worldwide telecommunications network.

Bermuda-headquartered Global Crossing announced it had signed an agreement with Alcatel Submarine Networks to construct its proposed Mid-Atlantic Crossing (MAC) undersea fibre-optic cable.

The 6,000 kilometre link will connect Brookhaven, New York, Hollywood, Florida, St. Croix, the Virgin Islands, and Bermuda. Global's other links include the Atlantic Crossing connecting the US with Europe, the Pacific Crossing, linking the US with Japan, and the Pan American Crossing, which will link California Mexico, Panama, and the Caribbean. When complete the system "will comprise the world's first independent, open-access, fibre-optic global telecommunications network, providing seamless data and voice links between Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia,'' Global Crossing stated in a press release.

The Atlantic Crossing began transmitting voice and data in May. The Mid-Atlantic Crossing is expected to be in service next year while the Pacific Crossing is scheduled to be in operation in 2000.

"With the completion of MAC, Global will have finalised the key component of its integrated, high-capacity undersea fibre-optic global network,'' Chief Executive Officer Jack Scanlon stated.