In this picture, FLAG joins other cables at a landing station in Ninimiya, Japan. With its Britain-Japan cable complete, FLAG Europe-Asia went live in 1997. But by 2001, the Internet bubble had burst. Companies like FLAG and Alcatel had over-built for a broadband demand that never materialized. Struggling under more than $1 billion in debt, FLAG Telecom in April 2002 joined a list of bankrupt telecom companies that continues to grow -- and which so far includes such headline-grabbers as WorldCom, Global Crossing, Metromedia Fiber Network, Williams Communications, Viatel, Winstar Communications and PSInet. In June 2002, the company's once high-flying stock was selling for pennies a share. Photo: Alex Tehrani return to map Interactive Atlas - Compare the world's haves and have-nots. Info-Graphic - Ways of balancing profit and principle in the global marketplace. Photo Essay - Argentina: from economic meltdown to political crisis Interactive Challenge - Test your knowledge of WTO-era China. Economic Survey - Size up China's economic muscle. Debate - What does the WTO mean for China?

© 2002-2007 Educational Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved. [an error occurred while processing this directive]