Teltra
and US-based Extant have announced a Memorandum of Understanding under
which Telstra will take a 20 per cent equity interest in the company.
Extant is building a wide broadband data communications network and
establishing an Internet-based independent data clearinghouse between
competitive and incumbent local exchange carriers (LECS) in major US
markets.
As a strategic investment partner, Telstra will secure exclusive rights to
the Extant system for the Asia-Pacific region as well as providing
extensive service capability to the Extant Clearinghouse Community for the
local region. Extant will provide Telstra regional and local US
interconnect services with its local partners.
Telstra managing director for Global Wholesale John Hibbard, said the MoU
is consistent with Telstra’s international growth strategy.
“As Telstra moves into the data and Internet environment, the association
with Extant will greatly enhance our ability to quickly respond to the
emerging non-voice wholesale market, not only in the US, but also in Asia,
as the service capability is expanded,” he said.