Reading, UK, March 11th, 2000 --- 8el launched on March 1st 2000 as a next generation service provider for leased lines between customers and Internet Service Providers ~ a long awaited alternative to British Telecom.

The 8el service, "freeport" enables organisations to directly connect to their chosen Internet Service Provider (ISP) at speeds of 64k up to 1Mbps.

By using 8el, customers use their call traffic expenditure to subsidise the expensive 'always on' connections that IT departments are demanding. Justin Hamilton-Martin the Managing Director of 8el explains:

"As e-commerce requirements develop in the UK, companies are demanding faster connectivity from their ISPs. 8el is reducing the cost 'exposure' of this development by using the customer's call spend to subsidise expensive leased lines - discounts can be up to 90% of traditional leased line suppliers. In addition, as 8el are not "tied" to any ISP, the customer can decide which ISP they want to use and the speed that they require - we act as the bridge between our customers and their supplier."

8el is a UK based organisation with the network management centre in Reading. With network points of presence throughout the UK, 8el helps organisations with connectivity throughout the country. One of 8el's initial customers, Ray Kingston, the Chairman of EBS (UK) Ltd stated,

"We were delighted to place our call spend with 8el in order to achieve our e-commerce strategy - the freeport service has provided us with a long-term solution for our communication requirements."

The freeport solutions include:

On-line Internet billing - via the 8el billing portal.
Information on call records is updated hourly so customers can view data, generate their own reports or download historical invoices.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) facility - for multiple sites.
8el can create a virtual private network between any number of customer sites for voice and data services.

Fault Tolerant Switch
By partnering Telspec Plc and investing in fault tolerant switches, the 8el service delivers excellent call quality and seamless call completion.

Jeff May, the Group Sales and Marketing Director of Telspec Plc commented on the partnership:

"Through working in parallel with 8el, the Telspec switch delivers the required routing control to ensure the highest standard of service is delivered - we look forward to a prosperous partnership as the 8el network develops."

At present, 8el provides voice and data connectivity for customers via fiber links. Working in conjunction with Fibernet Ltd, 8el will be looking to deliver connectivity via SDSL (Synchronous Digital Subscriber Line) technology. At this point, the "last mile" connectivity would then be via copper pairs - potentially in line with Oftel's plans to 'unbundle the local loop'.

For further information please contact the press office directly on [email protected] / 0845 33 000 93