PCCW Global, a subsidiary of HKT, a major Hong Kong telco, has partnered with US network operator Lightower Fiber Networks to interconnect the companies' respective networks for international Ethernet connectivity.

By establishing the Ethernet interconnect, Lightower will extend its regional Ethernet reach beyond the US and into 86 countries covered by PCCW's Ethernet network. More than 100 Ethernet PoPs are deployed on its international MPLS backbone.

For PCCW, the deal brings the ability to connect to major carrier hotels in New York and Chicago. It will also bridge the East Coast and Mid-West regions, accelerating PCCW's plans to expand its Ethernet service offerings into the US.

Richard Brolly, president of Americas at PCCW, said, “PCCW Global is honored to be Lightower's first international Ethernet bilateral partner.

The collaboration also connects enterprises who are Lightower customers in developed metro markets in the US to any developed or emerging market across the globe. Both Lightower and PCCW.

Lightower is one of the largest pure fiber providers in the US. Its infrastructure consists of 20,000 route miles of network providing access to more than 7,500 service locations.

Scott Levy, VP of carrier sales for Lightower, said, “Ethernet interconnectivity affords carriers flexible ways to expand into new markets and leverage cutting-edge services.”