Ltd. yesterday said it expects 2001 cash revenues of up to $7.2 billion as data sales surge and it launches service on new networks in areas such as Hong Kong and South America.

The company, which is building a worldwide fibre-optic communications network, said its cash revenues will be about $7.1 billion to $7.2 billion in 2001.

EBITDA, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation, will be about $2 billion to $2.1 billion in 2001.

Global Crossing said it continues to diversify its revenue base and its 2001 results will benefit from the launch of service on new networks and in regions such Asia-Pacific, South America and Europe.

Separately, Global Crossing said it forged a pact with Computer Sciences Corp.

that will generate $150 million in revenues over five years.

Under the deal, Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC) will move its global network to Global Crossing's fibre network backbone and distribute its information technology services over the network. Global Crossing also may have CSC handle its applications programming and develop consumption-based billing systems.

Shares of Global Crossing gained 13/16, or 4.29 percent, to $19-3/4, after trading as high as $20-1/2, on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock has dropped about 57 percent over the past year.

Global Crossing said its commercial services revenue growth in 2001 will be stronger than in the past, due in part to more than 100 percent growth in sales of data services. The strength in data services and managed outsourcing contracts will "more than offset'' the projected decline in voice services, the company said. Growth in cash revenue from carrier services is expected to be consistent with that of recent periods, but the company did not provide specifics. Data-service products sold to carriers will exceed 100 percent annualised growth, with wholesale voice revenues expected to grow at about half that rate.

Global Crossing said it expects its consumer long-distance segment, which currently generates about three percent of its revenue, to continue to decline due to the company's decision not to market retail consumer voice service, or stand-alone voice service to commercial customers.

Its Pan-European network will be completed in the second quarter of 2001; its East Asia Crossing network will begin service to Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2001, and the western ring of its South America Crossing network will be in service in the second quarter of 2001.

Global Crossing said its trans-Atlantic market, which was its only source of revenue 18 months ago, should account for less than a few percentage points of 2001 cash revenues as it expands it revenue base. Its capital spending with be about $10 billion in 2000-2001.