SCIENCE

LONDON, ENGLAND -- Global Crossing Ltd. (NYSE: GX) today announced it has signed a framework agreement with NATO's Consultation, Command and Control Agency that qualifies it as a bidder to provide wide area network, video, voice and IP data communications services to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member countries and signatories to the Partnership for Peace Agreement. Global Crossing now has the ability to provide 46 governments access to the world's most extensive global IP-based fibre-optic network through the approved supplier agreement. The framework contract, known as a Basic Ordering Agreement, enables government agencies and Global Crossing to streamline the contracting process for the procurement of services and solutions quickly and affordably. The agreement also opens the door for Global Crossing's Solutions division to bid for major outsourcing projects in collaboration with systems integrators and vendors that are accredited suppliers to NATO. Mark Longstaff, Director Government Solutions, Europe, said: "Achieving approved supplier status in an exceptionally short period of time clears the way for Global Crossing to bid for contracts valued in excess of $100 million a year. Both the NATO and the U.S. Department of Defence agreements signal that Global Crossing has a compelling proposition for defence forces and governments around the world. The range of broadband IP services delivered over a secure and high performance global fibre optic network provides the robust communications solutions that are central to effective government and to the operations of the armed forces. We look forward to forming a strong partnership with NATO to enhance operational communications, improve interoperability and expand connectivity globally." An example of the services provided under the framework agreement is reflected in an existing contract with NATO for international private circuits linking the UK to Norway, Denmark and Italy. The 2Mbit/s links will be used to link NATO's sub-headquarters in London with bases in Stavangar in Norway, Milan in Italy and the RAF base at High Wycombe, UK, to Viborg in Denmark. The breadth of Global Crossing's network has enabled NATO to streamline its procurement of international bandwidth. Global Crossing's proposition of a single supplier for pan-European connectivity means NATO avoids the cost and complexity of acquiring capacity through multiple agreements with national operators. By moving from the existing system of procuring circuit segments within national boundaries, the framework agreement permits NATO to reduce its number of suppliers from five to one. Apart from cost reductions, added benefits include faster provisioning and greatly simplified billing. NATO will enjoy improved service levels as a result of end-to-end management and a single point of contact for ordering and fault reporting. NATO will benefit from commercial-level service agreements thanks to the high level of availability and resilience of the European network. Global Crossing has extensive experience in the deployment of international telecommunications services in the government and defence sectors. The company is in the process of implementing an international network for the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office under a contract worth $230 million. The 10-year project will provide managed voice, data and messaging services to over 10,000 users in 240 embassies, consulates and high commissions world-wide. In the defence arena, Global Crossing provides the Royal Air Force (RAF) with managed messaging and directory services to some 55,000 users at 70 RAF sites, including overseas bases such as Germany, the Falklands, Cyprus, Canada and Gibraltar. The flexible configuration of the system allows the RAF to extend messaging services to any field of operation worldwide. Global Crossing already has a substantial user base in the UK government sector, serving over 30 government departments with voice & data services via two major framework agreements - the Government Data Network and Metropolitan Telecommunications Services. For further information visit www.globalcrossing.com