Telia is expanding its Viking Network in the West of France

Telia is expanding its Viking Network in the West of France Telia International Carrier, has contracted SOGEA and GTIE (VINCI group - ex CGE) to build a 1,400 km multi-duct network across the west part of France, linking Paris to Hendaye, passing through Rennes, Nantes, Bordeaux and Biarritz. The 150 Million-Euro contract, has been entrusted to the VINCI construction group via two of its subsidiaries, which are specialised in building telecommunications networks. SOGEA will construct the infrastructure (ducts, distribution chambers and regeneration sites) and GTIE will install the equipment and cable connections. The contract constitutes a new phase in the deployment of the Viking Network in France, which began with the setting up of the Calais-Paris- Strasbourg link in 1999. This phase, which involves the installation of 12 pipes over the 1,400 km distance linking Paris to Hendaye on a Paris-Rouen-Caen-Rennes-Nantes- Bordeaux-Biarritz-Hendaye axis, started in May and will be completed in may 2001. One of the pipes will initially be equipped with 192 fibres, providing exceptional capacity. - Through this agreement, we make a big step towards the deployment of the French part of the VIKING network" said Alain Minier Managing Director of the French subsidiary "and we will benefit from the recognized experience of SOGEA and GTIE in this area. For further information to journalists please contact: Mr Lars Rydin, President Telia International Carrier +46 8 605 45 50 About Telia International Carrier Telia's wholly owned subsidiary Telia International Carrier provides services within IP, Capacity, Voice and Infrastructure to the rapidly growing international wholesale customer segment. Today the company is the leading European carrier of transatlantic IP traffic to the U.S. The wholly owned multi-fiber optic network, the Viking Network, provides high capacity bandwidth and offers end-to-end connectivity round the world. The network is a giant investment-intensive venture designed to expand Telia International Carrier to cover Scandinavia, Europe and the U.S. by 2001. The infrastructure in Europe is designed as a multi-duct network connecting all significant cities in regards to IP and telecommunications. At the present the Viking Network covers 7000 route kilometres and connects 29 cities. By the end of 2000 the network will cover 30000 route kilometres throughout Europe and the U.S. connecting 40 major cities. Telia is the leading Scandinavian Internet & Communication Company. Operating from the position as the largest player in the expanding North European market, Telia has established a strong global presence with representation all over the world. The turnover of the company in 1999 was SEK 52 121 million and it employs 30 600 people.Visit Telia on the Web at www.telia.com Not for distribution in the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/06/20/20000620BIT00820/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/06/20/20000620BIT00820/bit0002.pdf