Cable&Wireless Europe, Asia & US announced today that it has landed a three-year, multi million pound contract with Virgin Group to deliver strategic datacomms services.

Cable&Wireless has been providing communications services to Virgin Group for over seven years and currently delivers hosting, security and contact centre services to different parts of the Group.   Under the new contract, it will provide the company with IPVPN services to over 130 sites in the UK, managed security, WiFi and application monitoring solutions.

Virgin decided to build on its existing relationship because of Cable&Wireless’ track record of delivering excellent service and managing mission critical services – as well as its deep knowledge of the company.

Cable&Wireless will take responsibility for delivering datacomms services to Virgin Operating companies including Virgin Management, Virgin Trains, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Active.  The increased bandwidth will allow Virgin Atlantic’s applications to work more effectively; and Virgin Trains to implement an IT refresh that is fundamental to its business. Virgin Active also has an increasing reliance on real-time systems for operational processes so a robust, reliable, secure and speedy network is essential to its success. 

Gareth Lewis, CIO, Virgin Group, said: "We’re a complex business, made up of a diverse number of different companies each with very specific requirements - Cable&Wireless gets this.  We also valued its commercial innovativeness and flexibility, as well as its strategic vision for the shared services model."

"Cable&Wireless has focused on making sure it understands our business, our people and our communications needs.  I have great confidence that our datacomms are in safe hands, allowing us to concentrate on driving our business forward."

Jim Marsh, CEO, Cable&Wireless Europe, Asia & US, said: "Our priority is to know exactly what our customers’ requirements are – and deliver a great customer experience first time, every time. This is a fantastic win for us and we’re thrilled that we can build on our existing relationship with Virgin Group."

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About Cable&Wireless

Cable&Wireless is one of the world’s leading international communications companies. It operates through two standalone business units - Europe, Asia & US and International.

The Europe, Asia & US business unit (formerly known as the "UK" business) provides enterprise and carrier solutions to the largest users of telecoms services across the UK, US, continental Europe and Asia, and wholesale broadband services in the UK. With experience of delivering connectivity to 153 countries - and an intention to be the first customer-defined communications services business - the focus is on delivering customers a service experience that is second to none.

The International business unit operates integrated telecommunications companies in 33 countries offering mobile, broadband, domestic and international fixed line services to residential and business customers, with principal operations in the Caribbean, Panama, Macau, Monaco and the Channel Islands.

For more information about Cable&Wireless, go to http://www.cw.com/

About Virgin

Virgin, a leading branded venture capital organisation, is one of the world's most recognised and respected brands.  Conceived in 1970 by Sir Richard Branson, the Virgin Group has gone on to grow very successful businesses in sectors ranging from mobile telephony, to transportation, travel, financial services, leisure, music, holidays, publishing and retailing. Virgin has created more than 200 companies worldwide, employing approximately 50,000 people, in 29 countries.   Revenues for 2006 exceeded US$20billion.

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