Verizon Teams With Dialog Axiata to Expand Global IP Network Reach and Offer Private IP Network Capabilities in Sri Lanka

NEW YORK, May 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Multinational corporations can take advantage of a new network alliance Verizon has formed with Dialog Axiata PLC that will expand Verizon's Private IP network capabilities to Sri Lanka.

The joint agreement allows Verizon to join with Dialog Axiata to service large-enterprise customers in Sri Lanka, which becomes the 16th Asia-Pacific country in which Verizon offers its Private IP services.

Verizon and Dialog Axiata will use a technology called packet-optical transport platform (P-OTP) to extend Private IP services to Sri Lanka. P-OTP is a robust and economical platform that integrates a combination of connection modes, enabling Verizon to create the manageable and scalable capabilities required to support the growing demand of packet-based services. This network platform gives multinational customers an opportunity to receive end-to-end global Private IP services from the growing business region of Sri Lanka to the rest of the world.

"Sri Lanka is an increasingly important market to our global enterprise customers," said Yali Liu, Verizon director of network planning and engineering.  "Our agreement with Dialog Axiata enables our customers to use Private IP services for their business needs in Sri Lanka."

Verizon Private IP customers benefit from six classes of service (CoS), which enable latency-sensitive applications, such as VoIP and video, to receive priority over applications such as email. Private IP's ability to prioritize applications and to provide advanced reporting tools for network and application performance to the desktop and user level makes the offering an ideal global platform for business communications and day-to-day operations. The new P-OTP node will help enable Dialog Axiata's corporate customers in Sri Lanka to experience resiliency and enhanced performance when using the Private IP communications services.

Suresh Sidhu, Dialog Axiata's group chief officer-enterprise and global business, said, "We are privileged to team with and provide expertise in Sri Lanka to Verizon, a company with consistent customer-centric focus. Together we will offer great opportunity for global customers to come on board by using reliable, cost-effective solutions that enable them to be competitive in the markets they choose to serve."

The Sri Lanka node will be an extension of Verizon's global network. With the Sri Lankan economy – particularly business-processing outsourcing and other key industries -- poised to grow rapidly over the next decade, the network alliance enables Verizon to serve a wide spectrum of business customers and provide them with seamless connectivity via customized solutions. The new platform also enables 24/7 connectivity, which global business requires.    

Dialog Axiata will continue its metro Ethernet project in Colombo, the largest city in Sri Lanka, placing fiber-optic cabling directly into business premises. During the last three years, fiber has been installed in key business sections of Colombo, which has enabled Dialog Axiata to provide end-to-end seamless connectivity. The reach of Dialog Axiata's domestic network includes its MPLS network around the country and fully redundant connectivity to business premises via fiber and wireless solutions.

Verizon is a global leader in driving better business outcomes for enterprises and government agencies. Verizon delivers integrated IT and communications solutions via its high-IQ global IP and mobility networks to enable businesses to securely access information, share content and communicate. Verizon is rapidly transforming to a cloud-based "everything-as-a-service" delivery model that will put the power of enterprise-class solutions within the reach of every business. Find out more at www.verizonbusiness.com.

About Dialog Axiata PLC

Dialog Axiata PLC, an ISO 9001 certified company, is a subsidiary of Axiata Group Berhad. The company operates 2.5G and 3/3.5G Mobile Communications networks supporting the very latest in multimedia and mobile Internet services. Dialog has the distinction of being the first 3G operator in South Asia to commence commercial operations. Its local coverage spans all provinces of Sri Lanka, while international roaming is provided in over 200 destinations. Dialog Axiata, the largest and fastest growing cellular service in Sri Lanka, serves a subscriber base in excess of 6.7 million Sri Lankans.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 104 million total connections nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 196,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.  

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SOURCE Verizon