Fujitsu wins global cabling contract

Fujitsu has secured a US$1.5 billion contract from Flag Telecom, owned by India's Reliance Communications, to lay 50,000 km of its global IP network expansion.

The addition will nearly double the length of Flag's global network from 65,000 to 115,000 km, and extend its reach to 60 countries.

When completed in 2010, the Flag Global Network will comprise four networks. One will contain most countries in South-East Asia whilst another will house South and Central African countries. Mediterranean fringing countries will be grouped and North Pacific fringing countries will form the other group.

Flag had shortlisted NEC, Fujitsu, Tyco Electronics and Alcatel-Lucent to build the system, but awarded the entire contract to Fujitsu.

A Reliance spokesperson said: "Fujitsu has won this contract due to its highly reliable equipment and reputable turnkey project management capability, against very tough competition against other suppliers."