GTS does Europe

Global TeleSystems Group apparently has the largest and highest capacity network in Europe-for now.

We are the first in Europe with 100 Gb/s systems," said Jim Reynolds, chairman of GTS carrier services, trans-European network (formerly Hermes Europe Railtel). "It is more efficient to start off with a high-capacity platform. Volume is the name of the game."

If GTS can lease more economically than doing a build, it will, said Reynolds, but trans-border cable is typically built rather than leased because of difficulties in securing rights-of-way.

Sizing up the competition, Reynolds said that although MCI WorldCom "has the most extensive network, they are not focused on the wholesale market [like GTS is]. Global Crossing and Viatel are still selling futures, while KPN-Qwest's offerings are still limited."

GTS is expanding into eastern Europe and Russia and is working on an undersea link between the United Kingdom and New York, said Reynolds.