Tata Communications ties up with RTComm to provide joint data services

Tata Communications today said that it will provide joint data services between carriers in Russia and the rest of the world, jointly with Russian telecommunications RTComm.

RTComm has the most developed IP network in Russia with 130 access points throughout the country. RTComm RU OJSC, a part of Rostelecom group since last year, is a national operator providing Internet access services for operators and integrated high-tech solutions for Russian or foreign companies, with communication requirements to and from as well as within the CIS or Russia.

Tata Communications' unique emerging market depth and breadth of reach includes a national fiber backbone network and access to network in over 60 cities and 125 Pops in India, strategic investments in South African converged services operator, Neotel, Sri Lanka and Nepal and, subject to fulfillment of conditions precedent, a 50% ownership in China Enterprise Communications (CEC) providing full country VPN coverage in China.

The agreement enables Tata Communications to leverage its position of strength in the worldwide telecommunications sphere, utilising the localised expertise in the Russian market through RTComm's established national leadership.

According to the terms of Tata Communications' memorandum of understanding with RTComm, the two copmpanies will work together to deliver, secure and scalable, carrier and enterprise class data solutions, to their respective customers.

This partnership enables RTComm, one of the leading companies in the Russian telecommunications market, to deliver global network services to its local customers, while Tata Communications will increase its global footprint with services into this emerging market through RTComm's local network.

''RTComm realised it was necessary to partner with a global provider that would allow us to offer our customers coverage outside of Russia, access to superior services and increased scalability,'' said Valeryi Lokhin, general director, RTComm.

Lokhin added, ''We continually strive to partner with well-established telecoms providers. Tata Communications not only holds a global leadership position, but also shares a similar ethos in the provision of innovative, world-class services.''

Tata Communications delivers unmatched global data and network services, which are both scalable and flexible in all international markets. RTComm's commitment to constantly develop and offer new services in accordance with market trends is the foundation of this strategic agreement with Tata Communications, which offers a global reach and pioneering technology.

''RTComm's local reach, understanding and innovation match our commitment to deliver market appropriate services globally, making them the ideal partner for Tata Communications,'' said Claude Sassoulas, managing director of EMEA for Tata Communications. ''This collaboration further expands on our plan to offer increased connectivity into emerging regions across the world.''