In a bid to replace the failed trans-Siberian fibre optic project the Russia government is to arrange an international tender to find companies willing to take part in the construction of a Euro-Asian communication line connecting Moscow and Khabarovsk in the Russian Far East. Sumitomo Corp and NEC Corp have said they plan to take part in the contest. The total distance to be covered is 6,250 miles and the Russian government estimates that it will cost $40,000m. The aim is for installation to be done between 1995 and 1998. The one element that survived from the original Trans-Siberian project, a high capacity line connecting Copenhagen with Moscow is at present under construction.
