GlobeNet Announces New Network Upgrade, Adding 200 Gigabits of Additional Capacity Over Its Lowest Latency Submarine Fiber Optic Cable System Connecting the Americas

BOCA RATON, FL--(Marketwire - October 26, 2010) -  GlobeNet, an international wholesale provider of submarine capacity, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Oi (BOVESPA: TNLP3) (BOVESPA: TNLP4) (BOVESPA: TMAR3) (BOVESPA: TMAR5) (BOVESPA: TMAR6) and (NYSE: TNE), unveils today its plans for a 200 Gbps upgrade, from 360 Gbps to 560 Gbps of total lit network capacity, in its lowest latency, fiber optic cable network connecting the Americas. In response to the ever-increasing bandwidth demands from its customers, GlobeNet has successfully completed a network trial to ensure its optical transmission technology can support this high capacity upgrade. As a result, GlobeNet awarded Alcatel-Lucent and Xtera Communications, Inc. 100 Gbps contracts respectfully. The new network capacity deployment is scheduled to be complete by first quarter 2011 with further plans by GlobeNet to upgrade to a 1.44 Tbps network thereafter.

This push for more capacity is a result of Latin American and U.S. carriers and end users' growing demand for bandwidth-intensive services and applications such as broadband Internet, streaming media, video, tele-presence and online gaming. According to a study by Pyramid Research, South America has a projected annual growth in capacity demand at more than 40% in 2010 and 30-35% in 2011-2012. Additionally, the total capacity demand in the North America-Latin America routes are expected to rise to 1.9 Tbps in 2010, reaching 6.9 Tbps by 2014.

With landing points in Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza (Brazil), Maiquetía (Venezuela), St. David's (Bermuda), Boca Raton and Tuckerton, N.J. (United States), the GlobeNet submarine network allows networks to bridge the Americas with lowest latency routing and high performance.

"Here at GlobeNet, we trial, test and deploy the latest in technology innovations to ensure our network is and remains cutting edge," states Erick W. Contag, Chief Operating Officer of GlobeNet. "In order to cater to our carrier clients' needs for today as well as tomorrow, we are upgrading our network capacity substantially. With additional bandwidth availability, our carrier customers will continue to have the necessary fiber optic infrastructure to ensure secure data transmissions and increased Internet-based services in and between the Americas."

"Reliability is a hallmark of our service," states Luiz Mario Alonso, GlobeNet's Director of Network Engineering and Operations. "By preparing our network today, we are further ensuring high performance and a quality network infrastructure for tomorrow. Designed to offer the lowest latency on all network segments, the GlobeNet fiber system ensures a viable communications network for carriers between the U.S. and Latin America."

About GlobeNet
GlobeNet provides international capacity services between North and South America over a dual ring-protected, fiber optic submarine cable system serving Bermuda, Brazil, Colombia, U.S.A., and Venezuela. The network spans more than 22,000 kilometers and offers a network availability of 99.99%. GlobeNet with its headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida and USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Brazilian Oi (that acquired Brasil Telecom).

Contact Information:

For GlobeNet media inquiries, please contact:
Jaymie Scotto & Associates
+1.866.695.3629