Oslo Stock Exchange: Continuing Operation Of Vpnett Assured

The recent insolvency of Enitel created some uncertainty over the operation of VPnett, which represents the most important communications infrastructure for the operation of the Norwegian securities market (cf. press release by Oslo Børs dated 17 September 2001). Bane Tele AS subsequently purchased the part of Enitel´s activities which operates VPnett. This acquisition was subject to certain conditions, but these have now been satisfied and the operation of VPnett will therefore continue as before. Bane Tele has assured Oslo Børs that VPnett will represent an important area of activity for the new company.

In addition further work has been carried out on the backup arrangements that come into operation in the event of any operational failure of VPnett. Problems previously identified in respect of certain members of Oslo Børs and with the feed from OBI have now been resolved, and relatively complete backup systems are now in place for all relevant systems based on the use of ISDN lines and the Internet.