London-based Transpac Network Services Ltd is expanding its UK activities, with the launch of an X32 service – claimed to be the UK’s first – and access to the French Minitel viewdata service. X32 users will be given secure dial-up access into the Transpac X25 network which uses the VX32 MOCAM, a V.32 modem with a Smart Card. The service is being aimed at security-conscious companies with a high incidence of users working from temporary sites, but is also being touted as an alternative to leased lines since it is to be tariffed on a fixed rate basis, although the exact level of charges has yet to be decided. Transpac is providing links into the Minitel network via the Minitelnet gateway service operated by Intelmatique, a wholly-owned subsidiary of France Telecom. It will enable UK companies to offer services over Minitel in France, as well as enabling UK users to access French services – needless to say the hottest properties on Minitel are the Pages Rose – the French use rose where we use blue, as in blue movies. Transpac is to provide connections to UK users direct, and through other service providers via X25.
