Golden Telecom to provide gigabit Ethernet to RBC-TV

Fiber Optics Weekly Update, July 18, 2003

Golden Telecom, Russia's largest independent telecoms operator, has signed a long-term agreement to provide gigabit Ethernet service to RBC-TV, the Russian business TV station. Golden Telecom Inc. will provide a broadband virtual private network (VPN) for the broadcast of a high-quality digital signal by RBC -TV.

The first stage of the two companies collaboration envisages the provision of data channels operating at speeds from 30 Mb/sec to 100 Mb/sec using Golden Telecom's optical fiber network and Gigabit Ethernet technology. RBC-TV's central studio will link 30 remote terminals in banks, investment companies, as well as accounting and consulting companies, investment funds, exchanges and the business press to Russia's main cable and satellite channels.

Currently Golden Telecom is the only provider in Moscow capable of carrying television broadcasts via Gigabit Ethernet. RBC-TV is a new project for the RBC group of companies and will be Russia's first business TV station, devoted entirely to Russian and international business news. RBC-TV will broadcast 24 hours a day, covering Russian and international financial and commodity markets. The service is expected to go live on September 1, 2003.