Following the launch of point-of-presence services at the 2011 Futurecom event in São Paulo, NTT America, a subsidiary of Japanese-based NTT Communications, hinted it was looking to expand its presence in the region.
Though nothing has been defined, Michael Wheeler, EVP for the global IP network business unit at NTT America, said in an exclusive interview with RCR Wireless News that there are some target cities where the company could expand its PoP offering.
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Although he did not specify dates, Wheeler noted the company was looking at possible expansion to Rio de Janeiro (“what could be easier to launch,” he noted); Santiago, Chile; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and one Colombian city.
“It is the first time we have a physical presence in the region; we do not want to rush. Anytime when you launch in a market like this, you learn things as you go,” Wheeler explained.
>>> Listen to NTT America’s Michael Wheeler commenting on future launches.
The Brazilian PoP service was announced in September and began operations last December. “São Paulo is the epicenter of Latin America, so it is a great place to start. There’re big opportunities,” said Wheeler.
The company said it has invested “several millions of dollars” to launch PoP in Brazil.
NTT America is targeting Internet service providers, large and multinational enterprises and Internet-based businesses.
“Internet is not about one country or one city, so from operation and sales perspectives is very important to have connections,” Wheeler explained.
>>> Listen to the second part of Wheeler’s interview.
