Not content with its involvement in the East German market, Deutsche Bundespost Telekom is also preparing for a full-scale assault on important international markets, Computerwoche reports. The setting up of an office in Tokyo is to be followed by the formation of divisions in London, New York, Paris and Brussels. Telekom chairman Helmut Ricke, who lamented the loss of lucrative business to worldwide suppliers, said that the main objective was to overcome business disadvantages faced when competing with US carriers such as AT&T and the rest of the Baby Bells, but also to compete with the likes of British Telecom and France Telecom, both of which have had international divisions for some time. Other measures being considered by the PTT include modifying its tariffs in certain areas. Ricke revealed Telekom’s future plans at the official launch of Deutsche Bundespost Telekom KK in Tokyo; he also used the occasion to sign a memorandum of understanding with Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp under which the two organisations will offer international one-stop shopping services, starting in the area of private business networks. Paul Kuhn, formerly with Siemens AG, is to be president of Deutsche Bundespost Telekom KK.
