"The change in the company''s name is a major step in our commitment to customers, partners and stakeholders," said N Srinath, managing director and CEO, VSNL. "Tata Communications reiterates a focus on the global communications business where we are a major player; at the same time, it reflects our strong heritage and leadership position in India."

In the l;ast five years after the Tata Group assumed management control of VSNL, it has entered new businesses, geographical areas and customer segments, with over $1 billion in investments. VSNL has also undergone a major re-engineering of its customer-facing processes to focus on flexibility and responsiveness.

VSNL has been among the most successful of post privatisation performance of a former central government owned entity. Its growth in the last five years has been aided by several acquisitions, both in India and overseas.

In 2006 it was voted the ''best wholesale service provider'' at the world communications awards

Through the TGN and Teleglobe acquisitions, the company gained ownership of an advanced global submarine cable backbone and an IP network. The company has continued its investments in building out its next-generation network, with two new submarine cables and a global MPLS and Ethernet network. VSNL is also the world''s largest wholesale international voice carrier.

Rated amongst the Top 100 Emerging Global Challengers by the Boston Consulting Group, VSNL is one of the world''s largest providers of wholesale international voice services and operates one of the largest global submarine cable networks. VSNL''s customer base includes 1,500 carriers, 450 mobile operators, 10,000 enterprises, 500,000 broadband and Internet subscribers and 450 Wi-Fi public hotspots.

VSNL''s global transmission network of over 200,000 route kilometers and its IP core with 200 points of presence, enable a range of services that include voice, private leased circuits, IP VPN, Internet access, global Ethernet, hosting, mobile signaling and other IP services.

VSNL has offices in over 35 countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and India.

Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India, and its American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: VSL).

The change in name is subject to obtaining required statutory approvals including that of the company''s shareholders. The brand change will be unveiled globally through an integrated brand campaign.