BT Global to extend Ethernet VPN service to 15 new markets

BT Global Services (NYSE: BT) is enhancing the reach of its flagship Ethernet-based VPN and Internet services across multiple countries, a move that will further boost its competitive stance against front runners like Orange Business Services and other global players.

On the Ethernet front, BT plans to make its Ethernet Connect VPN services available in 15 new countries, taking the total to 65. Ethernet Connect is BT's family of Ethernet virtual private network services that includes domestic, in country and international coverage, with speeds of up to 10 Gbps over fiber.

In tandem with Ethernet Connect VPN, the service provider's Internet Connect Global, an Internet service for multinationals' e-commerce and web presence, will be extended to over 50 countries, from 45 at present.

By launching the Internet Connect Reach service, BT will provide extended Internet coverage that will supplement Internet Connect Global with lower cost access options in over 190 counties and territories. The expanded Internet coverage will be supported by the buildout of points of presence (PoPs) in nine countries to reduce the length of access circuits between PoPs and customer sites.

But Internet connectivity and Ethernet are just part of BT Global's expansion initiative as the service provider is also enhancing its cloud service capabilities.

The service provider is improving connectivity and shortening deployment times for its Cloud Connect program, which connects business customers to over 200 third-party data centers for access to software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers. In addition, BT is extending its interconnected cloud-enabled data centers via BT Cloud Compute to Argentina, South Africa and Japan.

Having these expanded capabilities in hand will enable BT to stay on a competitive footing with Orange Business, particularly in the Ethernet and VPN services market. Although BT trailed Orange in Vertical Systems Group's Global Ethernet Leaderboard issued in September, ongoing drives to expand Ethernet and VPN reach into markets such as Asia Pacific and Latin America ensure it will remain a large threat in the international services market.

For more:
- see the release

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