Seeing growing demand from multinational enterprise customers, Verizon Business (NYSE:VZ) is yet again expanding its European network and laying a foundation to activate the Europe India Gateway (EIG) submarine cable network system.
Included in its new European network upgrade cycle are three main initiatives: expanding the European Ultra Long Haul (ULH) network; adding more MPLS nodes for private IP customers; adding more converged packet architecture sites; and putting final touches on its Marseille, France, cable terminal where customer traffic will move from the EIG cable system onto Verizon Business` European network.
Once it completes its ULH network expansion in France, Verizon will build a 1,300-km extension to its UK ULH network, which will include a diverse link between Europe and the U.K. In addition, Verizon is expanding the speed of its Paris-to-Frankfurt ULH route from 10 Gbps to 40 and even 100 Gbps. Last December, Verizon upgraded its Paris-to-Frankfurt route with 100 Gbps capabilities.
One of the most significant network enhancements to the European network during 2010 will be the activation of the EIG submarine cable system later this year. With more than 93 percent of the marine installation completed, this next-generation, undersea optical cable system will link 12 countries/territories and connect Europe, the Middle East and India, giving Verizon Business customers direct access to the company`s European and India networks. Along with AT&T (NYSE:T), Verizon Business is one of 16 companies building the $700 million EIG cable.
