Under this agreement, Data Access will utilise satellite capacity from Intelsat worth 100 Mbps for a multiyear period. The deal marks Data Access'' enhancement of the lucrative IPLC business between India and Europe. This marks the beginning of a long-term relationship between the two companies.

This will significantly boost Data Access'' current capacity of 1024 Mbps on C & KU band to 1200 Mbps. Data Access will utilise capacity on multiple Intelsat transponders on the 704 satellite located at 66° E in geostationary orbit.

Connectivity will be established from Data Access'' Network Operating Centre (NOC) in Delhi to Intelsat''s teleport in Fuchsstadt, Germany, via satellite. Traffic will be routed from Germany on fibre backhaul to Intelsat''s London Point of Presence (PoP) to connect with Data Access'' London PoP.

Says Data Access India founder and managing director Siddhartha Ray: "We are glad to be working with Intelsat and look forward to a constructive and long-term relationship. The market potential of switched IPLC business in this sector is getting stronger with current volumes reaching 18 million minutes per year and estimated to go up to 90 million minutes per year by the end of 2006. Our existing world-class ILD [international long-distance] infrastructure coupled with additional satellite capacity will further widen our horizons to enter other lucrative business segments."

Says Intelsat COO Ramu Potarazu: "We are pleased that Data Access, a pioneer in the Indian international carrier services market, has chosen Intelsat capacity to provide its solution. Intelsat''s leadership in providing reliable and flexible services will surely provide an edge to Data Access and its customers."

With a unique ''hybrid'' IP based network and a dedicated lean management team Data Access is all set to emerge as the first global telecom player from India. This year, it has become the first-ever Indian telecom company to be nominated for the prestigious World Communication Awards under the Best Regional Carrier category, rubbing shoulders with fellow nominees Sing Tel, Belgacom, COLT Telecom and Easy Net. The company has rapidly expanded beyond the Indian shores to developed and emerging markets such as the US, the UK and Sri Lanka.