Bell Atlantic and Vanco in telecoms tie-up

Bell Atlantic and Vanco have entered a strategic alliance which they claim will be more successful than current telco tie-ups thanks to a ruthless focus on customer needs.

The US Baby Bell's Data Solutions Group will work with the UK-based network services provider to offer services including consulting, data network implementation and full outsourcing to European multinationals. Vanco will join Bell to provide the same services in North America, although most of Bell Atlantic's business is within its eastern seaboard footprint.

Allen Timpany, Vanco CEO, said: "There was the flurry of former monopolists joining up, but the point was missed that it's about who has the right services, structure, management and commitments. What we've found with Bell Atlantic's Data Solutions Group is a hand-in-glove fit with what we're doing in Europe."

Joe Farina, president and CEO of Bell Atlantic's Data Solutions Group, said the relationship would fare better than other alliances such as Global One, because it would be customer-centric, and not just serve the needs of large telcos looking to expand in deregulated markets.

David Brown, chairman of telecoms consultancy Schema, said: "It's always been slightly puzzling that Bell Atlantic hasn't figured more in Europe, but it makes sense for it to go with a data solutions company because it means they get European coverage in one go."