{loadpositon peter}The two companies say their trial interconnection agreement will allow Telstra's worldwide network of Cisco TelePresence customers to connect to Tata Communications' Global Meeting Exchange which provides private and public telepresence services in 31 cities across five continents.

Telstra's executive director of innovation, products and marketing, Philip Jones, said the agreement will help address the demand for telepresence meetings globally. 'Telepresence is an increasingly popular way to conduct global business meetings because of the 'time, cost and environmental efficiencies it delivers.'

According to Jones, the productivity benefits of video conferencing can be felt throughout the business by improved communications between customers, partners and colleagues.

'This trial agreement makes it even easier for Telstra's customers around the world to enjoy those benefits, and to support more agile and flexible business practices essential for business today.'

Tata's vice-president, integrated business video services, Peter Quinlan, said the interconnection agreement will benefit organisations that do business across the globe.

'The agreement with Telstra further demonstrates our commitment to drive Telepresence as a tool for true global collaboration where customers can connect with each other regardless of service provider or network,' Mr Quinlan said.

Jones said that to organise a telepresence meeting, Telstra customers across the globe will be provided with instructions on how to reach their conference on Tata Communications' Global Meeting Exchange platform, and 'assistance is available to customers via their local Telstra service desk number in each region.'