On 28 October AS Eesti Loto and Elion Enterprises AS entered into an agreement that Elion is to connect the lotto terminals of Eesti Loto by one of the most extensive private networks in Estonia.

In the first half of 2004 Elion will provide connectivity between the head office of Eesti Loto and its lotto terminals across Estonia numbering at about 330. Elion is also  responsible for monitoring and maintenance of the whole data communication solution.

The priority for AS Eesti Loto in 2003-2004 is to create a new gaming platform. The new system and maintenance network enable the company to launch more Internet games.  The first to complement the list of Keno and Viking Lotto is the on-line lotto Royal60 in November. The present favourite, Bingo Lotto, will soon become interactive. The replacement of the present radio link with up-to-date broadband will be a major change and result in enhanced speed and safety.

According to Valdo Kalm, CEO of Elion Enterprises, the new IP data communication solution was a real challenge for Elion. “We are talking here of one of the largest private network in Estonia. For the reason of security it utilises other channels, not public Internet,” Kalm said. “Elion’s network management centre will monitor the status of the data communication solution at Eesti Loto incessantly, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.”

AS Eesti Loto (www.eestiloto.ee), established in 1991 as a state-owned limited company, is the major organiser of lotteries in Estonia. The tradition of state lotteries in Estonia dates back to the year 1971. Eesti Loto is a full member of the European association ESLTA (www.european-lotteries.org) and World Lottery Association WLA (www.world-lotteries.org).

Elion is the largest telecommunications carrier and IT company in Estonia owned by AS Eesti Telekom, listed on the stock exchanges of Tallinn and London (HEX:ETLAT/LSE:EETD). Elion provides communication services to households and businesses that range from fixed-network calls to integrated business solutions, from the sale of computers to fast Internet access as well as to the deployment of large IT systems and their maintenance. Elion is the market leader in fixed telephony, Internet access, and data communication, and it has made a powerful entry into the IT market. Elion is also the owner of the most popular Internet search engine and subject catalogue NETI.