Hong Kong PCCW Global and China Telecom Group announced Thursday they have launched the first-ever private line Ethernet service providing high bandwidth connectivity between Hong Kong and China.

 

The service, International Ethernet Private Line (IEPL), is an end-to-end managed bandwidth solution, providing customers with dedicated point-to-point cross border connectivity over a reliable platform, at high speed and with scaleable upgrades.

 

"IEPL is an ideal cross border connectivity solution for high traffic volume and mission critical applications, such as high bandwidth data transfer and video, storage applications. We are proud to deliver the first Ethernet service between China and Hong Kong. This is a key milestone for both China Telecom and PCCW Global." said Frederick Chui, PCCW Global's International Products and Solutions Senior Vice President.

 

PCCW Global and China Telecom have a long-standing commercial relationship, serving Chinese enterprises as they expand outside China into the region, and helping multinational companies grow and expand their business in China.

 

"The service responds to market demand for cross border data center connectivity as more and more enterprises are moving their back office operations and production plants to China. They need a scaleable platform with quick upgrade flexibility. This provides for better cost management and accommodates ad-hoc business requirements. It is an exciting development for customers expanding their business in China," he said.

 

The service conducted a soft launch in the second half of 2005, targeting the banking and finance sector, as well as the IT industry. It also serves the high bandwidth requirements of businesses in the trade and manufacturing sector.

 

PCCW Global and China Telecom have deployed a joint sales and marketing effort, winning early contracts from US-based enterprises.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 12, 2006)