Stories by Kristi Essick

EU clears BT, AT&T merger

The European Union's legislative branch, the European Commission, has approved a pending joint venture between British Telecommunications PLC and AT&T on the condition that AT&T sells off its own long-distance carrier in the UK, among other concessions.

Ciena to acquire two telecom equipment companies

Optical networking vendor Ciena plans to acquire two companies working in the fibre optic realm -- switch maker Lightera Networks and Omnia Communications, a supplier of transport and access products -- in a stock swap valued at $US980 million.

Global One rolls out leased-line alternative

Global One, the joint venture between Deutsche Telekom AG, France Telecom SA and Sprint, has rolled out a managed voice and data service that it says is much more cost-effective than leasing lines for multinational companies.

Alcatel earnings flat, to cut 12,000 jobs

At the same time as announcing flat operating profits for 1998, French telecommunications equipment manufacturer Alcatel said yesterday it planned to cut 12,000 jobs worldwide as part of a massive restructuring, a spokesman confirmed.

Bull to cut 1800 jobs in 1999

As part of an overall restructuring plan aimed at offering more Internet products and services, Groupe Bull SA will lay off 1800 employees around the world, a spokesman confirmed yesterday.

Yahoo CEO speaks out on content

While the world marvels at the seemingly endless ascent of Yahoo's stock price, the company doesn't even think about its share price on a day-to-day basis, preferring to focus instead on building a sustainable business model for the future, said CEO and president Timothy Koogle here yesterday.

Irish teen develops Fast Encryption

A 16-year-old Irish student has developed an encryption algorithm that she claims is much faster than the widely used RSA cryptography system from RSA Data Security.

Global One inks deal with NATO

Global One, the joint venture between France Telecom, Deutsche Telekom and Sprint, has signed a deal with the North American Treaty Organisation (NATO) to provide telecommunications services to government agencies within NATO member states.

Vodafone to launch counterbid for AirTouch

Following confirmation Sunday that Bell Atlantic is in talks to acquire AirTouch Communications, the UK's Vodafone Group may now be stepping up to make a counteroffer for the US cellular phone company.

C&W buys German ISP for 27.5 million pounds

Continuing its expansion into the European Internet services market, British telecommunications company Cable & Wireless yesterday acquired ECRC Network Services for 27.5 million pounds ($US45.65 million) in cash.

Telecom Outsourcing: Will it merge with data?

As data and voice networks continue to converge in the enterprise, telecommunications and data networking outsourcing contracts are becoming more closely intertwined and a host of French companies are hoping to ride this new wave in services.

IBM To Offer Open-Source, Secure Mailer Today

IBM Corp. today will announce a free, open-source software application aimed at improving the security and reliability of Unix-based e-mail communications, a company spokesman confirmed.

Ericsson says low earnings mean job cuts

Swedish telecommunications equipment maker LM Ericsson Telephone yesterday blamed the "global financial crisis" for what it predicts will be lower-than-expected profits and earnings for the 1998 fiscal year.

AT&T, BT . . . and IBM: red flag to regulators?

Amid the hubbub of Tuesday's news that AT&T plans to buy IBM's global network for $US5 billion, one silent partner that could greatly affect the deal lurked quietly behind the scenes -- British Telecommunications.

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