news) said this week its expects 2000 revenues to be about $5.7 billion, driven by strong growth in sales of data services.

Hamilton, Bermuda-based Global Crossing said it expects adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) to be $1.6 billion for the full-year.

"That would be our benchmark. Our expectations are certainly to exceed benchmarks,'' Global Crossing chief executive Leo Hindery told analysts in a conference call.

Global Crossing on Tuesday posted a smaller-than-expected first-quarter loss as data sales surged and voice sales remained strong despite pricing pressure and intense competition through the industry.

First-quarter cash revenues were $1.285 billion, up 14 percent over the fourth quarter, and its adjusted EBITDA was $401 million, up 23 percent over the prior quarter.

The company did not provide year-ago results.

Shares of Global Crossing traded at 34-3 , up 1-3 on Nasdaq. The company is building undersea and international fibre-optic communications networks that will serve 27 countries and more than 200 major cities when completed next year.

Global Crossing said it expects its retail operations to become an increasing part of its business "in a relatively short period of time.'' Retail sales will comprise about 75 percent of its business, with wholesale operations filling the remaining 25 percent, compared to the current mix of 60 percent retail and 40 percent wholesale.

The company also said it plans to accelerate growth in Racal Telecom, the telecommunications arm of Britain's Racal Electronics Plc.