Dear Colleagues,
following today's VC I succeeded to get in contact with DFN (Martin Wilhelm). So, here is the latest information:

- DFN is curently in the process of investigating CoS and QoS on their Transatlantic links. DFN provides reserved bandwidth using PVCs for partners taking part in those pilot studies. DESY's application was accepted and as a consequence the DFN-NOC will be asked to immediately complete the implementation needed to direct DESY traffic to the PVC reserved for us. I will provide for the implementation schedule within the next couple of days.

- DFN expects to get their second 155 Mbps TA link in service by sometimes in August.

- I asked Martin about the connection to Startap. He said that he is only having vage information about a Teleglobe link between NY/Telehouse and Startap. As of today, he neither knows whether DFN/DANTE will be able to get a share out of it nor the cost. I will provide for an update as soon as I get more information.

Martin told me about an interesting alternative offered by MCI, called VBN+. Technically compatible to VBNS, VBN+ has the advantage of _NOT_ having an AUP. According to Martin MCI is offering a gateway to Startap. More details have to be sorted out.
--
Michael