B2 and Continuum Group form B2 Benelux

Bredbandsbolaget (B2), in partnership with Continuum Group Ltd., a project development and investment firm, have announced plans to form a new company that will focus on the consumer and business broadband markets in the Benelux region.

B2 Benelux claims it will offer high-speed Internet access at speeds often 10 times greater than existing broadband technologies, and combine broadband access with broadband content and services. This will allow consumers to access services such as media-on-demand, video telephony, telephony, television, and interactive services.

Alphons Mulders, formerly the head of Zon, VersaTel's consumer InternetBusiness, will head up B2 Benelux.

The new company will benefit from B2's extensive expertise infiber-to-the-home switched and Ethernet technology, as well as new broadband services. It will also benefit from Continuum's network and expertise in the Benelux region. Cisco Systems will be the company's preferred partner for network components and design. Framfab, a leading systems integrator and developer of B2's broadband customer interface, will assist in the development of a localized version of B2's broadband portal for the Benelux market.

"Our next generation technology - along with our success in the Swedishmarket - gives us a unique first mover advantage when it comes to expanding throughout Europe," said Peter Ekelund, head of strategy and co-founder of Bredbandsbolaget. "The Benelux region is a natural extension of our service region, given the telecommunications and demographic characteristics of the region."

Jörg Mohaupt, managing director and co-founder of Continuum, said: "We are really excited to be delivering true broadband connectivity to the Benelux region. B2 is the ideal partner, bringing technological expertise along with a superior service platform."