LONDON, Feb. 20 -- FLAG Telecom reported that the company has successfully achieved the final splice on the UK to France section of the FLAG Atlantic-1 (FA-1) cable system. FA-1, a dual multiterabit cable system connecting London, Paris and New York, is at an advanced stage of construction and is scheduled to enter commercial service in March 2001.
    "We are delighted to have achieved this next significant milestone in the development of FA-1," said Ed McCormack, COO of FLAG Telecom. "The cable system is scheduled to enter service next month and the mid-Atlantic splice, completing the first of two transatlantic links, is scheduled to occur within the next two weeks. FLAG Telecom is building one of the largest and most extensive global networks and FA-1 is a key element in our worldwide plans."