Cable and Wireless Bermuda Ltd yesterday announced a $20 million investment in the purchase of bandwidth capacity on the 360americas fibre optic cable system and related network infrastructure.

The investment provides access to all the fibre optic cable systems serving Bermuda and creates a fifth gateway for Cable and Wireless Bermuda's international telecommunications network.

The company said in a statement yesterday that the purchase of capacity from GlobeNet Communications (owner of 360americas) along with the recent $10 million investment in Cable and Wireless eBusiness Limited's secured managed hosting centre demonstrates Cable and Wireless' continued long term commitment to and belief in the Bermuda market.

Cable and Wireless Bermuda general manager Eddie Saints said: "This is a key investment for us that reinforces our unique position as a provider of international telecommunication services and facilities in Bermuda.

"Not only does it enable us to meet the growing demand for data IP (Internet Protocol), managed web hosting and web commerce services, it adds to the resilience and diversity of our international network ensuring the highest quality and reliability in our telecommunications services in the face of a rapidly changing global marketplace."

Michael Leitner, president of GlobeNet Communications said: "We are pleased to be working closely with Cable and Wireless and to facilitate their needs for network capacity.

"Our seamless connectivity will enable Cable and Wireless to reach key centres in the Americas, and illustrates its commitment to provide capacity services on our system."

The 360americas undersea cable system spans 22,000km and connects the United States, Bermuda, Brazil and Venezuela. The system is owned and operated by GlobeNet Communications, a subsidiary of 360networks inc.