Cable & Wireless is First to Include Guaranteed Computer Virus Repair With Its Virtual ISP Service.

Business & Hi-Tech Editors/Internet Reporters

FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 20, 2000

Relationship with VIPRO Corporation will Provide Free Repair Service

for Virus Damage to Computers

VIPRO Corporation today announced that its Virus Service Plan (VSP) will be offered as a value added subscriber benefit for Cable & Wireless North America's Virtual ISP program. With this program, Cable & Wireless becomes the first Internet Service Provider to include this customer benefit as a core enhancement.

VIPRO's VSP covers consumers and small business owners from the cost of computer virus damage. The service plan includes Norton AntiVirus(tm) software, online and telephone technical support and access to VIPRO's 4,000+ local repair center network.

Cable & Wireless's Virtual Internet Service Provider (VISP) turnkey solution, introduced in October, 1999, allows businesses to market and sell Internet Services - under their own company names - using Cable & Wireless' Internet backbone and network maintenance capabilities. This private label Internet service easily and quickly enables businesses to become Internet Service Providers with a wide range of services including email, news services for end users, customized browsers, and customer service. Virtual ISP's will have the option of including the virus repair protection as a core subscriber benefit or as an add-on depending on their individual business needs.

"Anyone connected to the Internet is vulnerable to a computer virus, and as more consumers and small businesses go online and use the Internet for virtually all of their personal and business needs, the risk associated with computer virus damage increases," said Bernie Brenner, CEO of VIPRO Corporation. "Cable & Wireless can now offer a competitive advantage to its customers and in turn some piece of mind to consumers and small businesses."

"VIPRO has created a perfect security benefit for ISP subscribers" said Jim Abramson, senior manager, Internet Product Development for Cable & Wireless' Virtual ISP product. "The initial response has been very positive and we anticipate the many of our Virtual ISP's will include the Virus Service Plan as a benefit for their subscribers."

VIPRO's Virus Repair Guarantee is backed by three of the most reputable companies in the world. VIPRO's business alliances include Symantec Corporation, a world leader in Internet security technology, and Aon Innovative Solutions, Inc (AIS) and Virginia Surety, Inc., two of the largest consumer electronics claims administrators and underwriters in the world.

Computer viruses pose a serious threat to consumers and businesses. More than 200 new viruses are discovered each month. A 1999 survey by the International Computer Security Association showed a two-fold increase in computer viruses each year for the past four years and that email and downloads from the Internet are leading sources for contracting computer virus infections.

About VIPRO

VIPRO(TM) Corporation is the first Internet Surety Company to develop protection products for individuals and small business computer users. The company offers its "value-added" benefits through credit card issuers, membership organizations, Internet Service Providers, hardware and software manufacturers and other computer-related channels. VIPRO provides the Virus Service Plan@ through its alliances with Symantec Corporation, a world leader in Internet security technology , Aon Innovative Solutions, a leading administrator of consumer electronics and appliances extended warranties, and Virginia Surety Company, Inc., Aon Corporation's principal US property/casualty insurance company. VIPRO can be found at www.vipro.com. VIPRO is a privately held company in Fairfax, Virginia.

About Cable & Wireless

With customers in 70 countries, Cable & Wireless (NYSE: CWP) is a major global telecommunications business with revenue of around $14 billion in the year ended March 1999 and over 50,000 employees. Its businesses around the world offer a range of services spanning broadband data and Internet services, fixed and mobile voice, as well as interactive entertainment and information. Cable & Wireless' priority for expansion is the fast growing market of data and IP (Internet Protocol) services for business customers. Since November 1998, it has announced major investments in advanced networks in the US and Europe, the restructuring of Cable & Wireless Communications in the UK and has acquired full control of Cable & Wireless IDC in Japan to support this strategy. Cable & Wireless now holds a unique position in terms of global coverage and services to business customers.