Comms groups reassure users

WAM!NET and Vio have moved quickly to assure their customers that the WorldCom "debacle" will not impact upon their services.

In a letter sent out to customers, WAM!NET’s chief executive Michael Williams pointed out that the UK has "no exposure to WorldCom for the provision of any part of WAM!NET’s service, nor local loop access".

This is a different situation to that in America, where it is dependent on some local loop access and, up until six months ago,

provided portions of its managed network backbone. However, it has since terminated this agreement with WorldCom in favour of Universal Access.

When KPN Qwest in the Netherlands collapsed, WAM!NET was able to ensure no disruption to its service. According to Williams, it had successfully transferred its entire managed communications service to a different provider 17 days after the initial warning .

Managing director Chris Friend said: "This re-emphasises our value aside from software and hardware – we take care of our customers."

Vio is also not dependent on any one telecommunications network, and stated that its "deeply resilient solution will protect customers against the current financial frailties of the telecomm industry". Its new Vio Comfort package is aimed at eliminating the risk of network failure.

Story by Rachel Barnes