, a Stockholm suburb, for SEK 75 million. The customer is Fastighets AB Förvaltaren, a public housing company, which is offering access to a broadband network to its 10,000 tenants. Bredbandsbolaget estimates that about 500,000 Swedish households will gain access to broadband services in their homes next year and that another 500,000 will be included in installation agreements. Currently, Skanska and Bredbandsbolaget are developing proposals for installation of broadband networks for other municipalities and real estate companies. Skanska will be responsible for project management, installation and related construction work. Bredbandsbolaget provides the software services and the leading-edge expertise in broadband technology. In the US, the Skanska/MasTec alliance is building the American company RCN's broadband network. The first phase covers assignments of about USD 1.4 billion, approximately SEK 12 billion. RCN is planning on investing USD 3 billion, about SEK 25 billion, during a three-year period. Stockholm, December 21, 1999 SKANSKA SVERIGE AB Information For further information, contact: Per-Ingemar Persson, President Skanska Sverige, Tel +46 40 14 42 40 Stefan Petersson, Skanska Installation, Tel +46 11-10 39 39, +46 70-533 85 42 Peter Ekelund, CEO, Bredbandsbolaget Group, Tel +46 8 406 95 62 This and previous releases are also available on www.skanska.se ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/12/21/19991221BIT00340/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/12/21/19991221BIT00340/bit0002.pdf