Bermuda-based XL Capital is to get a worldwide state-of-the-art telecommunications network from Esat Telecom, the national partner of Global One in Ireland.

The contract is worth a reported $5 million over three years.

Through Global One in Ireland, Esat Telecom's fully-managed network will link 25 XL sites in ten countries across four continents.

Esat Telecom is supplying XL with frame relay, IP Solutions, managed service and global dial access for remote users.

This contract aims to allow to continue its rapid growth while still remaining competitive and flexible.

Peter Munro, MIS regional manager of XL Europe, said: "As a global financial services company, XL needed to implement a seamless global state-of-the-art telecommunications network.

"We were aware of what we needed technically in order to grow our core business along with our competitive advantage in the market and only Global One in Ireland together with Esat Telecom was able to provide these services on an international basis.'' Mr. Munro continued: "XL now has a tailored telecoms network which we believe will continue to give us a leading edge in our industry.'' Sean Corkery, chief operations officer of Esat Telecom, said he was delighted that XL had chosen Esat as a global carrier.

"We strive to be the number one choice for businesses and we are achieving this through our broad range of corporate services, unparalleled global reach and world class customer service,'' he said.

John Acton, corporate sales manager, Global One in Ireland, said: "XL Capital has very specific broad-band requirements on a global basis.

"I believe that the work that has been put in by both companies over the past six months will result in a dynamic network which will help XL grow its business into the future.'' Global One in Ireland offers a comprehensive portfolio of advanced voice, data and Internet services to businesses, carriers and consumers.

Esat Telecom's national agreement with Global One gives it access to the Global One global ATM-based network.