Tycom, the global land and undersea fibre network carrier, is understood to be discussing the possibility of extending its growing European broadband network into the State. The telecommunications giant, which had revenues of $2.54 billion (&€8364;2.84 billion) in 2000, is known to have been in discussions with a number of interested parties in the Republic, according to several senior industry sources.
It is understood Tycom has been in discussions to develop a network linking the major regional cities and Dublin. A senior source said Tycom may consider landing a cable in the south-east, perhaps in Cork or Waterford, which could link with its European network either in Britain, Spain or Portugal. Tycom recently received operator licences for both Spain and Portugal.
Tycom also completed the majority of installation work on the 360networks transatlantic cable between the Republic and the US, and is considered a possible candidate to take over its operation. As 360networks is seeking bankruptcy protection in the US, the cable, which is complete, remains unlit. There has been much industry speculation over its fate.
Bermuda-based Tycom is building land networks in Europe, Asia and the US, linked by transatlantic and transpacific fibre cables. Some of the network will be operational this year.
If the operator entered the Irish market, Tycom would be expected to drive down costs dramatically for broadband connections here. The State has virtually no competition on regional fibre routes, controlled by Esat/BT and Eircom, and prices here are among the highest in the world.
